5 Minute Peppermint Espresso Martini Joy

Hi there! I’m Alex, and when the holidays roll around, nothing gets me more excited than serving up a simple, stunning cocktail that makes everyone feel like they’re attending a fancy party—even if I made it in about five minutes flat. Forget all those complicated, multi-step holiday drinks that keep you trapped behind the bar; we’re focusing on pure joy here! This year, the star of the show is the **peppermint espresso martini**. It takes that rich, bold coffee kick we all crave and marries it with cool, festive mint. Trust me, pulling off an elegant drink that tastes this good shouldn’t take half your evening. Let’s make something impressive, fast, and delicious!

Why You Will Love This Easy Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe

Honestly, this recipe is my secret weapon for holiday entertaining because it delivers major ‘wow’ factor without any of the stress. You get all that rich, creamy goodness that people expect, but it’s done before the first guest even finishes their coat!

• It’s lightning fast! Seriously, you can whip up this Easy Peppermint Martini in about 5 minutes total. No fuss needed.
• The flavor is spot on: dark espresso blending perfectly with that cool, refreshing peppermint pop. It’s sophisticated winter indulgence!
• It looks gorgeous on the counter, especially with that fun peppermint candy rim we talk about later.
• It’s super adaptable—whether you love it creamy or sharp, this recipe lets you choose your perfect balance.

Gathering Ingredients for Your Peppermint Espresso Martini

Okay, let’s talk about what you need to get this delicious **Holiday Espresso Martini** going. Since this drink comes together so quickly, having your components ready to go is half the battle! We’re sticking to the basics here, but I want you to pay attention to the quality, especially on that coffee front.

• Vodka (2 oz): Your standard clean spirit works perfectly well here.
• Fresh Espresso (1 oz): It absolutely must be cooled down a bit before you use it, otherwise, it melts all your ice too fast!
• Coffee Liqueur (0.5 oz): Kahlua is my go-to. It adds sweetness and that deeper coffee robustness.
• Peppermint Schnapps (0.25 oz): This is where the magic happens, so don’t skip it or try to substitute the flavor!
• Cream or Half-and-Half (0.5 oz – Optional!): This is what gives you that glorious, opaque, creamy texture everyone chases. You can totally leave it out if you want a sharper, more spirit-forward drink.
• Ice, obviously!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for the Peppermint Espresso Martini

I know not everyone has an espresso machine, so don’t panic if you don’t! You can absolutely use a strong, freshly brewed cold brew concentrate instead of espresso. The foam won’t be quite as thick, but the flavor is still fantastic for this **peppermint espresso martini**.

The Kahlua and the Schnapps are non-negotiables because they bring the necessary sweetness and the mint kick, respectively. However, if you’re looking to lean into that decadent chocolate mint profile, grab some chocolate syrup! Just add half an ounce right into the shaker when you add the rest of the liquids. It melts right in and turns this into a boozy mocha moment. It’s amazing for a real treat!

Essential Equipment for the Perfect Peppermint Espresso Martini

You don’t need a full professional bar setup to make this, thankfully! Because we are shaking this hard—and we want that beautiful foam top—a few core pieces of equipment make things so much easier. It really comes down to being able to measure accurately and shake properly.

Here is the small toolkit you’ll need to successfully make your **peppermint espresso martini**:

• A good cocktail shaker. A two-piece tin-on-tin shaker is my favorite, but really, any solid shaker will work if it seals tightly. We need that tightness to trap the air when we shake!
• A jigger or some reliable measuring spoons. Accuracy matters, even in cocktails, especially when dealing with something strong like schnapps.
• A fine-mesh strainer. This one is important! If you’re shaking with ice, you want to double-strain to keep those tiny ice shards out of your final drink, giving you a smooth texture.
• A chilled coupe or martini glass. Seriously, chill your glass beforehand. It helps keep the drink colder longer and prevents premature melting of that gorgeous foam.

How to Make a Peppermint Espresso Martini: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, friend, this is where the magic happens! If you’ve got your chilled glass and all your ingredients lined up, the entire process takes just about 5 minutes—seriously, you can say you spent longer choosing the right playlist! Making this **peppermint espresso martini recipe** involves three main phases: prepping the look, mixing it up, and shaking like you mean it. It’s the easiest way to achieve something that looks ready for a classy holiday party. Let’s get this shaker warmed up!

Creating the Festive Garnish for Your Peppermint Espresso Martini

Presentation is key when you’re making something this fun! Before you even think about mixing, grab your chilled coupe or martini glass. Take a lime wedge—even though lime isn’t in the drink, that slight acidity helps the sugar stick—and run it around the rim. Then, dive that wet edge straight into a shallow dish filled with crushed peppermint candies or some dark chocolate shavings. This technique immediately elevates your drink into the realm of **Gourmet Holiday Drinks**.

Once you’ve got your beautiful, festive rim set up, just set that glass aside while you mix the liquids. It looks so inviting just sitting there waiting for the drink!

SAVE

The Crucial Art of Shaking Your Peppermint Espresso Martini

This step is non-negotiable if you want that perfect, velvety foam layer on top. Measure out your vodka, cooled espresso, liqueurs, and that optional cream right into your cocktail shaker. Now, grab your ice—fill that shaker about two-thirds of the way full. Don’t be shy with the ice!

When you seal that shaker up, you need to shake hard! I mean really shake it for a full 15 to 20 seconds. You’re trying to force air into the cold liquid to create that beautiful crema. You’ll know you’ve done it right when the outside of your shaker gets completely frosted over and feels almost painful to hold. That’s the sign of perfect aeration!

When it’s ready, use your fine-mesh strainer to double-strain the mixture into your prepared, rimmed glass. This keeps any little ice dust out. Then, finish it off with those three coffee beans right on top. Instant elegance! If you need more hosting inspiration, check out some of my ideas for easy entertaining.

SAVE

Tips for the Best Peppermint Espresso Martini Foam and Flavor

Since you’ve got the basic steps down, let’s talk about making this **peppermint espresso martini** go from great to unforgettable. Honestly, the key to any killer espresso drink isn’t the ingredients as much as it is the temperature and the freshness of the coffee. If you take nothing else away from this, remember this: cold ingredients equal better foam!

Always try to chill your vodka and even your Kahlua in the freezer for about 30 minutes before you plan to shake. When combined with ice, super-cold liquids trap air pockets much more effectively, giving you that thick, gorgeous layer of crema we want on top. This technique separates the okay **Festive Coffee Cocktails** from the spectacular ones.

SAVE

And that espresso? It needs to be fresh, but not boiling hot. If you’re pulling shots, let them sit for just a minute or two before adding them to the shaker. Otherwise, all that heat will melt your ice immediately, and you’ll end up with a watery, boring drink instead of that sharp, invigorating flavor we’re after.

If you’re looking for more inspiration on making everyday moments feel special, definitely pop over to my main blog page—sometimes the best dishes are the simplest ones!

Variations on the Classic Peppermint Espresso Martini

Once you’ve nailed the core recipe—which, let’s be honest, is already pretty perfect for a **peppermint espresso martini**—the best part is playing around with it! It’s such a versatile canvas. Since winter calls for indulgence, you absolutely have to try turning this into a Chocolate Peppermint version. If you look back at the ingredients list, I mentioned adding half an ounce of chocolate syrup to the shaker.

That little bit of chocolate syrup transforms the drink. It becomes something akin to a chilly, boozy peppermint mocha. It’s rich, intensely flavorful, and you get that lovely dark brown swirl in the foam. It’s fantastic for someone who loves a richer dessert cocktail experience.

SAVE

Now, if you’re looking specifically for those super **Creamy Coffee Cocktails**, you have a couple of options. The half-ounce of heavy cream I listed makes it velvety, but if you want it even softer, try swapping out a quarter ounce of the vodka for Baileys Irish Cream. Baileys brings a wonderful vanilla-whiskey background note that complements the peppermint beautifully. It sweetens the deal quite a bit, so maybe skip some of the sugar you might have added elsewhere, or if you’re using Kahlua, you might be fine!

I also love seeing people experiment with the garnish. Instead of just crushed candy, try using finely crushed peppermint bark if you have some leftover from your baking adventures! Speaking of which, if you are looking for a great way to use up those leftover peppermint flavors in another way, these fudgy peppermint brownies are incredible.

Serving Suggestions for Your Holiday Espresso Martini

Now that we’ve nailed the most exciting **peppermint espresso martini recipe**, you might be wondering, “What am I supposed to eat with this masterpiece?” Since this drink is rich, caffeinated, and quite powerful—it’s basically dessert and a second coffee all rolled into one—you don’t want a heavy snack standing in its way. Keep things light, elegant, and complementary to that minty coffee flavor!

I always lean towards things that offer a textural contrast. Since the drink is smooth and cold, something a little crisp or chewy works so well. Think small bites that you can easily manage while holding your coupe glass filled with that gorgeous foam.

For something truly sophisticated, a few shortbread cookies are amazing. The buttery crunch cuts right through the bitterness of the espresso, and honestly, shortbread just feels inherently celebratory. If you want to stick with the chocolate and peppermint theme already running through the drink, I highly recommend making a batch of my double chocolate peppermint cookies. They are not overly sweet, so they pair perfectly without making the whole experience overwhelming.

Another great idea for **Elegant Party Cocktails**? A small platter of dark chocolate squares dusted lightly with sea salt. The salt really makes the coffee flavor pop. Even better, this strong, flavorful drink is perfect as a sophisticated nightcap after a big holiday meal—it’s the perfect way to keep the energy up just a little longer!

Storing Leftovers of Your Peppermint Espresso Martini

Alright, I’m going to be honest with you right off the bat, because that’s what we do here on Pure Cooking Joy. The **peppermint espresso martini** is best—and I mean, truly best—when it’s made in the moment. Seriously, shake it, strain it, and drink it down within about three minutes to enjoy that spectacular, velvety foam!

That foam is made of air and chilled liquid, and unfortunately, it starts to deflate the second it settles. You can’t really keep a pre-made, already-shaken martini waiting in the fridge for later; it’ll just turn into slightly boozy, slightly minty coffee sludge. Nobody wants that!

So, my best advice? Only make as many as you plan to drink right then. If you’re hosting a party and people keep asking for rounds, that’s great! You’ll just need 5 minutes between each batch to prep the ingredients and shake them up again. That’s why this recipe is so quick, remember?

However, if you ended up having leftover measured ingredients—say, you mixed your vodka, liqueur, and schnapps together but haven’t added the espresso or the ice yet—you can absolutely store that base mixture. Pour that un-iced, un-espressed liquid into a sealed jar and keep it in the fridge for maybe a day. When you’re ready to serve later, just pull it out, add the chilled espresso, load up heavily with ice, and shake hard until you get that frosty exterior. That works perfectly!

If you ever want to follow along for more kitchen fun or see what I’m making mid-week, you can always find me over on Facebook where I try to keep up with everyone!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Making the Peppermint Espresso Martini

I know when you’re diving into a new cocktail, especially a seasonal showstopper like this **peppermint espresso martini**, you probably have a few burning questions. That’s totally fine! I’ve pulled together the things I get asked most often when I serve these up at parties. It’s all about making the process as stress-free as possible so you can enjoy the fun!

Can I use cold brew instead of espresso for this recipe?

Yes, you totally can, especially if you’re trying to figure out how to make a peppermint martini without waiting for your espresso machine to heat up. If you use cold brew, make sure it’s highly concentrated. If it’s watery, you won’t get that beautiful, thick foam layer on top, which is really the signature of a great espresso martini. If you must use standard cold brew, try to use just half an ounce and maybe add a splash of strong black coffee to boost the flavor concentration.

How do I make this a non-alcoholic version?

This is a great question, especially if you’re hosting folks who aren’t drinking alcohol but still want that festive caffeine fix! For a mocktail version of the **peppermint espresso martini**, skip the vodka and the schnapps. You’ll use 1 ounce of strong, chilled coffee or cold brew concentrate, 1 ounce of coffee syrup (or Kahlua syrup, if you can find it), and about 3/4 ounce of good quality peppermint syrup. Since you lose the volume of the alcohol, I recommend using a bit more cream or adding a splash of sparkling water during the shake just to get some body back into the mix.

What alcohol can I substitute for vodka in the Peppermint Espresso Martini?

Vodka is used because it’s neutral; it lets the espresso and peppermint shine through without adding competing flavors. If you want a little warmth, a good quality white or silver rum can actually work quite nicely, as it blends well with coffee. Some people even use a clear tequila, though be warned, that will give you a slightly earthier, more vegetal backbone. Gin is generally a big no-no, as the botanical juniper clashes horribly with the mint and coffee combination, so stick to vodka or a light rum if you can!

How important is the cream (or half-and-half)?

It is important if you want that classic, rich texture, but it’s totally optional! The cream is what makes the drink opaque, slightly sweeter, and gives it that gorgeous mouthfeel reminiscent of a **Creamy Coffee Cocktails** experience. If you are watching calories or prefer a cleaner, sharper flavor, leave it out. You will still get foam from shaking the cold espresso, but the drink will be darker and thinner.

Easy Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe

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Make this festive Peppermint Espresso Martini. It combines rich espresso, coffee liqueur, and cool peppermint flavor for an elegant holiday cocktail that comes together fast.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 0 min
• Total Time: 5 min
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Cocktail
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Fresh Espresso, cooled
• 0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlua)
• 0.25 oz Peppermint Schnapps
• 0.5 oz Cream or Half-and-Half (optional, for creamy texture)
• Ice
• For Garnish: Coffee beans and crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings

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Instructions

1. Prepare your glass: If you want a rim, run a lime wedge around the edge of a chilled coupe or martini glass. Dip the rim into crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings. Set the glass aside.
2. Combine ingredients: Add the vodka, cooled espresso, coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and cream (if using) into a cocktail shaker.
3. Add ice: Fill the shaker two-thirds full with ice.
4. Shake well: Close the shaker tightly and shake hard for about 15 to 20 seconds until the shaker is very cold. This creates the signature foam.
5. Strain and serve: Double strain the mixture into your prepared glass.
6. Garnish: Top the drink with three coffee beans or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For the best foam, use freshly pulled, hot espresso that you allow to cool slightly before shaking.
• If you skip the cream, the drink will be less sweet and less opaque, but still delicious.
• To make this a Chocolate Peppermint Espresso Martini, add 0.5 oz of chocolate syrup to the shaker.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 12
• Sodium: 10
• Fat: 3
• Saturated Fat: 2
• Unsaturated Fat: 1
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 15
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 2
• Cholesterol: 0