As the aroma of freshly brewed espresso fills the air, mixed with the sweet scent of chocolate and a hint of peppermint, you know something special is coming your way. The garnishing of crushed candy canes adds a playful touch, transforming an ordinary cocktail into a festive delight. These Peppermint Espresso Martinis are not just beverages; they evoke memories of joyful gatherings, holiday festivities, and cozy nights by the fire. I still remember the first time I served them at a Christmas party. Friends sipped and savored each rich, velvety sip while laughter and stories flowed freely.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Peppermint Espresso Martinis
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Peppermint Espresso Martinis

With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to break out this delightful recipe. Not only will these Peppermint Espresso Martinis impress friends and family, but they’ll also fill your heart with warmth and nostalgia. Come join me in creating these delicious cocktails that are sure to spread smiles all season long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 10 minutes, these cocktails are perfect for last-minute gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Irresistible Flavor: The rich combination of espresso, coffee liqueur, and a hint of peppermint creates a soothing yet exhilarating experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The festive touch of crushed candy canes and chocolate syrup makes these martinis as attractive as they are tasty.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday parties, after-dinner drinks, or even a cozy night with a book.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make this recipe dairy-free with alternative creamers like Nutpods or Califia Farms!

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 oz vodka: A smooth vodka is perfect for this drink. You can even use vanilla vodka for a sweeter twist!
2 oz Kahlua: This coffee liqueur not only enhances the coffee flavor but also adds a hint of sweetness. Feel free to use other coffee liqueurs if preferred.
3 oz fresh brewed espresso: Make it strong for a lively kick! If you’re in a hurry, cold brew coffee works well too; just ensure it’s robust.
2 oz half & half: This adds creaminess to the martini. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute with a peppermint mocha creamer.
1/4 tsp peppermint extract: A little goes a long way, giving the cocktail that seasonal peppermint flavor.
Chocolate syrup: Use it to rim the glasses and add a sweet, chocolaty kick to each sip.
Candy canes (crushed): Not only for garnish but to add a festive crunch! You can substitute with other festive sprinkles if desired.
6 espresso beans: These serve as a charming garnish, adding a sophisticated touch to your cocktails.

How to Make Peppermint Espresso Martinis

Prepare the Glasses: Start by getting your martini glasses ready. Take some chocolate syrup and dip the rims of the two glasses, ensuring a nice coating. Then, roll them in crushed candy canes, creating a festive and delightful exterior that will make each sip even more pleasurable.

Mix the Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Pour in 4 oz of vodka, followed by 2 oz of Kahlua, and then add 3 oz of cooled espresso. Next, measure in the 2 oz of half & half and 1/4 tsp of peppermint extract, which brings the magical seasonal essence into the drink. Give it a vigorous shake for about 60 seconds until everything is well combined and chilled to perfection.

Serve & Garnish: Carefully divide the smooth mixture between the two prepared martini glasses. To finish, delicately place 3 espresso beans on top of each drink, adding a polished and sophisticated look. Now you’re ready to raise a toast!

Storing & Reheating

For the best experience, these Peppermint Espresso Martinis are best enjoyed fresh. If you have any leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. However, be aware that the texture may change slightly. In case you want to prep ahead, consider making the base mixture without the garnishes and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before serving. Unfortunately, due to the cream, I wouldn’t recommend freezing them, as they’ll lose their delightful texture and flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Over-Shaking: While you want to chill the drink, don’t overdo it; too much shaking can lead to dilution.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use freshly brewed espresso. The taste difference is noticeable and makes a world of difference.
Chill Your Glasses: Pop your martini glasses in the freezer for a bit before serving. This keeps your drinks even colder longer!
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to the mix for an extra flavor boost.
Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the peppermint extract amount to suit your preference; if you love mint, go for it!

These Peppermint Espresso Martinis are a blend of rich flavors, festive presentation, and simplicity, creating a delightful experience every time you serve them. Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy night in, they are sure to impress.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use decaf espresso for these martinis?

Absolutely! Using decaf espresso is a great option if you’re looking to enjoy these delicious cocktails without the caffeine. Just make sure you’re still brewing a strong cup to maintain the rich flavor profile.

Can I make these martinis ahead of time?

You can prepare the base for the martinis ahead of time, but it’s best to shake and serve immediately for optimal freshness. If you fridge the ingredients separately, ensure to mix them right before serving to maintain the perfect texture and flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Veganizing this recipe is simple! Simply substitute half & half with a non-dairy creamer such as almond milk or oat milk. Brands like Nutpods or Califia Farms can provide a wonderful creamy texture without any dairy.

What can I use instead of Kahlua?

If you don’t have Kahlua on hand or want a different flavor, you can opt for another coffee liqueur or even a homemade coffee syrup. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, consider using strong coffee mixed with chocolate syrup for sweetness.

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Peppermint Espresso Martinis

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Savor the rich flavor of Peppermint Espresso Martinis, featuring smooth vodka, Kahlua, and fresh espresso. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights!

Instructions

Prepare the martini glasses with chocolate syrup and crushed candy canes on the rims.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add vodka, Kahlua, espresso, half & half, and peppermint extract, then shake well for 60 seconds.
Pour the mixture into the prepared glasses and garnish with espresso beans.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days without garnishes.
Chill martini glasses in the freezer for an enhanced experience.
Adjust peppermint extract to taste for a personalized flavor.