This easy peppermint espresso martini is a festive twist on the classic coffee martini—perfect for the holidays. Below you’ll find a streamlined recipe, helpful tips for using cold brew or Kahlua peppermint mocha, and variations like a white chocolate peppermint version. Coffee lovers will appreciate this bright, minty cocktail with an espresso kick.
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Simple Peppermint Espresso Martini
I love a good espresso martini, and adding peppermint makes it especially festive. This peppermint Kahlua martini is quick and easy with just a few ingredients. It’s minty, refreshing, and packs a boozy espresso punch—ideal as an after-dinner cocktail or for holiday gatherings.
Best Liquor for an Espresso Martini
This recipe uses peppermint vodka for the mint flavor and coffee liqueur for rich coffee notes and sweetness. Peppermint vodka gives the drink its seasonal character, while Kahlua (or another coffee liqueur) balances the espresso.
What Pairs Well with an Espresso Martini?
This cocktail complements sweet festive treats like salted caramel cakes, thumbprint cookies, sugar cookies, or peppermint white chocolate cookies. It also pairs nicely with savory party snacks if serving at a gathering.
Ingredients
Four main ingredients (plus an optional garnish):
- Peppermint vodka – I used Peppermint Twist Smirnoff, but any peppermint-flavored vodka works. If you don’t have peppermint vodka, use regular vodka and add 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract to taste.
- Coffee liqueur – Kahlua adds depth and sweetness—feel free to substitute another coffee liqueur.
- Espresso – Freshly brewed espresso works best; let it cool to room temperature before mixing. You can chill it in the fridge or freezer to speed cooling.
- Simple syrup – Store-bought or homemade (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled).
- Crushed peppermint pieces – Optional garnish made from crushed hard candies or candy canes for a festive rim.
Equipment
Recommended tools: a stemmed cocktail glass (martini or coupe), an espresso maker (for the froth), a jigger for measuring, and a cocktail shaker to mix and create foam.
Instructions
Quick steps:
For a candy rim, brush the glass rim with simple syrup and dip into crushed peppermint candies.
Add peppermint vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, cooled espresso, and ice to a cocktail shaker.
Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to build a frothy top.
Strain into the prepared martini glass and serve immediately.
Hint: Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before serving for an extra-cold cocktail.
Using Cold Brew Instead of Espresso
Substitute cold brew for espresso in equal amounts for a milder coffee flavor. Note: cold brew won’t create the same frothy top that brewed espresso does.
Peppermint Mocha and White Chocolate Variations
To make a peppermint mocha espresso martini, swap regular Kahlua for Kahlua Peppermint Mocha and optionally drizzle chocolate syrup in the glass. For a white chocolate peppermint martini, replace the coffee liqueur with a white chocolate liqueur like Godiva for a creamy, dessert-style cocktail.
Top Tip
Shake the cocktail for at least 10–15 seconds. The vigorous shake aerates the espresso and creates a silky, foamy top that is signature to an espresso martini.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dirty espresso martini incorporates chai spices inspired by the dirty chai beverage—basically an espresso martini with chai spice added for warm, spiced flavor.
This peppermint espresso martini pairs well with coffee cookies, thumbprint cookies, sweet pastries, or light savory appetizers. It also complements other holiday desserts.
Traditionally, three coffee beans symbolize health, wealth, and happiness and are used as a simple garnish for espresso martinis.
Recipe
Equipment you may need
- cocktail shaker
- jigger
- martini glass
- pastry brush (for candy rim)
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice
- 2 oz peppermint vodka (57 ml)
- ½ oz coffee liqueur (14 ml)
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled (28 ml) — or cold brew concentrate
- ½ oz simple syrup (14 ml)
- 3–4 peppermint candies or candy cane pieces, crushed (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Add ice, peppermint vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until frothy. Strain into a prepared cocktail glass with or without a candy rim and serve immediately.
Notes
Optional Candy Rim: Brush the rim of a chilled cocktail glass with simple syrup, then dip into crushed peppermint candies to coat.
Crushing Peppermint Candies: Place candies in a sealed plastic bag on a cutting board and break into pieces with a rolling pin.
Simple Syrup: Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water, heat until sugar dissolves, then cool to room temperature before using.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 cocktail • Calories: 220 kcal • Carbohydrates: 17 g • Protein: 0.04 g • Fat: 0.1 g • Sugar: 17 g
If you make this recipe, please consider leaving a review and sharing a photo—it’s always lovely to see your creations. Cheers and enjoy!