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    Home » Holiday Recipes

    Peppermint Espresso Martini

    November 7, 2022 by Chenée Lewis

    58 shares
    peppermint espresso martini pin

    This peppermint espresso martini recipe is a festive twist on a coffee martini recipe for the holidays! You’ll love this peppermint Kahlua martini, and I’m also including tips for making a peppermint espresso martini with cold brew, or making a peppermint mocha martini! Coffee lovers are going to love this one!

    For more festive drinks, try my Mistletoe Margarita Recipe, my Oat Milk Eggnog, and my collection of the best Christmas Gin Cocktails!

    peppermint espresso martini with peppermint candy on the rim
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    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    Peppermint Kahlua Espresso Martini Recipe

    I love a good espresso martini recipe, and during the holiday season (or any time of year, really), adding a little bright peppermint flavor makes it so much better! This peppermint Kahlua martini is so simple to make with just a few ingredients, and it's sure to be the talk of your next celebration!

    This holiday cocktail is so minty and refreshing, but has an unmistakable boozy kick, and an extra boost from a shot of espresso! It's the perfect after-dinner drink or to get the party started for a very merry Christmas!

    white chocolate peppermint espresso martini

    What liquor is best for an Espresso Martini?

    We're making this peppermint espresso martini recipe with two types of alcohol -- peppermint vodka and coffee liqueur. The peppermint vodka gives this espresso martini recipe its distinctive minty flavor, and the kahlua adds additional coffee flavor and sweetness that is welcome in any coffee martini recipe!

    Peppermint Coffee Martini Recipe Ingredients

    This espresso martini recipe only requires 4 ingredients!

    • peppermint vodka - I used Peppermint Twist Smirnoff, but any peppermint-flavored vodka will work. If you can't find peppermint vodka, just use a regular vodka and add ⅛ teaspoon of peppermint extract to add that minty flavor!
    • coffee liqueur - provides a richer coffee flavor for any coffee martini recipe! I used Kahlua.
    • espresso - I recommend using fresh espresso brewed in an espresso maker -- just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before you get started. You can place it in the fridge or freezer to speed up the chilling process.
    • simple syrup - you can either use store-bought simple syrup or make your own super easily! Just heat equal parts granulated sugar and water over medium high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature, and you've got simple syrup ready to add in to your peppermint espresso martini recipe!
    • crushed peppermint pieces - you can use small peppermint hard candies or candy canes -- these are optional, but they make such a cute garnish for the rim of your martini glass!
    peppermint mocha martini

    Equipment

    As with any cocktail recipe, you'll want to start with the right glass! This peppermint espresso martini recipe calls for a stemmed cocktail glass, such as a martini glass or a coupe glass.

    In order to get that frothy top, you'll want to use an espresso machine to brew your espresso. I used my Nespresso mini espresso maker!

    You'll also want the right bar tools for mixing your peppermint espresso martini, such as a jigger for measuring ounces and half ounces and of course, a great cocktail shaker.

    Instructions

    You can check the recipe card for a full video of this simple espresso martini recipe, but here are the steps:

    peppermint espresso martini step 3

    To make the candy can rim, brush the rim of a cocktail glass with a little simply syrup and dip it into crushed peppermint candies.

    peppermint espresso martini step 1

    Add peppermint vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and cooled espresso to a cocktail shaker with ice.

    peppermint espresso martini step 2

    Shake very well to help the mixture foam up.

    peppermint espresso martini step 4

    Pour into your prepared martini glass and enjoy!

    Hint: pop your glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before preparing your peppermint espresso martini recipe for an added chilled effect.

    Peppermint Espresso Martini with Cold Brew

    You can also make this peppermint espresso martini with cold brew coffee for a slightly less strong coffee flavor. Just replace the espresso with cold brew in equal amounts. Unfortunately, the frothy effect on top comes from the brewed espresso, so you may not get as much of a foamy layer on top.

    espresso martini recipe

    Peppermint Mocha Martini with Kahlua Peppermint Mocha Liqueur

    You can also make a peppermint mocha martini using this recipe! Just swap out the regular Kahlua in the recipe for the Kahlua peppermint mocha flavor. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate syrup to your martini glasses for even more chocolatey goodness!

    White Chocolate Peppermint Espresso Martini

    You can even make this recipe into a delicious white chocolate peppermint espresso martini that would go perfectly with my peppermint white chocolate sugar cookies! Just swap out the Kahlua for Godiva white chocolate liqueur and enjoy!

    kahlua peppermint mocha

    Top tip

    Be sure to shake your peppermint espresso martini ingredients in the cocktail shaker for at least 10-15 seconds to give the mixture a chance to create that foamy top!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a dirty Espresso Martini?

    A dirty espresso martini is a martini recipe based on the dirty chai latte, a variety of chai latte with a shot of espresso added. So a dirty espresso martini would be an espresso martini recipe with the addition of chai spice!

    What goes well with Espresso Martini?

    This peppermint espresso martini recipe tastes great with my Coffee Cookies or my Thumbprint Cookies with Icing. At a party, I would serve this with my Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries or my Fruit Charcuterie Board!

    Why do they put 3 beans in espresso martinis?

    The classic garnish of three coffee beans is a fun way to top off an espresso martini recipe. According to tradition, these three espresso beans represent health, wealth and happiness.

    peppermint espresso martini with peppermint candy on the rim

    Peppermint Espresso Martini

    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    This peppermint espresso martini recipe is the ultimate coffee martini recipe for the holidays! You’ll love this peppermint Kahlua martini, and I’m also including tips for making a peppermint espresso martini with cold brew, or making a peppermint mocha martini!
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine :American
    Servings: 1
    Calories: 220kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • cocktail shaker
    • jigger
    • martini glass
    • coaster
    • pastry brush

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup ice
    • 2 oz (57 ml) peppermint vodka - (¼ cup)
    • ½ oz (14 ml) coffee liqueur - (1 tablespoon)
    • 1 oz (28 ml) freshly brewed espresso - cooled; or cold brew concentrate (2 tbsps)
    • ½ oz (14 ml) simple syrup - (1 tablespoon) *see note*
    • 3-4 peppermint candies or candy canes - optional; crushed (see note)

    Instructions

    • Add ice, peppermint vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to cocktail shaker.
      1 cup ice, 2 oz peppermint vodka, ½ oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, ½ oz simple syrup
    • Shake vigorously at least 10-15 seconds or until frothy. Pour into prepared cocktail glass (see candy rim note below), shaking the shaker a bit to let out all of the foam. Serve immediately.
      3-4 peppermint candies or candy canes

    Video

    Notes

    Optional Candy Rim: Brush rim of chilled cocktail glass with simple syrup. Place crushed candies on a small plate or coaster and turn glass upside down to coat the rim with candies.
    Crushing Peppermint Candies: Place peppermint candies in a plastic freezer bag on a sturdy cutting board. Hit candies firmly and carefully with a rolling pin to break into smaller pieces.
    How to Make Simple Syrup: Heat equal parts granulated sugar and water over medium high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature before using in this espresso martini recipe.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 cocktail | Calories: 220 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17 g | Protein: 0.04 g | Fat: 0.1 g | Saturated Fat: 0.04 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04 g | Sodium: 14 mg | Potassium: 42 mg | Sugar: 17 g | Vitamin C: 0.1 mg | Calcium: 2 mg | Iron: 1 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Tags: chocolate peppermint espresso martini, coffee martini recipe, espresso martini recipe, kahlua peppermint mocha, peppermint espresso martini with cold brew, peppermint kahlua, peppermint kahlua martini, peppermint mocha martini, peppermint vodka coffee, white chocolate peppermint espresso martini
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

    Last Updated on December 7, 2022 by Chenée Lewis

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    58 shares

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    1. Connie

      December 07, 2022 at 10:28 am

      Thanks for writing this recipe! Quick question: did you mean to write that we should shake for 10-15 minutes? I'm thinking about how sore my arm will be there next day!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        December 07, 2022 at 12:50 pm

        OMG! Good catch! Definitely meant seconds lol thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    2. Alejandra

      November 14, 2022 at 7:55 pm

      5 stars
      Mmmm these peppermint espresso martinis are perfect for Christmas! Love the candy cane rim!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        November 15, 2022 at 3:47 pm

        That's my favorite part too!

        Reply
    3. Anjali

      November 14, 2022 at 6:36 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a fun holiday martini! I'm definitely going to be making it for our holiday party coming up!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        November 14, 2022 at 7:08 pm

        Perfect! I hope it's a hit at the party!

        Reply
    4. Gina Abernathy

      November 14, 2022 at 5:23 pm

      5 stars
      I am a coffee drinker and I loved this recipe. So good and so festive.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        November 15, 2022 at 3:47 pm

        Thanks! It's so fun!

        Reply
    5. Aimee Mars

      November 14, 2022 at 4:19 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious! Will be making this again!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        November 15, 2022 at 4:05 pm

        Wonderful! So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    6. kushigalu

      November 10, 2022 at 12:58 pm

      5 stars
      What a festive recipe to try this holiday season. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        November 11, 2022 at 9:35 pm

        Thank you! I hope you love it!

        Reply
    7. Jess

      November 10, 2022 at 12:53 pm

      5 stars
      Yesssssss it's peppermint season!! Add it to everything...so good!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        November 11, 2022 at 9:35 pm

        The most wonderful time of the year! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Tara

      November 10, 2022 at 12:36 pm

      5 stars
      Such a fun twist for the holidays Chenée! This martini looks fantastic and I love that rim too.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        November 11, 2022 at 9:37 pm

        Thank you so much Tara! That's my favorite part!

        Reply
    9. Beth

      November 07, 2022 at 9:37 pm

      5 stars
      Great post! Such a fun & festive recipe for the holidays!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        November 07, 2022 at 10:21 pm

        Thank you! I love this espresso martini recipe!

        Reply
    10. MacKenzie

      November 07, 2022 at 9:08 pm

      5 stars
      Can’t wait to try this. My guests will love this recipe. Saving for Christmas.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        November 07, 2022 at 10:21 pm

        I hope everyone enjoys it!!

        Reply
    11. Jamie

      November 07, 2022 at 8:41 pm

      5 stars
      I love the flavor of peppermint and coffee! It's so good, this is making it to my holiday menu!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        November 07, 2022 at 10:20 pm

        Me too! I'm so glad you like it!

        Reply

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    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your baking life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

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