This easy peppermint espresso martini recipe is a festive twist on a coffee martini recipe for the holidays! We'll start with this simple peppermint espresso martini recipe, and I’m also including tips for making the best peppermint espresso martini with cold brew or Kahlua, or even making a peppermint mocha espresso 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!
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Simple Peppermint 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!
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!
What pairs well with an espresso martini?
Share these recipes with your friends and loved ones and follow each participant by using the hashtags #HolidayswithETC, #PerfectPartyPairings, and #ETCHOLIDAYS2023 on Instagram!
Along with Shani's Roasted Sweet Potato Turnovers, you'll love this peppermint espresso martini with other festive sweet treats like my Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, my Thumbprint Cookies with Icing or my No Spread Sugar Cookies! Or amp up the peppermint flavor with my Peppermint White Chocolate Sugar Cookies!
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!
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:
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.
Add peppermint vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and cooled espresso to a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake very well to help the mixture foam up.
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.
Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini with Kahlua Peppermint Mocha Liqueur
You can also make a peppermint mocha espresso 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!
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
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!
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! And for another great vodka cocktail idea, try this Skrewball White Russian Recipe!
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.
📖 Recipe
Equipment you may need
- jigger
- martini glass
- coaster
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
Nutrition
Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Chenée Lewis
Lubna
Love the way you styled this martini. It looks absolutely stunning.
Mahy
I need this martini so much right now! Fantastic recipe to keep handy for the weekend!
Neha
Looks so so good! I love espresso flavor in my martinis but I never made my own. I need to try this recipe out.
Emily
I can never resist an espresso martini but adding peppermint really takes it to the next level! Great recipe!
Chenée Lewis
I think so too! It's perfect for the holidays!
Connie
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!
Chenée Lewis
OMG! Good catch! Definitely meant seconds lol thanks for letting me know!
Nancy
Delicious chocolate mint cocktail that I can unwind to after work. So delicious.
Alejandra
Mmmm these peppermint espresso martinis are perfect for Christmas! Love the candy cane rim!
Chenée Lewis
That's my favorite part too!
Anjali
This is such a fun holiday martini! I'm definitely going to be making it for our holiday party coming up!
Chenée Lewis
Perfect! I hope it's a hit at the party!
Gina Abernathy
I am a coffee drinker and I loved this recipe. So good and so festive.
Chenée Lewis
Thanks! It's so fun!
Aimee Mars
Absolutely delicious! Will be making this again!
Chenée Lewis
Wonderful! So glad you liked it!
Sara Welch
This was such a refreshing and crisp cocktail, that doesn't disappoint! Excited to enjoy this all holiday season long!
Chenée Lewis
It's so perfect for the holidays!
Beth Pierce
I've never seen a martini quite like this one before. This looks like an amazing holiday cocktail.
kushigalu
What a festive recipe to try this holiday season. Thanks for sharing
Chenée Lewis
Thank you! I hope you love it!
Jess
Yesssssss it's peppermint season!! Add it to everything...so good!
Chenée Lewis
The most wonderful time of the year! 🙂
Tara
Such a fun twist for the holidays Chenée! This martini looks fantastic and I love that rim too.
Chenée Lewis
Thank you so much Tara! That's my favorite part!
Ieva
I was gifted a bottle of peppermint vodka a few months ago, but I honestly had no idea what to do with it, also it just sat on a shelf. Thank you for an amazing recipe! We made our first batch of these cocktails yesterday and were absolutely blown away! I would have never thought of pairing peppermint with an espresso martini!
Chenée Lewis
I love the combination! Glad you did too!
Anjali
What a fun and festive holiday cocktail!! Can't wait to make this for a dinner party we have coming up - my guests will love this!
Beth
Great post! Such a fun & festive recipe for the holidays!
Chenée Lewis
Thank you! I love this espresso martini recipe!
MacKenzie
Can’t wait to try this. My guests will love this recipe. Saving for Christmas.
Chenée Lewis
I hope everyone enjoys it!!
Jamie
I love the flavor of peppermint and coffee! It's so good, this is making it to my holiday menu!
Chenée Lewis
Me too! I'm so glad you like it!