Peppermint Martini

This easy and delicious peppermint martini recipe brings the holiday season right into your glass. Crafted with three simple ingredients, this festive cocktail is easy to make, ensuring you can enjoy more time with your friends and less time in the kitchen. 

Whether you want to add a touch of sophistication to your Christmas parties or seek a cozy indulgence for a quiet night in, this festive twist on the classic cocktail promises a delightful dose of holiday cheer. With each sip, you’ll be wrapped in the classic flavors of the season, making every moment a little more special. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some holiday cocktails!

Peppermint Martini Ingredients 

• Vanilla vodka: A smooth and sweet base for our cocktail, this provides a vanilla flavor that complements the minty notes. Can’t find vanilla vodka? Add a small splash of pure vanilla extract to plain vodka for a similar flavor profile.
• Creme de menthe: This liqueur introduces a refreshing peppermint flavor that’s quintessential to the holidays, adding depth and brightness to the cocktail. Mint extract mixed with simple syrup or non-alcoholic mint syrup can be used for a similar flavor intensity.
• Half-and-half cream: Cream adds a luxurious creamy texture, balancing the stronger flavors of each sip. Swap in plant-based milk, such as almond milk, coconut cream or oat milk, for a lighter version.
• Peppermint schnapps: Amplifies the peppermint essence, ensuring that each taste is a festive explosion of mint. Peppermint extract is a great substitute; use a small amount and adjust to taste.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare your martini glass

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First, lightly apply vanilla frosting around the rim of your martini glass using a brush or a small sponge. Gently roll the rim in crushed peppermint candies or crushed candy canes, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated.  

Editor’s Tip: Place your unwrapped peppermint candies in a sturdy plastic bag, then gently crush them to your desired consistency using a large rolling pin, applying even pressure as you roll back and forth.

Step 2: Build your drink

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Fill a cocktail shaker about 3/4 full with ice. Add the vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, creme de menthe and half-and-half cream (or heavy cream if you prefer a richer texture).

Step 3: Shake it up

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Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 10 to 20 seconds or until condensation forms outside the shaker. This step is essential for chilling the liquors and cream, ensuring a smooth, well-blended cocktail.

Step 4: Serve

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Carefully strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass. Pour your cocktail gently to preserve the candy cane rim. The aim is to serve a perfectly chilled peppermint martini that is as festive to look at as it is to drink.

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Recipes Variations

• Create a white chocolate wonderland: Mix a small amount of white chocolate liqueur and garnish with a sprinkling of white chocolate shavings for added indulgence.
• Add a chocolate peppermint twist: Consider drizzling a little chocolate syrup inside the glass and adding a hint of chocolate liqueur to intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Go for Baileys peppermint cream: Experiment by substituting a portion of the half-and-half with Baileys to introduce creamy and rich Irish cream flavors.
• Make it a grenadine surprise: Add a teaspoon of grenadine at the bottom of the glass for a surprise pop of color.

Can you make a peppermint martini ahead of time? 

Yes, you can prepare peppermint martini ingredients beforehand by pre-mixing the liquors and keeping them chilled until ready to serve. However, it’s best to add the cream or milk just before serving to maintain the cocktail’s freshness and texture.

Peppermint Martini Recipe Tips

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What can I put on a glass rim to make sugar stick?

To make sugar stick to a glass rim, lightly apply frosting using a brush or a small sponge. 

Are creme de menthe and peppermint schnapps the same?

Creme de menthe and peppermint schnapps are not the same. While both have a minty flavor, creme de menthe is a mint-flavored sweet liqueur with a more herbal taste, whereas peppermint schnapps is a stronger, sweeter, and more intense peppermint-flavored liqueur.