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 co*cktails!
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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 co*cktail 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?
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 co*cktail recipe, you'll want to start with the right glass! This peppermint espresso martini recipe calls for a stemmed co*cktail 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail 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! And for another great vodka co*cktail idea, try this Skrewball White Russian Recipe!
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 beansrepresent health, wealth and happiness.
📖 Recipe
Peppermint Espresso Martini
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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 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine :American
Servings: 1
Calories: 220kcal
Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis
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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail | 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
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 March 11, 2024 by Chenée Lewis
