Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe

When it’s time to shake up the evening with a cocktail that’s as chic as it is refreshing, my Peppermint Espresso Martini is the perfect way to blend bold energy with minty sophistication. 🍸✨

Creating cocktails that are both refreshing and invigorating is something I love. Take my Peppermint Espresso Martini, for instance.

It combines the intense taste of cooled espresso with vodka, and mellows it with a few other ingredients into a concoction that’s perfect for sipping in the middle of a holiday party. If you want to drink a cocktail that’s nice and strong—but also sweet and minty and just the right way to wrap up your evening—this is the drink to make.

Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe Ingredients

• Vodka: Smooth base spirit; largely neutral flavor; moderate alcohol content.
• Coffee Liqueur: Adds rich coffee taste; sweet; hints of rum or vanilla.
• Espresso: Provides robust coffee flavor; adds slight bitterness; energizing caffeine.
• Peppermint Schnapps: Infuses drink with cool minty freshness; adds sweetness; aromatic.
• Crushed Peppermint Candies: Decorative and adds sweetness; crunchy texture; festive appearance.

Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled
• 0.5 oz peppermint schnapps
• Ice cubes
• Crushed peppermint candies for rimming
• Mint sprig for garnish
• Cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe

1. Start by getting your martini glass ready: take some peppermint candies and crush them into small bits, spreading them out on a plate. Use water or some of the coffee liqueur to wet the rim of the glass, and then dip the rim into the crushed candies until the rim is evenly coated. Put the glass aside for now.

2. To ensure a drink with the perfect chill, fill a cocktail shaker with a bounteous handful of ice cubes.

3. Pour
1.5 oz of vodka into the shaker.

4. Add in 1 oz of coffee liqueur for a rich, sweet flavor that partners well with the espresso.

5. Include 1 oz of cooled, freshly brewed espresso. It is imperative that the espresso used here is of the freshest quality to elicit the best taste.

6. Take a measurement of 0.5 oz of peppermint schnapps and introduce it to the mixture to add a refreshingly minty note.

7. Lock the lid onto the shaker and shake the contents swiftly and forcefully for approximately 15 seconds to combine and chill thoroughly.

8. Pour the mixture into the martini glass that’s been rimmed with peppermint. Use a cocktail strainer to ensure that any left-over ice in the shaker doesn’t get into the drink.

9. An optional finishing touch is to lightly dust the top of the drink with cocoa powder, adding a hint of chocolate flavor.

10. For visual allure and an aromatic suggestion, top off with a fresh mint sprig laid delicately on top, and serve this drink pronto.

Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Martini glass
2. Plate
3. Hammer or rolling pin (for crushing candies)
4. Cocktail shaker
5. Measuring jigger
6. Spoon (for stirring or spreading)
7. Cocktail strainer
8. Espresso maker or coffee brewer
9. Ice scoop or tongs
10. Optional: Small sifter (for dusting cocoa powder)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?A: Yes, you can use strong instant coffee, but freshly brewed espresso is recommended for the best flavor.
• Q: How do I cool the espresso quickly?A: The espresso can be brewed over ice or placed in the refrigerator for a few minutes while the other ingredients are prepared.
• Q: Is there a substitute for peppermint schnapps?A: You can use a few drops of peppermint extract or syrup. Adjust the quantity to taste, as these liquids are more concentrated.
• Q: How do I rim the glass with crushed peppermint candies?A: Wet the edge of the glass with water or simple syrup, then roll it in crushed peppermint candies to coat it.
• Q: Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?A: Replace the vodka and coffee liqueur with coffee-flavored syrup or a nonalcoholic coffee essence, and adjust the amount of peppermint syrup in the recipe to compensate for the missing schnapps.
• Q: What type of glass should I serve this in?A: A traditional cocktail glass is a martini glass, but any cocktail glass will work.

Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Vodka: White rum can be used in place of vodka, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Coffee liqueur: For a less potent version of coffee liqueur, use Tia Maria or a homemade coffee syrup.
Espresso: Substitute with robustly brewed coffee if espresso is not at hand.
Peppermint schnapps: Substitute with crème de menthe or a mint extract (use very little).
Peppermint candies, crushed: For a festive twist, use crushed candy canes.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Glass Before rimming the glass with crushed peppermint candies, place your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes to ensure your drink stays colder for longer.

2. Espresso Temperature Make sure your espresso is completely cooled before adding it to the shaker. Warm espresso can dilute the drink and melt the ice prematurely, affecting the cocktail’s texture and taste.

3. Candy Coating For a more secure candy rim, use a touch of peppermint schnapps instead of water to wet the glass. This not only enhances the peppermint flavor but also helps the candy stick better.

4. Shaking Technique Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels icy to the touch. This ensures that the ingredients are well mixed and perfectly chilled.

5. Enhanced Aroma Lightly slap the mint sprig between your hands before garnishing. This releases the oils in the mint, enhancing the aroma with each sip.