This peppermint martini is a refreshing blend of peppermint schnapps, creme de cacao, vanilla vodka and cream, all served up in a candy cane rimmed glass. The ultimate easy holiday cocktail!
When it’s time to celebrate the holidays, I offer plenty of festive drink recipes including a Christmas margarita, Grinch cocktail, champagne Jello shots, cranberry mimosa and this delicious peppermint cocktail. Serve some Christmas puppy chow, Christmas cookie bars and Christmas popcorn alongside your drinks for a fun snack!
Nothing says Christmas like candy canes, and this peppermint martini is a great way to enjoy the season! Best of all, it takes just minutes to make.
Table of Contents
Peppermint Martini Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need vanilla vodka, white creme de cacao, peppermint schnapps, heavy cream, corn syrup and crushed candy canes. You can also garnish the drink with whole mini candy canes and sprigs of fresh mint.
How Do You Make A Peppermint Martini?
Place ice in a cocktail shaker, then add ice, vodka, creme de cacao, peppermint schnapps and heavy cream. Seal the shaker, then shake to combine. Place corn syrup on one small plate, and the crushed candy canes on another small plate. Dip the rim of your martini glass in the corn syrup, then place the rim onto the plate of crushed peppermints and twist to coat the rim. Strain the drink into the glass, then garnish with a candy cane and mint sprig and serve.
Tips For The Perfect Drink
- Peppermint schnapps comes in 30 proof, 60 proof and 100 proof varieties. I recommend using the 30 proof or 60 proof version. The 100 proof version is extremely strong, and you’ll want to use half the amount if you have this variety.
- The corn syrup makes the rim of the glass sticky so that the candy will adhere to the glass. If you don’t want to use corn syrup, you can make your own simple syrup by combining 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water, then simmering the mixture until the sugar dissolves.
- I typically buy a bag of pre-crushed candy canes because the candy pieces are smaller and more uniform which helps them adhere to the rim of the glass. You can also crush your own candy by placing the candy canes or peppermints in a sealed freezer bag, then use a meat mallet to break up the candy.
- This recipe makes one drink. You can easily make peppermint martinis for a crowd by simply changing the number of servings in the recipe card.
Quick Tip
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar instead.
Recipe FAQs
Peppermint is a great option for cocktails, especially when you pair it with complementary flavors like chocolate or vanilla. You can also use fresh mint in drinks such as mojitos.
I prefer to shake a peppermint martini. This allows for all of the flavorings and alcohol to thoroughly combine, and the ice in the cocktail shaker chills the drink, but you don’t end up with ice in the final product. Ice in the cocktail itself may dilute the flavor and texture of the drink.
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Flavor Variations
This recipe is delicious as it is written, but it’s easy to customize the flavors to your tastes.
- Alcohol: White creme de menthe or peppermint vodka will work in lieu of peppermint schnapps. If you don’t have white creme de cacao, use a white chocolate liqueur instead.
- Garnishes: Instead of crushed candy, try dipping the rim of your glass in water, then in red sparkling sugar for a different festive look. You can also use a peppermint stick instead of a candy cane, or add a little whipped cream on top.
- Flavorings: Feel free to add a drizzle of chocolate sauce to the inside of your glass before you pour the cocktail in. You can also use half and half instead of heavy cream if that is what you have on hand.
These peppermint martinis are sure to bring cheer to all your holiday gatherings!
More Holiday Drink Recipes
Christmas Sangria
2 hrs 15 mins
Christmas Jello Shots
2 hrs 45 mins
Jack Frost Cocktail
20 mins
Christmas Punch
6 mins
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Peppermint Martini
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce white creme de cacao
- 1 ounce peppermint schnapps 30 or 60 proof
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon crushed candy canes
- whole mini candy canes for garnish
Instructions
- Place ice in a cocktail shaker, then pour in the vanilla vodka, creme de cacao, peppermint schnapps and heavy cream.
- Seal the shaker, then shake to combine.
- Place the corn syrup and crushed candy canes on two separate plates. First, dip the rim of the glass in the corn syrup, then dip the rim of the glass in the candy canes. Be sure to twist the rim of the glass to make sure it's evenly coated.
- Turn the glass upright, then strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with candy canes and serve.
Notes
- This recipe makes one drink. If you’re looking to serve a crowd, you can change the number of servings in the recipe card and the ingredient amounts will automatically recalculate.
- If you don’t want to use corn syrup, use a different sticky substance on the rim of your glass to make the crushed candy canes stick. Some other options include honey, simple syrup or agave syrup.
- You can use half and half instead of heavy cream.
