This Peppermint Mocha Martini is a fun and festive drink that’s perfect for holiday gatherings! With rich chocolate, a hint of coffee, and a refreshing peppermint twist, it’s a real treat.
It’s a delightful way to enjoy your favorite flavors in a cocktail form. I love serving this drink in cute glasses, with some whipped cream on top—because why not make it extra special? 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Use plain vodka for a classic taste. If you want a sweeter version, vanilla-flavored vodka adds lovely flavor. You can also skip vodka for a non-alcoholic version and use flavored sparkling water.
Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa is a go-to for this recipe, but any coffee liqueur will work. If you’re avoiding alcohol, try a coffee-flavored syrup or iced coffee concentrate.
Crème de Cacao: This chocolate liqueur provides the chocolatey goodness. If you can’t find it, chocolate syrup or chocolate milk can be good alternatives for a non-alcoholic option.
Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: Both work well to add creaminess. For a lighter drink, consider using whole milk or a non-dairy substitute like almond milk or oat milk.
Peppermint Extract: Adjust the amount to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can use peppermint syrup as well.
How Do I Properly Rim the Glass for My Martini?
Rimming your glass adds a fun touch to your cocktail! Here’s a quick guide:
- Moisten the rim with peppermint extract or water to make it sticky.
- Dip the rim into finely chopped chocolate or chocolate sprinkles for a sweet touch.
- If desired, follow that with a dip in crushed peppermint for extra holiday spirit.
Take your time with this step; a well-rimmed glass not only looks great but enhances the drink’s flavor with each sip!
How to Make a Peppermint Mocha Martini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka (vanilla flavored if preferred)
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 1 oz crème de cacao (chocolate liqueur)
- 1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- Crushed peppermint candy or candy canes, for garnish
- Finely chopped chocolate or chocolate sprinkles, for rimming the glass
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This festive drink takes about 10 minutes to prepare and serve. Enjoy this time mixing and garnishing your martini, and you’ll have a delightful holiday cocktail ready to share with family and friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by rimming your martini or coupe glass for that extra touch. Moisten the rim of the glass with a bit of peppermint extract or water. Dip it into finely chopped chocolate or chocolate sprinkles, coating the rim as you go. Set the glass aside for now—it’s going to look fabulous!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Grab a cocktail shaker and add in your vodka, coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, half-and-half (or heavy cream), and peppermint extract. Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker, too—this drink needs to be well chilled!
3. Shake it Up:
Now it’s time to shake! Put the lid on the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds. You want it to be nice and cold! Feel free to shake it a little longer if you like it extra frothy.
4. Strain the Cocktail:
Carefully strain the cocktail into your prepared glass. You’ll see a lovely creamy mix filling your beautiful rimmed glass. It looks fantastic already!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Finish up by sprinkling some crushed peppermint candy or finely chopped candy canes right on top of your cocktail. This adds a delightful crunch and festive look!
6. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, chocolatey, and minty flavors of your Peppermint Mocha Martini. Cheers to a delicious holiday treat!
Can I Use Non-Alcoholic Ingredients?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka with flavored sparkling water, the coffee liqueur with a coffee-flavored syrup, and the crème de cacao with chocolate syrup. Use non-dairy milk or cream alternatives for a lighter option.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make the Peppermint Mocha Martini dairy-free, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. A splash of dairy-free whipped cream can be added for that creamy texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cocktails?
While this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You may need to shake it again briefly before serving to mix the ingredients well.
How Can I Adjust the Peppermint Flavor?
If you love peppermint, feel free to increase the peppermint extract to suit your taste. Just be cautious—it’s potent! Starting with 1/2 tsp is a good idea, and you can gradually add more if desired. Using crushed peppermint candy will also enhance the flavor when garnishing.
