This festive peppermint martini is creamy, sweet, and bursting with peppermint flavor, finished with a colorful candy-cane rim.
Peppermint Martini: Holiday in a Glass
Every Christmas, Erik and I enjoy what we like to call “Christmas Cheer.” This peppermint martini is one of our favorite holiday cocktails — minty, chocolaty, and instantly festive.
It’s an easy cocktail to make for holiday get-togethers, gift-wrapping nights, or cozy evenings by the fire. If you love mint and chocolate, this drink is for you.
What is a Peppermint Martini?
A peppermint martini is a holiday variation on the classic martini. Instead of gin or vodka with vermouth, this version blends chocolate liqueur, crème de menthe for peppermint flavor, and creamer for a dessert-like finish.
It’s creamy and sweet, making it a delightful festive cocktail to share with friends or enjoy after a holiday meal.
Peppermint Martini: The Festive Rim Factor
The rim adds a lot of personality. Choose between a chocolate-and-candy-cane rim for extra chocolate flavor or a bright red cookie-icing rim for a colorful, classic holiday look.
- Option 1: Chocolate syrup + crushed candy canes — rich and indulgent, this rim pairs beautifully with the chocolate liqueur in the drink.
- Option 2: Crushed candy canes + red cookie icing — bright, cheerful, and perfect for a photo-ready, festive presentation.
Peppermint Martini Ingredients
- Chocolate liqueur — use dark or white chocolate liqueur depending on your preference.
- Crème de menthe — clear or green; a bright green gives a festive, holiday look.
- Creamer — dairy or non-dairy creamer (vanilla-flavored is a tasty option).
- Mini candy canes — crushed for the rim and a couple whole ones for garnish.
- Candy cane sprinkles and red sanding sugar — for extra festive decoration.
How to Make a Peppermint Martini
This recipe focuses on two parts: rimming the glass and mixing the cocktail. Both are quick and simple, and the final result looks and tastes like a holiday treat.
Rim the Glass
Choose one rim option and take a moment to decorate the glass — it makes the cocktail feel special.
Chocolate rim: Dip the glass rim into chocolate syrup, then into a shallow plate of crushed candy canes.
Red icing rim: Coat the rim with red cookie icing, then dip into crushed candy canes or red sanding sugar for a bright, festive finish.
Make the Peppermint Martini
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add chocolate liqueur, crème de menthe, and creamer. Shake until well chilled — you’ll see condensation on the shaker when it’s ready. Strain into the prepared glass.
Sip and Enjoy
Top the martini with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of candy cane sprinkles and red sanding sugar, and hook a mini candy cane on the rim. Serve immediately and savor the mint-chocolate flavors.
Holiday Cocktail Recipes
- Pumpkin Cocktail
- Toasted Almond Drink
- Dirty Martini
- Gibson Cocktail
- Gingerbread Martini
- Candy Cane Martini
Tools You Need
- Measuring jigger
- Cocktail shaker
- Martini glasses (stemless or stemmed)
- Small plates or shallow bowls for rimming
I’m S-Mint-ten with You
I’m smitten with your company — thank you for making, shaking, and decorating your way through the holidays with me. Wishing you warm gatherings, good cheer, and many delicious sips. — Demeter
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Peppermint Martini
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Rate
Equipment
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Measuring jigger
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Cocktail shaker
Ingredients
Option #1: Sugar Rim
- Red cookie icing
- Red sugar and crushed candy canes
- 1–2 tablespoons crushed candy canes
Option #2: Chocolate Rim
- Chocolate syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons crushed candy canes
Peppermint Martini Ingredients
- 2 oz chocolate liqueur (or white chocolate liqueur)
- 2 oz crème de menthe
- 2 oz creamer (vanilla optional)
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Candy cane sprinkles
- Red sanding sugar
- Mini candy canes
Instructions
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Choose a rim option. Dip the glass rim into chocolate syrup or red cookie frosting, then into a plate of red sugar and/or crushed candy canes.
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Add chocolate liqueur, crème de menthe, and creamer to a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice.
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Shake until well mixed and chilled, then strain into the prepared glass.
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Top with whipped cream, candy cane sprinkles, and a dusting of red sugar. Hook one or two mini candy canes on the rim. Sip and enjoy!
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