Peppermint Espresso Christmas Cocktail

Featured in: Mocktails

This festive cocktail combines rich espresso and smooth vodka with a refreshing peppermint twist, finished with chocolate and crushed candy canes on the rim. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it offers a creamy, chilled experience perfect for holiday celebrations. Dairy-free options allow for dietary flexibility, while garnishing with espresso beans adds a final touch of elegance.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 15:58:00 GMT
Festive Peppermint Espresso Martini, a creamy cocktail with chocolate rim, ready to sip. Save It
Festive Peppermint Espresso Martini, a creamy cocktail with chocolate rim, ready to sip. | sunnyspoonful.com

A festive, creamy cocktail blending espresso, vodka, and peppermint, finished with a chocolate peppermint rim&mdashperfect for holiday celebrations.

This was an instant favorite at our holiday party, impressing both coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts.

Ingredients

  • For the Martinis: 4 oz vodka (plain or vanilla use gluten-free if needed), 2 oz Kahlua or other coffee liqueur, 3 oz fresh brewed espresso cooled (or strong cold brew coffee), 2 oz half & half (or dairy-free peppermint mocha creamer e.g. Nutpods or Califia Farms for dairy-free), ¼ tsp peppermint extract
  • For the Chocolate Peppermint Rims & Garnish: Chocolate syrup (enough for rimming glasses), 2 tbsp crushed candy canes, 6 espresso beans (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the glasses:
Pour a thin layer of chocolate syrup onto a small plate. Dip the rims of two martini glasses into the syrup to coat. Then dip the rims into the crushed candy canes to adhere. Set aside.
Fill shaker:
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
Add ingredients:
Add vodka Kahlua espresso half & half (or dairy-free creamer) and peppermint extract to the shaker.
Shake:
Shake vigorously for 60 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
Strain:
Strain the mixture evenly into the prepared martini glasses.
Garnish:
Garnish each drink with 3 espresso beans. Serve immediately.
Garnished espresso beans crown a refreshing Peppermint Espresso Martini in a chilled glass. Save It
Garnished espresso beans crown a refreshing Peppermint Espresso Martini in a chilled glass. | sunnyspoonful.com

My family loves gathering around the bar to enjoy these festive martinis during the holidays.

Required Tools

Cocktail shaker Martini glasses Small plates (for rimming) Measuring jigger Strainer

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (unless using dairy-free creamer) Contains alcohol and coffee May contain soy or tree nuts if using certain creamers check product labels Contains peppermint check for allergies to mint

Nutritional Information

Calories 295 Total Fat 5 g Carbohydrates 18 g Protein 1 g

Close-up of a frothy Peppermint Espresso Martini, a holiday cocktail with crushed candy cane rim. Save It
Close-up of a frothy Peppermint Espresso Martini, a holiday cocktail with crushed candy cane rim. | sunnyspoonful.com

Enjoy this peppermint espresso martini as a festive treat to elevate your holiday celebrations.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best coffee to use for this cocktail?

Use freshly brewed espresso or a strong cold brew coffee for a rich, robust flavor that complements the peppermint.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute half & half with dairy-free peppermint mocha creamer like Nutpods or Califia Farms for a creamy texture without dairy.

How do I prepare the chocolate peppermint rim?

Dip the glass rims into chocolate syrup, then coat with crushed candy canes for a festive and flavorful edge.

How long should I shake the cocktail?

Shake vigorously for about 60 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and frothy.

Are there any garnish suggestions?

Garnish each glass with three espresso beans and optionally add a small candy cane as a stirrer for extra festivity.

Peppermint Espresso Christmas Cocktail

A festive creamy espresso and peppermint blend with a chocolate candy rim, ideal for holiday drinks.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
1 mins
Total Duration
6 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Mocktails

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style American

Recipe Yield 2 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, Free From Gluten

What You'll Need

For the Martinis

01 4 fl oz vodka (plain or vanilla; gluten-free if required)
02 2 fl oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlua)
03 3 fl oz fresh brewed espresso, cooled (or strong cold brew coffee)
04 2 fl oz half & half (or dairy-free peppermint mocha creamer)
05 0.25 tsp peppermint extract

For the Chocolate Peppermint Rims & Garnish

01 Chocolate syrup (sufficient for rimming glasses)
02 2 tbsp crushed candy canes
03 6 espresso beans (for garnish)

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Glass Rims: Pour a thin layer of chocolate syrup onto a small plate. Dip the rims of two martini glasses into the syrup, then immediately dip them into the crushed candy canes to coat. Set glasses aside.

Step 02

Add Ingredients to Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, half & half (or dairy-free creamer), and peppermint extract to the shaker.

Step 03

Shake Mixture: Shake vigorously for 60 seconds or until the mixture is well chilled and frothy.

Step 04

Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail evenly into the prepared martini glasses.

Step 05

Garnish Cocktails: Garnish each glass with three espresso beans. Serve immediately.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Martini glasses
  • Small plate for rimming
  • Measuring jigger
  • Strainer

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy unless using dairy-free creamer
  • Contains alcohol and coffee
  • May contain soy or tree nuts depending on creamer brand
  • Contains peppermint; check for mint allergies

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 295
  • Fats: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Proteins: 1 grams