Spice up a classic espresso martini with a candy cane twist! Think of a boozy peppermint mocha with vodka, espresso, peppermint, & chocolate sauce. Enjoy this festive cocktail during the holiday season as a delicious Christmas drink.
This Peppermint Mocha Martini is the perfect Christmas cocktail for the holiday season. A traditional espresso martini is given a festive twist with candy cane flavor!
It's basically a boozy peppermint mocha, so if you like those then you're in for a treat! The classic espresso martini recipe is also shaken with the addition of peppermint extract, chocolate syrup and a dash of Baileys. Plus it has a fun candy cane rim with chocolate syrup and peppermint candy. There's no need for specialty liqueur like peppermint schnapps or chocolate liqueur.
It has a creamy texture and a frothy top. I even include a recipe for a quick 5 minute homemade chocolate sauce made from pantry staples, or you can use store-bought.
Prepared in 3 minutes from just a few ingredients, this delicious chocolate peppermint martini is the perfect drink for when you need a holiday pick-me-up during the winter season! It is easily made gluten-free and dairy-free, so it's perfect to share with all of your coffee lovers to get into the holiday spirit this time of year.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A delicious holiday cocktail. The perfect festive martini for the holiday season!
- So much peppermint flavour! Tastes like a boozy peppermint mocha. You'll be warm & cozy from the inside, out!
- Candy cane rimmed glass makes every sip delicious.
- Uses common bar ingredients. The espresso martini is a classic cocktail. If you like them already, you definitely have most of the ingredients. Plus there's no need for specialty alcohols like peppermint vodka or chocolate liqueur here.
- Option for a homemade chocolate syrup. Control the taste and the ingredients when you make it at home. Or go for convenience and buy one!
- Made in 3 minutes. Just shake and enjoy!
- This recipe is easily made gluten-free and dairy-free!
Want more Christmas recipes? Try my sugar cookie martini, gluten free shortbread cookies, butter pecan cookies, chocolate amaretti cookies, gingerbread espresso martini or a winter aperol spritz.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here are all the ingredients you'll need to make this peppermint mocha martini:
- Vodka: This is the perfect neutral flavour for an espresso martini. Try peppermint vodka if you have it!
- Espresso: It must be a fresh, yet cooled shot of espresso to achieve the nice foam on top! I make mine from an espresso machine, but I hear instant espresso or cold brew concentrate can also work, with potentially less foam.
- Chocolate syrup: Use the homemade recipe below or a store bought syrup.
- Baileys: I love the creamy flavor this gives the martini. Use milk or heavy cream if you don't have Baileys. And use your favorite dairy-free creamer if required.
- Kahlúa: Coffee liqueur gives more flavor and sweetness.
- Vanilla extract & peppermint extract: For the perfect candy cane flavor.
- Ice: For shaking. Larger ice is better than smaller ice because it won't melt as much.
- Coffee beans & crushed candy canes for garnish
Homemade Chocolate Syrup
This homemade chocolate sauce is delicious and easily made in 5 minutes. If you want a simpler approach, you can buy a chocolate syrup at most grocery stores.
- Granulated sugar
- Dutch proccessed cocoa powder: I like the deeper, rich chocolate flavor that dutch processed cocoa has. Regular cocoa will work too.
- Water
- Salt: Just a sprinkle to cut the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Stir this in after heating so it does not cook out.
Substitutions
There are several ways to change up this cocktail. Here are some substitution suggestions:
- Change the spirit. Try whiskey, bourbon, gin, or your favourite spirit.
- Try flavored vodka. Peppermint vodka or vanilla vodka would be perfect in this drink. Or try using a chocolate liqueur instead of chocolate sauce.
- For gluten-free. This drink is naturally gluten-free. Just check your candy canes & alcohol bottles for and strange ingredients.
- For dairy-free and vegan. Instead of Baileys, you could use their Almond Milk Baileys, or simply coconut cream, almond milk, or another dairy-free alternative.
- Use peppermint candies if you don't have candy canes.
- Adjust sweetness. You can add more or less chocolate syrup and kahlúa depending on your taste preferences. Or add a splash of simple syrup.
- For just a peppermint martini, you can omit the chocolate sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full recipe.
(1) Pour a little chocolate sauce onto a small plate and add some crushed candy canes beside it. Run the rim of your martini glass or coupe around in the sauce, then press it into the candy cane crumbs all the way around. Place in the freezer to chill while you make the drink.
(2) Add all of the espresso martini ingredients plus several large ice cubes to a cocktail shaker.
(3) Close tightly and shake hard for 30-60 seconds until the outside is frosty.
(4) Strain into a the rimmed glass.
(5) Garnish with 3 coffee beans. Enjoy responsibly!
What to Serve with a Peppermint Espresso Martini
This peppermint mocha espresso martini is the perfect cocktail for the holidays. Enjoy at Christmas with all your friends and family. Heck, you may need it as a mid-meal pick-me-up! Here are some of my holiday faves to go with it:
- Gluten Free Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Gluten Free White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
- Chocolate Amaretti Cookies
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Gluten Free White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
- Gingerbread Espresso Martini
- Winter Aperol Spritz
- Sugar Cookie Martini
- Lambrusco Spritz
- Chai Espresso Martini
Check out more Christmas recipes!
Make Ahead & Storage
Note that this cocktail recipe is best served and consumed fresh after preparing. It should not be made ahead of time, nor stored for later.
Batching
Because they need to be shaken to achieve the beautiful foam on top, espresso martinis are tricky to batch. The most you can likely fit in your cocktail shaker is 2 drinks. Be patient if making for a crowd.
Expert Tips
Here are some of my top tips and tricks for a successful espresso martini:
- If making your own chocolate sauce, don't cook it too hot for too long. Otherwise it may burn or become too thick.
- Use store-bought chocolate syrup for simplicity.
- Leave out the chocolate sauce if you just want peppermint flavor.
- Place the rimmed coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you make the drink. This will help the candy canes solidify in the chocolate rim too.
- Use freshly machine-brewed (but cool) espresso for a foamy top. The crema on top of freshly brewed espresso is what contributes to the classic foam on top of an espresso martini. Instant coffee or cold brew will still give you the flavour, but not the foam.
- Add a splash of milk or cream instead of Baileys if you wish.
- Use large ice to avoid diluting the drink and produce the best foam.
- Shake the cocktail extra hard for the beautiful foam. Until the shaker is frosty.
- Pour the drink quickly, so the foam settles on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most distilled alcohols are in fact gluten-free and safe for celiacs due to the distillation process. As always, read the label on your vodka. I use Titos, as it is distilled from corn and states it is gluten-free on the bottle.
The crema on top of freshly brewed espresso is what contributes to the classic foam on top of an espresso martini. Instant coffee or cold brew will still give you the flavour, but not the foam. You also need to shake hard for at least 60 seconds, and use less, but larger ice to avoid diluting the drink.
This chocolate candy cane espresso martini recipe is a delicious cocktail, perfect for the holidays. It's a delicious mix of a strong espresso martini and a sweet candy cane. It's like a boozy peppermint mocha! The perfect after-dinner drink for your holiday party! Enjoy with all your friends and family during the holiday season.
More Cocktail Recipes
- Aperol Coconut Margarita
- Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
- Peach Basil Sour Cocktail
- Blended Aperol Spritz Cocktail
Have you made this peppermint mocha martini? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and review below, and tag me on instagram @fromoliviaskitchen!
Recipe
Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz fresh espresso cooled
- ½ oz baileys or other Irish cream or heavy cream
- ½ oz kahlúa or other coffee liqueur
- ½ oz chocolate sauce
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes & 3 coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Pour a little chocolate sauce onto a small plate and add some crushed candy canes beside it. Run the rim of a martini glass or coupe around in the sauce, then press it into the candy cane crumbs all the way around. Place in the freezer to chill while you make the drink.
- Add all of the espresso martini ingredients plus several large ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Close tightly and shake hard for 30-60 seconds until the outside is frosty.
- Strain into a the rimmed glass. Garnish with 3 coffee beans. Enjoy responsibly!
Notes
- Chocolate sauce: Use store-bought or make your own chocolate sauce:
- Add 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup dutch processed cocoa powder, ½ cup water, and a pinch of salt to a small saucepan. Whisk until smooth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer for 3o seconds then remove from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Cool then place in a jar and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
- Is this drink gluten free? Most distilled alcohols are considered gluten free. I use Titos vodka which is made from corn and states it is gluten free.
- Can I make this dairy free? Use your favorite dairy-free milk or creamer.
- Batching: Because they need to be shaken to achieve the beautiful foam on top, espresso martinis are tricky to batch. The most you can likely fit in your cocktail shaker is 2 drinks. Be patient if making for a crowd.
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