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The Ultimate Holiday Peppermint Espresso Martini: Rich Coffee Meets Cool Mint

A rich peppermint espresso martini in a coupe glass, topped with a mound of crushed red and white candy canes.
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Make this sophisticated Peppermint Espresso Martini for your next holiday gathering. This recipe combines strong espresso, coffee liqueur, vodka, and a cool peppermint finish for an invigorating festive cocktail.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Freshly Brewed Espresso, chilled
  • 0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur (Kahlua)
  • 0.25 oz Peppermint Schnapps
  • 0.5 oz Simple Syrup (or to taste)
  • Optional: 0.5 oz Irish Cream (like Baileys) for a creamier texture
  • Garnish: Crushed candy canes or dark chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Prepare your glass: If using a rim, moisten the rim of a chilled coupe or martini glass with a lime wedge or simple syrup, then dip it into finely crushed candy canes or chocolate sprinkles. Set the glass aside.
  2. Brew and chill your espresso. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing.
  3. Combine the vodka, chilled espresso, coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, simple syrup, and optional Irish cream into a cocktail shaker filled two-thirds full with ice.
  4. Seal the shaker tightly and shake hard for 20 to 30 seconds. Vigorous shaking is key to creating the signature foam layer.
  5. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into your prepared glass. This helps ensure a smooth texture.
  6. Garnish the top of the foam with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a dusting of chocolate shavings. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a richer, creamier holiday martini, substitute 0.5 oz of the vodka with Irish Cream or heavy cream.
  • If you do not have peppermint schnapps, you can use a few drops of high-quality peppermint extract mixed with your simple syrup.
  • To achieve the best froth, use freshly pulled espresso rather than cold brew concentrate.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the vodka and liqueurs with cold brew coffee concentrate, peppermint simple syrup, and a splash of cream or oat milk.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/peppermint-espresso-martini-recipe/