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Peppermint Espresso Martini

This Peppermint Espresso Martini is an easy Christmas cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and peppermint schnapps. It's shaken until cold and frothy, then served in martini glasses with chocolate syrup and crushed candy cane rims.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2 cocktail

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring cup
  • Cocktail strainer
  • Two martini glasses
  • Small plates for the rims

Ingredients
  

For the cocktails:

  • 3 oz vodka
  • 2 oz coffee liqueur
  • 2 oz freshly brewed espresso cooled
  • 1 oz peppermint schnapps
  • ½ oz simple syrup optional
  • Ice

For the rims and garnish:

  • Chocolate syrup for coating the rims
  • 2 –3 tablespoons crushed candy canes
  • Espresso beans optional

Instructions
 

  • Pour chocolate syrup onto a small plate and crushed candy canes onto another.
  • Dip the rims of two martini glasses into the chocolate syrup, then into the crushed candy canes. Set aside.
  • Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  • Add vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, peppermint schnapps, and optional simple syrup.
  • Secure the shaker and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until chilled and frothy.
  • Strain the cocktail evenly into the prepared martini glasses.
  • Garnish with espresso beans, if desired.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Cool espresso before mixing.
Adjust peppermint schnapps to taste.
Simple syrup is optional depending on the sweetness of your coffee liqueur.
Strong cold brew concentrate can replace espresso.
For a creamy variation, add 1 oz half-and-half to the shaker.
Shake individual servings with ice for the best foam.