Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini
This festive Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini is my favorite Christmas cocktail! All of the espresso martini ingredients you know and love are dressed up with some chocolate liqueur and candy cane rimmed glasses. They’re so perfect for serving at Christmas parties!
Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini
Espresso martinis have pretty much taken the world by storm. They’re the “it girl” of the cocktail scene and it’s not hard to see why! They’re smooth, slightly sweet, and richly flavored with real espresso. And after all, isn’t it nice to catch a boozy buzz and a caffeine buzz at the same time? At your next holiday party, impress your guests with this Christmas espresso martini!
These are essentially just classic espresso martinis with a chocolatey, pepperminty twist. You’ve got your standard ingredients – espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur. To make it more festive, I add some half and half to create a nice creamy element and some chocolate liqueur to give it that delicious mocha flavor. The real fun comes with the glass itself, though…
Each glass is rimmed with chocolate sauce and candy cane bits. Can you think of anything more fun? I think not. Candy cane rimmed glasses should be a must every year for Christmas! So whether you’re hosting the Christmas office party, watching Christmas movies with the family or just want to surprise everyone during Christmas dinner with a real treat, you’re going to love shaking up these martinis!
Ingredients
Let’s take a quick look at that short and sweet shopping list! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Vodka – Make sure it’s plain vodka with no other added flavors.
- Kahlua – This coffee liqueur is essential for any espresso martini recipe!
- Chocolate Liqueur – Any brand will get the job done. Bailey’s has a pretty good one.
- Espresso – Personally, using freshly brewed espresso that’s chilled is my favorite ingredient on this list! If you don’t have an espresso machine though, don’t worry. You can definitely swap it with some strong cold brew.
- Half and Half – This is what makes everything nice and creamy. You can swap it with heavy cream, but note that it’ll be much thicker denser.
- Melted Chocolate – For rimming the glass. I’ve found that melted chocolate chips work best. You can use semisweet, milk, or dark chocolate, whichever you prefer.
- Candy Canes – Crush them up for the rim! You can also dust them on top as an additional garnish. If you have any left over, use them deliciously by tossing them on top of my favorite peppermint bark.
How to Make a Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini
Rim the glass, shake, pour and enjoy! Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page to see more detailed ingredient measurements and instructions.
- Rim the glass. Dip the glass in melted chocolate. Let any excess drip off. Then, while it’s still wet, dip the chocolate rim in candy cane crumbs.
- Shake it up. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the vodka, kahlua, chocolate liqueur, espresso (or cold brew) and half and half. Close the lid tightly and give it a few good shakes.
- Pour and enjoy! Pour the peppermint mocha espresso martini into the rimmed glass. Use a spoon to gather any froth and place it right on top. Garnish with more candy canes (because why not) and espresso beans. Serve right away and enjoy. Cheers!
How to Make In Advance
Yes! This is a great idea if you’re party planning. That way, you can be a great host without having to stop what you’re doing to shake up martinis.
Just combine all of the ingredients without ice and shake until well mixed. Store in a pitcher in the fridge until ready to serve. I don’t recommend making the peppermint espresso martinis more than 2 hours in advance.
Sip on more of my favorite Christmas cocktails!
- Mulled Wine
- Sugar Cookie Martini
- Cranberry Moscow Mule
- Hot Buttered Rum
- Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
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Get the Recipe: Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces kahlua
- 2 ounces chocolate liquor
- 2 ounces cold brew or freshly brewed espresso, chilled
- 1 ounce White Creme de Menthe, or 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 ounce half and half
- Ice, for shaking
- Melted chocolate, for rim
- Crushed Candy canes, for rim
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 2 Martini Glasses
Instructions
- Dip the glass in the melted chocolate allowing the excess to drip off.
- Dip the chocolate rim into the candy cane crumbs. Set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, kahlua, chocolate liquor, espresso and half and half. Close with the lid and shake vigorously until combined.
- Pour the mixture into the martini glass and spoon any froth on top. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and top with espresso beans.
- Serve cold.