Peppermint Martini Recipe

Ingredients for a Peppermint Martini

For the cocktail

• 2 oz vodka (plain or vanilla)
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1/2 oz white crème de cacao (optional, for a light chocolate note)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, for a sweeter drink)
• Ice

For the garnish

• 1 tablespoon crushed candy canes (for the rim)
• Simple syrup or honey (to rim the glass)
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Mini candy cane and extra crushed candy cane (optional, for topping)

How to Make a Peppermint Martini

1. Prep the glass. Chill a martini or coupe glass. Pour the crushed candy canes onto a small plate. Lightly coat the rim of the glass with simple syrup or honey, then dip it into the crushed candy canes until the rim is evenly coated.
2. Build the cocktail. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, peppermint schnapps, cream, and white crème de cacao. If you prefer a sweeter martini, add the simple syrup as well.
3. Shake until frothy. Seal the shaker and shake hard for 15–20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is very cold and the mixture looks frothy.
4. Strain and garnish. Strain the peppermint martini into the prepared glass. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, a mini candy cane on the rim, and a sprinkle of crushed candy cane if desired. Serve immediately.

Bartender Tips for the Best Peppermint Martini

• Use super-cold ingredients. Chill your vodka and glassware so the martini pours silky and cold.
• Adjust sweetness to taste. Start without simple syrup, then add a 1/4–1/2 oz if you like a dessert-level drink.
• Crush candy canes finely. Smaller pieces cling better to the rim and are less messy to sip around.
• Shake hard. The cream needs a vigorous shake to get that frothy, velvety texture.

Peppermint Martini Variations

• Peppermint Vodka Martini: Swap the plain vodka for peppermint vodka for extra mint flavor. Use 2 oz peppermint vodka + 1 oz cream and skip the peppermint schnapps if you prefer a slightly lighter drink.
• Chocolate Peppermint Martini: Add 1 oz chocolate liqueur (or increase the white crème de cacao to 1 oz), drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass, and rim with a mix of cocoa powder and crushed candy canes.
• Peppermint White Russian: Stir 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1 oz peppermint schnapps, and 1 oz cream over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with crushed candy cane instead of a traditional coffee twist.
• Peppermint Espresso Martini: Shake 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1 oz cooled espresso, 1/2 oz coffee liqueur, and 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with coffee beans or a tiny candy cane.
• Big-Batch Peppermint Martini Pitcher: For 8 drinks, mix 2 cups vodka, 1 cup peppermint schnapps, 1 cup cream, and 1/2–1 cup white crème de cacao in a pitcher. Keep chilled, then shake each serving with ice to order and strain into candy-cane rimmed glasses.

Peppermint Martini Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

These values are estimates and will vary based on specific brands and exact measurements.

• Serving size: 1 cocktail
• Calories: ~230
• Carbohydrates: ~17 g
• Sugars: ~16 g
• Fat: ~7 g (about 4 g saturated)
• Protein: ~1 g
• Sodium: ~20 mg

Peppermint Martini FAQs

What's in a peppermint martini?

A classic peppermint martini is made with vodka, peppermint schnapps, and cream, shaken with ice until frothy and served in a martini glass with a crushed candy cane rim. Some versions also add white crème de cacao for a hint of chocolate.

How do you make a peppermint martini?

Rim a chilled martini glass with crushed candy canes. In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 2 oz vodka, 1 oz peppermint schnapps, 1 oz cream, and optionally 1/2 oz white crème de cacao. Shake until very cold and frothy, then strain into the prepared glass and garnish with whipped cream and a mini candy cane.

How do you make a peppermint martini with peppermint vodka?

Use 2 oz peppermint vodka, 1 oz peppermint schnapps, and 1 oz cream. Shake with ice until frothy and strain into a candy-cane rimmed glass. This version is extra minty, so you usually don't need additional peppermint extract or syrup.

How do you make a chocolate peppermint martini?

Shake 2 oz vodka, 1 oz peppermint schnapps, 1 oz cream, and 1 oz chocolate liqueur (or crème de cacao) with ice until well chilled. Strain into a chocolate-drizzled or crushed candy cane rimmed glass and garnish with chocolate shavings or a mini candy cane.

How do you make a peppermint espresso martini?

Combine 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1 oz freshly brewed and cooled espresso, 1/2 oz coffee liqueur, and 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps in a shaker with ice. Shake hard until frothy, strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with coffee beans or a tiny candy cane on the rim.

More Holiday Cocktails to Try

• Candy Cane Martini
• White Cranberry Cosmo
• Cranberry Mimosa
• Christmas cocktails guide