Peppermint Martini

This peppermint martini is festive and fresh, with just 3 ingredients. With a touch of sweetness, you get a burst of peppermint flavor in every sip. You’ll love this holiday twist on the classic martini!

about this peppermint martini

I turned my favorite holiday candy into a cocktail and I’m not even sorry about it! This peppermint martini is basically a grown-up candy cane in a glass, and I am 100% obsessed with it.

I might be an outlier here, but a candy cane is the best Christmas candy (aside from a chocolate orange, of course) to enjoy every holiday season. It’s just the right amount of sweetness combined with cooling mint that wakes up your taste buds with every lick.

In the past years I’ve found a new love for them as our son experiences them for the first time. He loves putting candy canes on the tree, then eating them one by one… And I can’t help but join the fun!

Of course, when the kiddo is in bed and it’s time for the adults to play, I need my candy cane fix in cocktail form with this martini. The minty flavor is just the right balance!

This one’s just three ingredients, a quick shake, and boom – you’ve got a drink that looks totally fancy but took zero effort. The vanilla vodka adds a subtle richness that takes this drink from good to absolutely incredible.

Ready in under 5 minutes, it’s the ultimate holiday party trick up your sleeve. Make one or make a batch – either way, this festive martini is about to become your new December Christmas cocktail tradition.

ingredients

vanilla vodka. Vodka infused with vanilla beans has a subtle sweetness. We like to use Absolut, but you could also use Smirnoff.

white crème de menthe. Make sure to get the white and not the green! This clear liqueur gives you that fresh mint flavor.

peppermint schnapps. This spirit is made with peppermint oil instead of mint leaves, so it gives you more of a cooling candy cane flavor.

this recipe’s must-haves

To make this cocktail, you will need a jigger, a cocktail shaker, and a cocktail strainer.

I love to use coupe glasses for my martinis, but you can also use martini glasses.

here’s how to make a peppermint martini

shake

Run the rim of a coupe glass or martini glass through simple syrup in a small bowl. Place crushed peppermint candies on a plate and run the wet rim of the glass through it to coat. Set aside. Set in the fridge to chill!

Combine the three ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice. Shake well until chilled, about 30 seconds.

strain

Strain and pour into the rimmed cocktail glass. Serve.

No garnish is necessary, but you can always add a sprig of mint if you want!

tips and tricks

don’t have a cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar with an airtight lid instead! Strain through a fine mesh strainer.

chill your glass. Be sure to chill the glass to make it even colder. Do not add ice as it will water down the drink.

no peppermint candies? Make an easy sugar rim for the cocktail glass instead.

More tasty holiday cocktails to sip on: Christmas Sangria | Peppermint Vodka | Christmas Margarita | Christmas Gin

how do you crush peppermint candies?

I like to add candy canes or peppermint candies to a sealable plastic bag, then use a marble rolling pin to crush them. You could also use the smooth side of a meat mallet.

how do I make a large batch?

It’s easy to make a pitcher of these peppermint martinis! Simply scale up the ingredients using the recipe card below for however many servings you want. Stir them together in a pitcher, then place in the fridge to chill until ready to serve.

Need some inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with a peppermint martini

This peppermint martini is ideal for pairing with your favorite sweet and salty bites to match the minty freshness of the drink. Here are some of our favorite pairings:

Chocolate covered oreos are a classic, especially with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top.

No-bake edible cookie dough bites have all the indulgent flavor of cookie dough, but it is perfectly safe to eat.

For something savory, put together a very merry christmas cheese board. You can even add stuffed bacon wrapped dates to the mix if you want!

more festive cocktails to sip on

Homemade peppermint vodka is perfect for a homemade gift, or chilled shots!

For another twist on a classic, this Christmas margarita is tart and refreshing.

Christmas punch is an easy recipe that’s ready in just 5 minutes. You can even make it a non-alcoholic option for everyone to enjoy!

Finally, if you make this peppermint martini recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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