Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe - Chenée Today (2024)

This easy peppermint espresso martini recipe is a festive twist on a coffee martini recipe for the holidays! We'll start with this simple peppermint espresso martini recipe, and I’m also including tips for making the best peppermint espresso martini with cold brew or Kahlua, or even making a peppermint mocha espresso martini! Coffee lovers are going to love this one!

For more festive drinks, try my Mistletoe Margarita Recipe, my Oat Milk Eggnog, and my collection of the best Christmas Gin co*cktails!

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Simple Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe

I love a good espresso martini recipe, and during the holiday season (or any time of year, really), adding a little bright peppermint flavor makes it so much better! This peppermint Kahlua martini is so simple to make with just a few ingredients, and it's sure to be the talk of your next celebration!

This holiday co*cktail is so minty and refreshing, but has an unmistakable boozy kick, and an extra boost from a shot of espresso! It's the perfect after-dinner drink or to get the party started for a very merry Christmas!

Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe - Chenée Today (2)

What liquor is best for an Espresso Martini?

We're making this peppermint espresso martini recipe with two types of alcohol -- peppermint vodka and coffee liqueur. The peppermint vodka gives this espresso martini recipe its distinctive minty flavor, and the kahlua adds additional coffee flavor and sweetness that is welcome in any coffee martini recipe!

What pairs well with an espresso martini?

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Along with Shani's Roasted Sweet Potato Turnovers, you'll love this peppermint espresso martini with other festive sweet treats like my Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, my Thumbprint Cookies with Icing or my No Spread Sugar Cookies! Or amp up the peppermint flavor with my Peppermint White Chocolate Sugar Cookies!

Peppermint Coffee Martini Recipe Ingredients

This espresso martini recipe only requires 4 ingredients!

  • peppermint vodka - I used Peppermint Twist Smirnoff, but any peppermint-flavored vodka will work. If you can't find peppermint vodka, just use a regular vodka and add ⅛ teaspoon of peppermint extract to add that minty flavor!
  • coffee liqueur - provides a richer coffee flavor for any coffee martini recipe! I used Kahlua.
  • espresso - I recommend using fresh espresso brewed in an espresso maker -- just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before you get started. You can place it in the fridge or freezer to speed up the chilling process.
  • simple syrup - you can either use store-bought simple syrup or make your own super easily! Just heat equal parts granulated sugar and water over medium high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature, and you've got simple syrup ready to add in to your peppermint espresso martini recipe!
  • crushed peppermint pieces - you can use small peppermint hard candies or candy canes -- these are optional, but they make such a cute garnish for the rim of your martini glass!
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Equipment

As with any co*cktail recipe, you'll want to start with the right glass! This peppermint espresso martini recipe calls for a stemmed co*cktail glass, such as a martini glass or a coupe glass.

In order to get that frothy top, you'll want to use an espresso machine to brew your espresso. I used my Nespresso mini espresso maker!

You'll also want the right bar tools for mixing your peppermint espresso martini, such as a jigger for measuring ounces and half ounces and of course, a great co*cktail shaker.

Instructions

You can check the recipe card for a full video of this simple espresso martini recipe, but here are the steps:

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To make the candy can rim, brush the rim of a co*cktail glass with a little simply syrup and dip it into crushed peppermint candies.

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Add peppermint vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and cooled espresso to a co*cktail shaker with ice.

Hint: pop your glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before preparing your peppermint espresso martini recipe for an added chilled effect.

Peppermint Espresso Martini with Cold Brew

You can also make this peppermint espresso martini with cold brew coffee for a slightly less strong coffee flavor. Just replace the espresso with cold brew in equal amounts. Unfortunately, the frothy effect on top comes from the brewed espresso, so you may not get as much of a foamy layer on top.

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Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini with Kahlua Peppermint Mocha Liqueur

You can also make a peppermint mocha espresso martini using this recipe! Just swap out the regular Kahlua in the recipe for the Kahlua peppermint mocha flavor. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate syrup to your martini glasses for even more chocolatey goodness!

White Chocolate Peppermint Espresso Martini

You can even make this recipe into a delicious white chocolate peppermint espresso martini that would go perfectly with my peppermint white chocolate sugar cookies! Just swap out the Kahlua for Godiva white chocolate liqueur and enjoy!

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Top Tip

Be sure to shake your peppermint espresso martini ingredients in the co*cktail shaker for at least 10-15 seconds to give the mixture a chance to create that foamy top!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dirty Espresso Martini?

A dirty espresso martini is a martini recipe based on the dirty chai latte, a variety of chai latte with a shot of espresso added. So a dirty espresso martini would be an espresso martini recipe with the addition of chai spice!

What goes well with Espresso Martini?

This peppermint espresso martini recipe tastes great with my Coffee Cookies or my Thumbprint Cookies with Icing. At a party, I would serve this with my Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries or my Fruit Charcuterie Board! And for another great vodka co*cktail idea, try this Skrewball White Russian Recipe!

Why do they put 3 beans in espresso martinis?

The classic garnish of three coffee beans is a fun way to top off an espresso martini recipe. According to tradition, these three espresso beansrepresent health, wealth and happiness.

📖 Recipe

Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe - Chenée Today (11)

Peppermint Espresso Martini

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This peppermint espresso martini recipe is the ultimate coffee martini recipe for the holidays! You’ll love this peppermint Kahlua martini, and I’m also including tips for making a peppermint espresso martini with cold brew, or making a peppermint mocha martini!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Course: Drinks

Cuisine :American

Servings: 1

Calories: 220kcal

Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

Equipment you may need

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ice
  • 2 oz (57 ml) peppermint vodka - (¼ cup)
  • ½ oz (14 ml) coffee liqueur - (1 tablespoon)
  • 1 oz (28 ml) freshly brewed espresso - cooled; or cold brew concentrate (2 tbsps)
  • ½ oz (14 ml) simple syrup - (1 tablespoon) *see note*
  • 3-4 peppermint candies or candy canes - optional; crushed (see note)

Instructions

  • Add ice, peppermint vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to co*cktail shaker.

    1 cup ice, 2 oz peppermint vodka, ½ oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, ½ oz simple syrup

  • Shake vigorously at least 10-15 seconds or until frothy. Pour into prepared co*cktail glass (see candy rim note below), shaking the shaker a bit to let out all of the foam. Serve immediately.

    3-4 peppermint candies or candy canes

Video

Notes

Optional Candy Rim: Brush rim of chilled co*cktail glass with simple syrup. Place crushed candies on a small plate or coaster and turn glass upside down to coat the rim with candies.

Crushing Peppermint Candies: Place peppermint candies in a plastic freezer bag on a sturdy cutting board. Hit candies firmly and carefully with a rolling pin to break into smaller pieces.

How to Make Simple Syrup: Heat equal parts granulated sugar and water over medium high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature before using in this espresso martini recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 co*cktail | Calories: 220 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17 g | Protein: 0.04 g | Fat: 0.1 g | Saturated Fat: 0.04 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04 g | Sodium: 14 mg | Potassium: 42 mg | Sugar: 17 g | Vitamin C: 0.1 mg | Calcium: 2 mg | Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe - Chenée Today (12)

Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Chenée Lewis

Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe - Chenée Today (2024)

FAQs

Why are espresso martinis so popular right now? ›

“Even more than the caffeine boost, I think Espresso Martinis are so popular these days because bartenders have learned how to make them taste great. Using fresh, high-quality espresso, a good coffee liqueur and good vodka, it's easy to see why they're so much more delicious than they were a few decades ago.”

Did Kate Moss create the Espresso Martini? ›

In case you didn't know, the espresso martini has a rather sexy backstory. Legend has it that London bartender Dick Bradsell concocted the drink in the late '80s when supermodel Kate Moss famously asked for a drink that would “wake me up and f@ck me up.”

How do bartenders make Espresso Martini? ›

Since it is a liquid sweetener, it is easier to include in cold beverages than traditional sugar.
  1. 40ml Vodka. ...
  2. 20ml Kahlua. ...
  3. 1 Shot Espresso. ...
  4. 10ml Sugar Syrup. ...
  5. Pour all the ingredients into a shaker and shake. ...
  6. Fine strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass. ...
  7. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

Can you use Tia Maria instead of Kahlua in Espresso Martini? ›

A natural process coffee will have a slightly boozy and juicy flavour profile which perfectly compliments the sweetness of the coffee liqueur. For our coffee liqueur we've chosen Tia Maria but you could also use Kahlua or another coffee liqueur.

What kind of person drinks espresso martini? ›

Espresso Martini

If this is your co*cktail of choice you are likely an intense individual who gives 100% to everything you do. Espresso Martini drinkers have a 'work hard, play hard attitude and are happy to take the lead in both professional and social situations.

Is an espresso martini an upper or downer? ›

Espresso martinis were supposedly created by a London bartender for a model who asked for a drink that would “wake her up, then mess her up” — only she didn't use the word “mess.” Similar to vodka Red Bulls, espresso martinis mix the “upper” of caffeine and the “downer” of alcohol.

What does ordering an Espresso Martini say about you? ›

The espresso martini drinker's anxious attachment mostly comes out of their fear of being judged, but if you "yes, and" them enough while they are nervously monologuing about their new favorite podcast, they'll feel at-ease soon enough.

Do bartenders like making espresso martinis? ›

But if you're a mixologist at work, it's a nightmare. In fact, bartenders notably dislike making these co*cktails because of the prep time, complications, and cleanup of the espresso step alone.

What is a dirty Espresso Martini? ›

Celebrate the holiday season with the coziest and most delicious Dirty Chai Espresso Martini. Homemade chai tea simple syrup mixed with your favorite vodka, Kahlúa and a strong shot of espresso. This is the perfect co*cktail to end the night!

Is an espresso martini better with Kahlua or Baileys? ›

Kahlua is a coffee liqueur with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of caramel. It is a good choice for espresso martinis that you want to have a strong coffee flavor. Baileys is an Irish cream liqueur with a creamy texture and a flavor of chocolate, vanilla, and cream.

What liquor is best for an espresso martini? ›

Vodka: I add 1 ½ oz. of vodka for the perfect ratio of booze to coffee. Vodka is the signature alcohol for a classic espresso martini—use another, and it just won't be the same. While you don't have to reach for top shelf, I suggest using a brand you enjoy drinking.

Why doesn t my espresso martini not frothy? ›

If you're not getting a creamy texture, it could be that your espresso is un-frothed. Make sure to froth your espresso before adding it to the co*cktail shaker for the best results - a good frothy foam will make an amazing difference.

Which is better Kahlua or Tia Maria? ›

Tia Maria tends to have a slightly more complex and smoother flavor profile compared to Kahlúa, with hints of chocolate and citrus.

Is a White Russian the same as an espresso martini? ›

Rich and creamy, the White Russian is the Espresso Martini's delicious older cousin — but unlike the trendy co*cktail, the White Russian leans on heavy cream for its iconic milky hue and soft mouthfeel. The co*cktail comes together quickly with just a few ingredients: vodka, coffee liqueur, and a splash of heavy cream.

What's the difference between Black Russian and espresso martini? ›

A Black Russian co*cktail is traditionally made with two main ingredients namely; vodka and coffee liqueur. The Espresso Martini, however, takes the coffee infused flavour and strength one notch further by adding a shot of freshly brewed espresso.

When did espresso martinis become so popular? ›

Eventually, the co*cktail evolved from the vodka espresso to the espresso martini to suit the neo-martini audience of the '90s. These co*cktail connoisseurs believed that any vodka-based drink served in a V-shaped glass ought to be called a tini.

Are espresso martinis trending? ›

Well, they might also like to class it up a bit with the increasingly trendy Espresso Martini. Generally made with espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka, this one-two-punch of a co*cktail expanded in popularity during to pandemic — a revival from its inception dating to the late 1980s.

When did espresso drinks become popular? ›

In the United Kingdom, espresso grew in popularity among youth in the 1950s in the standard form as well as cappuccino which is espresso, hot milk, and steamed-milk foam. In the United States, it became popular in the form of lattes (espresso and steamed milk), in combination with flavored syrups added.

When did dirty martinis become popular? ›

According to the Oxford Companion to Spirits & co*cktails, the practice of adding olive brine to one's martini has been around since at least 1901. The term “dirty martini” seemingly wasn't coined until the 1980s. However, Franklin Delano Roosevelt may have been an early proponent of using olive brine in co*cktails.

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