Round out your holiday festivities with this delicious peppermint espresso martini. Made with freshly brewed espresso, vodka, kahlua and peppermint schnapps, it’s the perfect Christmas nightcap.

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My new drink obsession this year is the espresso martini. I’ve been enjoying ordering them out at restaurants to find my favorite, and also making them myself at home.

This peppermint espresso martini is a festive twist on the classic. It features all the typical ingredients you’d find in an espresso martini, with the addition of peppermint schnapps.

The peppermint schnapps provides the perfect amount of minty fresh flavor that pairs well with the espresso flavors, making it a fantastic after dinner treat.

The chocolate peppermint rim is optional, but it is fun, adds a little something extra and will impress guests.

Whether you’re cozying up on the couch to watch a Christmas movie, or hosting a holiday gathering, this peppermint espresso martini is the ideal cocktail to serve this season.

Ingredients

Candy canes: we’ll crush the candy canes and use them to rim the martini glasses for an extra festive flair.
Chocolate: melted chocolate is used to adhere the crushed candy cane to the rim of the martini glass.
Vodka: you can use regular vodka, or a flavored vodka, such as vanilla, whipped cream or peppermint.
Espresso: can’t have an espresso martini without espresso. Freshly brewed is best!
Kahlúa: Kahlúa is a coffee liqueur with a slightly sweet, rich coffee flavor with hints of vanilla and caramel.
Peppermint Schnapps: adds the peppermint flavor to this cocktail.

Equipment

Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Martini Glasses
Small rubber spatula
Small plate

Instructions

Freshly brew 3 ounces of espresso. Microwave 2 tablespoons of chocolate in 15 second intervals until melted. Meanwhile, crush candy canes into fine crumbs and place on a small plate.

Use a knife or small rubber spatula to coat the rim of the martini glass with melted chocolate. Roll the rim of the martini glass in the crushed candy cane until fully coated.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in espresso, vodka, kahlúa and peppermint schnapps. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 20 seconds.

Strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass and enjoy.

Tips

If you don’t have an espresso maker, you can use store bought brewed espresso.
The chocolate will harden quickly, so be sure to have your candy cane crumbs ready to ensure they stick.
Ensure your candy cane is crushed into fine crumbs or it may not stick or slide down the glass.
Chill your martini glass in the freezer for 20 minutes before preparing your cocktail.
You’ll know your peppermint espresso martini is chilled enough when the outside of the cocktail shaker begins to frost.

Substitutions

Melted chocolate: you can use chocolate frosting instead of the melted chocolate to rim the martini glass.
Candy canes: round peppermint candies or for an alternative option, festive sprinkles would be fun too!
Vodka: this recipe calls for regular vodka, but you can use vanilla, peppermint, whipped cream or other fun flavors.
Peppermint schnapps: you can use 1/4 tsp peppermint extract and/or a peppermint creamer, if you want this cocktail to be creamy.

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If you make this Peppermint Espresso Martini, be sure to leave a comment below and rate this recipe! If you snap a pic, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thechowdown! I love seeing your creations!

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