How to Make a Peppermint Espresso Martini

The Peppermint Espresso Martini is a festive and invigorating cocktail that marries the bold, rich flavors of espresso with the cool, refreshing zest of peppermint. This tantalizing combination not only awakens the senses but also adds a sophisticated twist to your cocktail repertoire. Perfect for holiday gatherings, winter celebrations, or as a chic dessert drink at dinner parties, this martini offers a delightful burst of flavor that captures the essence of joyous occasions. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a unique and flavorful experience, the Peppermint Espresso Martini sets the perfect mood with its elegant presentation and festive spirit.

What is a Peppermint Espresso Martini?

A Peppermint Espresso Martini is a contemporary cocktail that combines the deep, robust flavors of espresso with the bright, minty notes of peppermint. This drink typically includes espresso, vodka, peppermint schnapps, and a touch of sweetener, shaken over ice and served in a martini glass, often garnished with crushed peppermint candy. The result is a stimulating and refreshing beverage that’s both indulgent and energizing. The incorporation of peppermint gives the Peppermint Espresso Martini a seasonal or holiday twist, making it a popular choice during the winter months and festive occasions.

How to Make a Peppermint Espresso Martini

Recipe by Matt Simmons

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

The Peppermint Espresso Martini is a dazzling cocktail that offers a blend of rich espresso and vibrant peppermint flavors, topped with a playful garnish of crushed candy. This drink not only captivates with its sophisticated, layered taste but also with its visually appealing presentation. Its creamy texture and minty freshness make it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a cocktail that’s as stimulating to the palate as it is to the eyes. Perfect for a festive occasion or a special after-dinner treat, it’s sure to leave an impression of indulgence and festive cheer.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces espresso, freshly brewed and chilled

• 1 ounce peppermint schnapps

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka

• 1/2 ounce simple syrup

• Ice cubes

• Crushed peppermint candy for garnish

Directions

• Brew the Espresso: Start by brewing a strong espresso. Once brewed, allow it to cool to room temperature. For a quicker chill, you can place it in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes.
• Prepare the Martini Glass: While the espresso cools, chill your martini glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water to set aside.
• Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 1/2 ounces of the cooled espresso, 1 ounce of peppermint schnapps, 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.
• Add Ice and Shake: Fill the shaker with ice, covering the liquid. Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This not only chills the drink but also ensures that the mixture is well combined, yielding a smooth texture with a slight froth from the espresso.
• Strain: Remove your martini glass from the freezer or empty the ice water if used for chilling. Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass, ensuring a smooth pour without any ice shards.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish the drink by sprinkling crushed peppermint candy over the top. Optionally, you can also rim the glass with peppermint candy dust for an extra festive touch.
• Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the invigorating blend of espresso and peppermint in your beautifully crafted Peppermint Espresso Martini.

Equipment

• Espresso Machine
• Cocktail Shaker
• Martini Glass
• Jigger
• Strainer

Notes

• Making the Perfect Espresso:
  Use Fresh Beans: For the best flavor, use freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing.
  Water Quality: Use filtered water to avoid any unwanted flavors from tap water.
  Machine Settings: Ensure your espresso machine is properly calibrated. The ideal brewing temperature is around 200°F (about 93°C), and the pressure should be about 9 bars.
  Tamping: Tamp the ground coffee evenly with moderate pressure to ensure a uniform extraction.
• Alternatives for Peppermint Schnapps:
  Peppermint Extract: A few drops of peppermint extract mixed with more vodka can substitute for peppermint schnapps. Start with a small amount; peppermint extract is potent.
  Mint Liqueur: A mint-flavored liqueur like crème de menthe can be a suitable alternative, although it might be sweeter and less sharp than schnapps.
  Peppermint Tea: Infuse vodka with peppermint tea leaves for a few hours, then strain. This provides a mild peppermint flavor without added sweetness.
• How to Chill Espresso Quickly:
  Ice Bath: Pour the brewed espresso into a metal shaker and place it in a bowl filled with ice and water. Stir the espresso in the shaker for about a minute or until thoroughly chilled.
  Freeze Coffee in Advance: Make extra espresso and pour it into an ice cube tray. Use these espresso ice cubes directly in the shaker to chill the drink without diluting it as the ice melts.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 250kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1g
• Sugar: 20g

Conclusion

The Peppermint Espresso Martini is a delightful concoction that perfectly balances the rich, robust flavor of espresso with the crisp, refreshing zest of peppermint. This cocktail is not only a visual treat with its elegant presentation but also a sensory pleasure, offering a vibrant burst of flavor that is both invigorating and comforting. Ideal for festive occasions, it brings a touch of sophistication and festivity to any gathering.

As you explore making your own Peppermint Espresso Martini, feel free to experiment with the proportions and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether adjusting the sweetness level, experimenting with different types of espresso, or trying various peppermint alternatives, each modification allows you to personalize the drink to your liking. Don’t hesitate to get creative — part of the joy of mixology is finding the perfect balance that delights your palate. Enjoy crafting your version of this modern classic and savor each sip as a celebratory treat!

Frequently Asked Questions about Peppermint Espresso Martini

1. Can I use coffee instead of espresso?
   • Using coffee instead of espresso can alter the flavor and intensity of the Peppermint Espresso Martini. Espresso is more concentrated and has a deeper flavor than regular brewed coffee, which can give the cocktail its characteristic robust profile. If you substitute coffee, the drink may be lighter and less rich. For best results, use a strong brewed coffee, possibly a French press or a concentrated cold brew.
2. What can I use if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
   • If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a large jar with a tight-fitting lid, such as a mason jar, to shake your ingredients together. Alternatively, you can stir the ingredients vigorously in a mixing glass or pitcher with a long spoon to chill and mix the drink before straining it into your martini glass.
3. Is there a non-alcoholic version of this martini?
   • To create a non-alcoholic version of the Peppermint Espresso Martini, replace the vodka and peppermint schnapps with non-alcoholic substitutes like a non-alcoholic spirit or peppermint-flavored syrup mixed with non-alcoholic vodka. Use decaffeinated espresso if you are also avoiding caffeine.
4. How can I make this drink less sweet?
   • To make the Peppermint Espresso Martini less sweet, reduce the amount of simple syrup or use a sugar-free alternative. You could also increase the amount of espresso or add a dash of bitters to balance the sweetness with more bitterness and complexity.
5. Can this drink be made in advance?
   • The espresso for the Peppermint Espresso Martini can be brewed and chilled in advance, stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. Mix the ingredients right before serving to maintain the best flavor and texture. The peppermint schnapps and vodka can be pre-measured and stored separately but should be mixed fresh to preserve the crisp, vibrant flavors.