Okay, I am calling the peppermint martini a holiday cocktail, but I have been known to sip on this even in the summer. The cool minty flavor tastes really good when it’s really hot out, as well as keeping you warm when it’s frigid outside. (Can we say negative windchill temps today as I am writing this? *cry*) And of course you can make it super festive with a crushed candy cane rim. (Remember to stock up at all of those after-Christmas sales!)
Yield: 1 cocktail
Time to Prepare: 10 minutes
Peppermint Martini Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 oz. vanilla vodka, chilled
- 1 oz. crème de cacao, chilled**
- 1 oz. Peppermint schnapps, chilled
**You can use either dark or white crème de cacao. Both have an excellent flavor that matches up well with the vanilla and peppermint flavors. The dark will give you a stronger chocolate peppermint martini flavor. The white is more subtle and gives you more of a light holiday look that you may be seeking. It’s totally up to you.
For the rim:
- 3 oz. peppermint candy, crushed
- ¼ fresh lime
Optional garnish:
- small candy canes
How to Make a Peppermint Martini:
One of the most fun parts is crushing the pieces for the rim. To keep them from flying all over the place, put the peppermint candy in a plastic bag. For added security, cover it with a towel. Pound the bag with a meat mallet, hammer, or rolling pin until the candy is crushed into very small pieces. I find this to be quite relaxing, actually, such as getting out my frustrations at the arctic cold. And then you can transfer the crushed candy pieces to a flat plate.
Moisten the rim of a martini glass by running a small wedge of lime around the rim. Turn the martini glass upside down and place the moistened rim onto the plate of crushed peppermints. Turn the glass gently to evenly coat the entire rim. You could even swirl a little chocolate syrup around the glass if so inclined, for some extra chocolate flavor. Or drop a little chocolate in the bottom.
And now for the important part. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the vodka, crème de cacao, and peppermint schnapps. Shake vigorously until thoroughly combined. Strain the chilled liquid into a prepared martini glass and add a small candy cane, if desired. Serve immediately.
Peppermint martinis are perfect for curling up with your favorite Christmas movies, Christmas books, or sitting in front of a roaring fire with friends and family. And when I make them in the summer, I love to just sit outside on my front porch to sip while I watch the world go by.
How do you like your peppermint martinis? What are your favorite holiday cocktails?
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