If you’re a fan of the classic espresso martini, you’ll love this creamy version! My Festive Bailey’s Peppermint Espresso Martini has the classic espresso flavor with a perfectly minty after taste. Peppermint vodka is paired with a homemade peppermint simple syrup for the perfect sweetness. This recipe makes one serving, but can easily be multiple to make a batch cocktail for gatherings.
A Quick Look At The Recipe
Recipe: Peppermint Espresso Martini
Ready In: 15 minutes (unless you make the syrup ahead of time!)
Serves: 1 servings (can be multiplied)
Staple Ingredients: Bailey’s Irish Cream, peppermint vodka, peppermint extract, sugar, espresso.
What Makes It Special: give the classic, bold espresso martini a creamy twist. This has the perfect sweetness and the peppermint isn’t over powering. This is a great martini to sip on during any holiday gathering or chilly winter night. This can be batched for multiple servings!
Espresso martinis are still having their moment, and for good reason, they’re delicious! If you’re a peppermint fan, this version will be a new favorite. When I make espresso martinis at home, I love a creamy version. A small splash of heavy cream elevates the classic martini into more of a cold brew latter type cocktail.
Flavored simple syrups are so easy to make and can be kept on hand for any time a craving hits. This peppermint syrup is perfectly minty, not overpowering. Peppermint vodka pairs well but regular vodka can be used as well. I have made these for gatherings in the past and they’ve been a group hit, pro tip, brew espresso ahead of time so you’re not stuck at the machine all night!
Looking for more holiday cocktails, check out my 25 best gin cocktails or these popular holiday rum cocktails! Find all of my cocktail recipes here for more inspiration!
Key Martini Ingredients
- Peppermint Vodka: Brings that minty flavor that makes this drink festive. You can use plain vodka with a touch of peppermint extract if you don’t have a flavored bottle.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream: Adds creaminess and warmth with notes of chocolate and vanilla. Swap with Kahlúa for a bolder coffee flavor or a dairy-free Irish cream for a vegan version.
- Heavy Cream: Cream gives this cocktail its velvety texture. Half-and-half or coconut cream can be used if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso gives the best flavor and foam, but strong brewed coffee or instant espresso can be used in a pinch.
- Peppermint Simple Syrup: A quick homemade syrup made with sugar, water, and peppermint extract for a balanced sweetness. Store-bought peppermint syrup works too if you’re short on time.
How to Make the Peppermint Martini
Let’s talk a little about how to make the espresso cocktail (The printable instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Quick overview:
- Make peppermint simple syrup, let cool.
- Brew espresso, cool. Combine everything in a shaker and shake well.
- Garnish glasses, strain cocktail and enjoy!
- In a small saucepan combine the sugar, water, and extract. Heat over medium-high heat until the sugar has dissolved, then reduce heat to medium and little simmer for a few minutes until thickened. Let cool.
- In a cocktail shaker or mason jar full of ice, add in the peppermint vodka, Bailey’s cream, cooled simple syrup, and cooled espresso. Shake well for 20-30 seconds until chilled.
- If desired, brush a little simple syrup onto the rim of a chilled glass and roll in crushed peppermint candies, strain the martini into the glass and enjoy!
Rachel’s Serving & Make-Ahead Tips
- Serve it chilled:
For the creamiest texture and perfect foam, shake the cocktail with lots of ice just before serving. Pour into chilled martini or coupe glasses to keep cold. - Make the syrup ahead:
You can prepare the peppermint simple syrup up to 1 week in advance and store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Give it a quick shake before using, the syrup is good for iced coffees and lattes also. - Batch for a crowd:
Hosting a holiday gathering? Mix the espresso, Bailey’s, peppermint vodka, and simple syrup in a large pitcher up to 4 hours ahead. Keep it refrigerated and shake individual portions with ice right before serving so each martini gets that signature frothy top. - Keep it festive:
Set up a mini cocktail station with crushed candy canes, coffee beans, and chocolate shavings so guests can garnish their own drinks. - Need it dairy-free?
Swap the Bailey’s for a dairy-free Irish cream liqueur or use coconut cream.
Creamy Bailey’s Peppermint Espresso Martini Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces Peppermint Vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces Bailey's Irish Cream, or Kahlua
- 1/2 ounce Heavy cream
- 3/4 ounce Peppermint Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 ounces Espresso, cooled
Peppermint Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Peppermint Extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan combine the sugar, water, and extract. Heat over medium-high heat until the sugar has dissolved, then reduce heat to medium and little simmer for a few minutes until thickened. Let cool.1/2 cup Granulated Sugar, 1/2 cup Water, 1 tbsp Peppermint Extract
- In a cocktail shaker or mason jar full of ice, add in the peppermint vodka, Bailey's cream, cooled simple syrup, and cooled espresso. Shake well for 20-30 seconds until chilled.1 1/2 ounces Peppermint Vodka, 1 1/2 ounces Bailey's Irish Cream, 1/2 ounce Heavy cream, 1 1/2 ounces Espresso, 3/4 ounce Peppermint Simple Syrup
- If desired, brush a little simple syrup onto the rim of a chilled glass and roll in crushed peppermint candies, strain the martini into the glass and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly brewed espresso: It gives a stronger coffee flavor and better foam when shaken. Allow to cool before using!
- Chill your glass: A cold coupe or martini glass helps keep the drink creamy and smooth.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more peppermint simple syrup if you prefer it sweeter, or reduce for a bolder espresso flavor.
- Make it ahead: The simple syrup can be made up to a week in advance, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge.
- Garnish options: Try crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or coffee beans for an extra festive finish.
Nutrition
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More Peppermint Recipes
Recipe FAQs
Yes! For a non-alcoholic version, skip the Bailey’s and peppermint vodka. Use brewed espresso, peppermint simple syrup, a splash of milk or cream, and a drop of peppermint extract for flavor, or use a non-alcoholic coffee liquor!
You can prepare the peppermint simple syrup up to a week in advance and chill it in the fridge. Shake the martini fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and that classic foamy top.
Regular vodka with an extra ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract works great.
Yes. Use about 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder dissolved in 2 ounces of hot water, then let it cool before mixing. Strong brewed coffee like French press would also work!
Place them in a zip-top bag and crush gently with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. For super fine pieces use a small bullet blender.
Helpful Tools I Use
- Mason Jar: I use a mason jar instead of a traditional cocktail shaker at time and it works great! These are the ones I use at home.
- Cocktail Shaker: if you want to use a traditional cocktail shaker, I love this one. It doesn’t sweat and the lid stays on good.
- Enamel Saucepan: I use this little saucepan all the time for syrups, sauces, melting butter, etc. It is the perfect size and I like the enamel coating, it has stayed new for years.
- Shot Glass: a must for making cocktails at home! If you don’t have a shot glass, use a small liquid measuring cup.
Did you try this recipe?
Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing your final dish on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!
Cheers!
-Rachel
