If you’re dreaming of a cocktail that radiates festive charm and delivers a refreshing, minty burst, look no further than this delightful Peppermint Martini Recipe. This cocktail is a perfect blend of creamy sweetness, crisp peppermint, and a sparkling kick that will have you feeling like you’re sipping a winter wonderland in a glass. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or craving a cozy treat to unwind with, this Peppermint Martini Recipe brings together playful colors, fun textures, and irresistible flavors to light up any gathering with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peppermint Martini Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item contributes to the cocktail’s smooth texture, bright minty notes, or festive sparkle, ensuring every sip is a sensory delight.
- Vanilla Vodka: Provides a smooth, slightly sweet base that pairs beautifully with peppermint flavors.
- Vermouth: Adds depth and sophistication with its aromatic herbal profile.
- Club Soda: Brings a bubbly, refreshing lift to the cocktail without overpowering it.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Infuses creamy sweetness that balances the mint perfectly.
- Monin Peppermint Syrup: Offers a powerful burst of peppermint flavor to make the drink truly festive.
- Mini Candy Canes and Candy Cane Sticks: Decorative and delicious, they add festive flair and extra peppermint goodness.
- Crushed Candy Canes (for rim): Delivers a crunchy, colorful edge that complements every sip.
- Mixed Colors Christmas Sprinkle Mix (for rim): Enhances the glass rim with eye-catching holiday hues and sweetness.
- Karo Syrup (for rim): Acts as an adhesive to hold the festive sprinkles and crushed candy canes in place.
How to Make Peppermint Martini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glass Rim
Start by pouring Karo Syrup into a small shallow dish. Gently dip the rim of your martini glass into the syrup so it gets a nice, sticky coating. This step is essential because it helps the sprinkles and crushed candy adhere perfectly, giving your cocktail that extra festive touch.
Step 2: Crush the Candy Canes
Grab a Ziploc bag, toss in several candy canes, and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy cup. This crunch adds delightful texture to your glass rim and provides that signature peppermint crunch when sipping. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Step 3: Prepare the Sprinkle Mix
Open your package of the mixed colors Christmas sprinkle mix and pour it into a small bowl. These sprinkles bring vibrant color and a playful, festive vibe to your cocktail presentation.
Step 4: Decorate the Glass Rim
First, dip the syrup-coated glass rim into the sprinkles, then gently press it into the crushed candy canes. The layering of colors and crunches will make your martini look as festive as it tastes, inviting everyone to dive right in.
Step 5: Shake Up the Cocktail
Into a large cocktail shaker, pour the vanilla vodka, vermouth, club soda, sweetened condensed milk, and add a drop of Monin peppermint syrup. Shake vigorously for at least 10 seconds to blend all the flavors into a creamy, minty masterpiece that’s perfectly chilled and ready to pour.
Step 6: Assemble and Garnish
Strain the chilled cocktail mixture into your beautifully decorated 8-ounce martini glass. Add a candy cane stick directly into the drink for easy sipping and drape two mini candy canes on the rim for that whimsical holiday feel. Your cocktail is now picture-perfect and inviting.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Take a moment to admire your festive creation, then raise your glass and enjoy the refreshing blend of creamy vanilla and cool peppermint. This Peppermint Martini Recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite you’ll return to year after year.
How to Serve Peppermint Martini Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this cocktail with candy cane sticks and mini candy canes not only enhances the visual appeal, but it also amplifies the peppermint flavor with every sip. For extra fun, consider adding a small sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar to evoke that snowy holiday scene.
Side Dishes
The Peppermint Martini pairs beautifully with festive sweet treats like chocolate truffles, gingerbread cookies, or peppermint bark. These sides complement the drink’s creamy, minty profile and make your holiday gathering feel extra special and thoughtfully curated.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try serving your martinis in clear glasses to showcase the colorful rim. You can also create a peppermint martini bar with multiple syrups and garnishes, allowing your guests to personalize their drinks. Adding LED tealight candles nearby enhances the party ambiance and brings the whole experience to life.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh for maximum fizz and creaminess, it’s ideal to mix it right before serving. However, if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours but be aware that the club soda will lose its carbonation.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this cocktail due to the texture changes that will affect the creamy and fizzy components. The peppermint syrup and creaminess won’t maintain their original consistency after thawing.
Reheating
Reheating this cocktail is not advised since it is meant to be served chilled and bubbly. Warming it up would diminish its refreshing quality and alter the delicate balance between the ingredients.
FAQs
Can I make this Peppermint Martini Recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely! To enjoy a mocktail version, simply replace the vanilla vodka and vermouth with vanilla-flavored sparkling water or a non-alcoholic vanilla essence. This creates a festive, refreshing drink that everyone can enjoy responsibly.
What can I substitute for Monin Peppermint Syrup?
If you don’t have Monin Peppermint Syrup, you can use any good quality peppermint-flavored syrup or even a few drops of peppermint extract. Just be cautious with peppermint extract as it’s quite concentrated; start with less and adjust to taste.
Can I prepare multiple Peppermint Martinis at once?
Yes! If you’re hosting a party, mix up a batch of the cocktail base in a large shaker or pitcher (except for the club soda), then add club soda individually to each glass to keep the bubbles fresh and crisp.
What is the purpose of sweetened condensed milk in this recipe?
Sweetened condensed milk adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the refreshing peppermint flavor. It creates a luscious mouthfeel that sets this martini apart from typical holiday cocktails.
How do I prevent the candy cane rim from falling off?
Ensure you dip the glass rim thoroughly in Karo syrup to create a sticky surface. Also, gently press the sprinkles and crushed candy canes onto the rim and let it sit for a minute before pouring the drink to help everything adhere firmly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a cocktail that’s bursting with holiday spirit and surprising depth, this Peppermint Martini Recipe is exactly what your gatherings need. With its beautiful presentation, creamy texture, and refreshing mint flavor, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and set the mood for celebration. So gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and create a magical moment with each perfectly shaken peppermint martini.
Print
Peppermint Martini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail (8 ounces)
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A festive and refreshing Peppermint Martini combining the smoothness of vanilla vodka with sweet and minty flavors, perfectly garnished with crushed candy canes and colorful Christmas sprinkles for a holiday treat.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 2 ounces Vanilla Vodka
- 2 ounces Vermouth
- 2 ounces Club Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 drop Monin Peppermint Syrup
Garnishes & Rim
- 1 package mini Candy Canes
- 1 package Candy Cane Sticks
- Crushed Candy Canes (to rim glass)
- Mixed colors Christmas Sprinkle Mix (to rim glass)
- Karo Syrup (to rim glass)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rim: Place the Karo Syrup in a small shallow dish, and dip the rim/edges of the martini glass into the syrup to create a sticky surface for the garnish.
- Crush Candy Canes: Place candy canes in a Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin, heavy cup, or glass until finely crushed for the glass rim.
- Prepare Sprinkles: Open the Christmas sprinkle mix and pour it into a small bowl, ready for rimming the glass.
- Rim the Glass: Dip the syrup-coated glass first into the Christmas sprinkle mix and then into the crushed candy canes, coating the rim evenly. Set the glass aside.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a large cocktail shaker, combine vanilla vodka, vermouth, club soda, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint syrup. Shake vigorously for at least 10 seconds to blend all ingredients well.
- Serve: Pour the cocktail mixture into the prepared 8-ounce martini glass. Garnish by placing a candy cane stick inside the drink and hanging two mini candy canes on the glass rim.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your festive peppermint martini!
Notes
- Use crushed candy canes of fine consistency to ensure they stick well to the rim and provide a pleasant texture.
- The sweetened condensed milk adds a creamy sweetness to balance the peppermint; adjust amount if preferred less sweet.
- Chill the martini glass beforehand for an extra cold drink experience.
- You can substitute the Monin peppermint syrup with another peppermint flavoring if unavailable.
- Handle glass with syrup and garnishes carefully to avoid messy hands.
