This Peppermint Mocha Martini Tastes Like the Holidays in a Glass

Looking for a cocktail that screams holiday cheer with every sip? This peppermint mocha martini is it.

It’s rich like dessert, minty like candy canes, and just boozy enough to warm you up from the inside out.

Think Starbucks peppermint mocha if it grew up, got dressed in its holiday best, and went to a cocktail party.

It’s the kind of drink you’ll want for festive nights in, last-minute gatherings, or even just treating yourself after wrapping gifts.

Let’s shake things up, shall we?

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Peppermint schnapps
  Adds that signature cool minty bite—essential for the holiday flavor.
• Coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
  Brings rich, sweet coffee notes to balance out the mint and chocolate.
• Crème de cacao or chocolate liqueur
  A smooth chocolate layer that makes this cocktail taste like dessert in a glass.
• Vodka
  The boozy backbone—neutral enough to let the peppermint mocha flavors shine.
• Espresso or strong brewed coffee (cooled)
  Deepens the mocha vibe and adds a slight bitterness to cut the sweetness.
• Optional: half & half or cream
  Makes it creamy and indulgent—skip it if you prefer a bolder, thinner drink.
• Garnishes: crushed candy canes, chocolate drizzle, whipped cream
  Totally extra, totally worth it. These turn your martini into a festive showstopper.

Equipment Checklist

• Cocktail shaker
  For mixing and chilling everything into one smooth, frothy sip.
• Martini glasses
  The classic vessel that adds instant elegance and keeps things festive.
• Jigger or shot glass
  For measuring your booze accurately. Because eyeballing it can get dangerous fast.
• Ice
  Essential for chilling the drink and giving it that frosty, bar-quality finish.
• Small plate + glass rim for candy canes (optional)
  Adds flair with crushed peppermint. It’s the detail that makes guests go “whoa.”

How to Make a Peppermint Mocha Martini

Making this martini is as easy as shaking, pouring, and impressing everyone in the room. Here’s exactly how to pull it off like a pro:

1. Chill Your Martini Glass

Start by placing your glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes. A cold glass keeps your drink crisp and smooth, not watered down.

No time? Fill it with ice and water while you prep, then dump it right before serving.

2. Rim with Crushed Candy Canes (Optional—but Fun)

Pour a little simple syrup or chocolate sauce onto a small plate. Dip the rim of your chilled glass into it.

Then press it into a separate plate of crushed candy canes. It’s festive, it’s pretty, and it adds a little crunch with every sip.

3. Shake It Like You Mean It

Add the following to your cocktail shaker:

• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz crème de cacao
• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz cooled espresso or strong brewed coffee
• Optional: 1 oz half & half or cream

Toss in a handful of ice. Seal the shaker and shake hard for about 15–20 seconds. The goal? Frosty cold, with a little foam on top.

4. Strain and Garnish

Strain the mix into your prepared martini glass. It should pour smoothly and look like liquid velvet.

Top with a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint—dealer’s choice.

5. Taste and Tweak

Too minty? Use a little less schnapps next time. Want it sweeter? Add a splash of simple syrup.

Need more coffee kick? Up the espresso. The best part about this cocktail? It’s totally customizable to your taste.

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

Want to take your peppermint mocha martini to the next level, or just make it more you? Here are some easy twists and upgrades to play with.

Because let’s be honest, cocktails are more fun when there are options.

Add Chocolate Syrup for a Richer Flavor

If you’re a chocoholic, this one’s a no-brainer. A drizzle of chocolate syrup in the shaker (or even along the inside of the glass) deepens the mocha flavor and gives it dessert-level richness.

Bonus points if you top it off with a little extra drizzle at the end. Think of it as a cocktail with hot fudge vibes, minus the heat.

Use Peppermint Vodka for Extra Mint

Craving a stronger minty punch? Swap the regular vodka for peppermint vodka. It doubles down on the cool, candy cane flavor without needing more schnapps.

Just be careful because it’s easy to go from “refreshing” to “mouthwash” if you overdo it. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Swap in Irish Cream or Dairy-Free Creamers

Want something creamier, boozier, or dairy-free? Irish cream adds a silky texture and an extra layer of flavor—think chocolate, vanilla, and whiskey all in one sip.

For a vegan option, try almond, oat, or coconut creamer. Many of them come in holiday flavors, too (peppermint mocha oat milk, anyone?).

Turn It into a Frozen Version with Crushed Ice or a Blender

If you live somewhere warm or just love icy drinks, blend everything with a cup of crushed ice for a frozen peppermint mocha martini. It’s like a boozy Frappuccino with a holiday twist.

Creamy, frosty, and 100% brain-freeze worthy (in the best way).

When to Serve This Cocktail

The peppermint mocha martini is made for those cozy, twinkly, feel-good moments, and it shines at just about any holiday gathering.

It’s a hit at holiday parties, where guests are craving something a little more fun than wine and far more indulgent than beer.

Serve it as a Christmas Eve nightcap, right after the stockings are hung and the cookies are out for Santa (with one quietly set aside for yourself).

It also makes a festive splash at New Year’s Eve celebrations—rich enough to pair with dessert, yet bold enough to toast the countdown with flair.

And if you’re heading to a cookie exchange or setting up a dessert table, this is the cocktail equivalent of a showstopper treat—boozy, beautiful, and begging for a whipped cream topper.

It’s not just a drink. It’s an experience. A peppermint-swirled, chocolate-kissed, espresso-hugged moment of holiday joy!

Make It a Batch Cocktail

Hosting a crowd? Skip the shake-shake-repeat routine and scale this peppermint mocha martini into a party pitcher.

Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, mix everything (except the ice and dairy, if using) in a large pitcher or sealed container, and stash it in the fridge until showtime.

This keeps the flavors cold and lets them mingle—kind of like a cocktail pre-party. If you’re adding cream or half & half, hold off until just before serving so it stays fresh and doesn’t separate.

When ready to pour, give it a quick stir, add ice to your shaker, and strain into chilled glasses for that just-shaken feel.

No shaker? Stir with ice and pour straight from the pitcher—no one’s judging, especially after round two. Just don’t add ice to the pitcher itself unless you want a watered-down buzz.

Cost Breakdown (vs. Starbucks Peppermint Mocha)

Let’s talk money, because a cocktail that tastes this good and saves you cash is a holiday win.

Making a peppermint mocha martini at home costs surprisingly little, and most ingredients stretch across multiple batches, bringing the cost per serving to roughly $2–$3, depending on the brands you buy.

Compare that to a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha, which can run $6–$7 for a single cup (and that’s without the fun adult upgrade).

Add a shot of alcohol anywhere else and you’re easily looking at $12–$15 per drink. At home, you control the strength, the flavor, and the budget.

Plus, when you buy bulk syrup and brew your own coffee, the savings get even sweeter.

You’ll have enough ingredients to whip up holiday cocktails all season long without blinking at your bank statement, and that’s the kind of festive math we can all get behind!

Tips for the Perfect Martini

Use Fresh Espresso for Richer Flavor

If you want that bold, café-style coffee kick, fresh espresso is your best friend. Instant coffee or day-old brews won’t cut it because they just taste flat.

Pull a fresh shot or brew a strong cup right before mixing. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the ice and water things down.

Shake with Plenty of Ice for a Frothy Top

Don’t be shy with the ice. Load your shaker and give it a good, energetic shake, like you’re trying to wake it up. This helps chill the drink fast and gives it that beautiful, creamy froth on top.

No froth? You probably didn’t shake long enough or used too little ice.

Always Taste and Adjust Sweetness or Mint Strength

Everyone’s sweet tooth is different. The same goes for mint. Before you serve, take a quick sip. Too strong? Add more cream or a splash of chocolate syrup.

Too sweet? Dial it back next round. Not minty enough? Add a little extra schnapps or swap in peppermint vodka. It’s your cocktail, so make it work for your taste buds.

Storage & Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers or you’re thinking ahead for tomorrow’s happy hour, you’re in luck.

The alcohol portion of this peppermint mocha martini can absolutely be pre-mixed and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, tightly sealed in a jar or bottle.

Just leave out the cream or dairy until you’re ready to serve, so it doesn’t curdle or separate.

The same goes for ice—never store it with ice already in the mix, or you’ll end up with a sad, watered-down cocktail that tastes more like melted dessert than a martini.

When you’re ready for round two (or three), just shake the chilled mix with fresh ice and cream, then strain it into a glass like it’s freshly made.

Boom! bar-quality flavor with zero effort. Perfect for lazy holiday afternoons or surprise guests who “just want one.”

Final Thoughts

This peppermint mocha martini is pure holiday spirit in a glass because it’s bold, creamy, minty, and just the right amount of boozy. It’s a cocktail that feels like dessert and drinks like a celebration.

Whether you’re sipping solo or serving a crowd, make it your signature drink this season.

Tried it? Tweaked it? Snapped a pic with whipped cream and a candy cane rim? Drop your version in the comments—we’d love to see how you make it merry!

FAQs

Can I make this non-alcoholic?

Absolutely. Skip the vodka, schnapps, and liqueurs, and replace them with peppermint syrup, chocolate syrup, and a splash of brewed espresso or strong coffee.

Add cream or a dairy-free option, shake with ice, and strain into a glass. It’s still festive, still delicious, and just booze-free.

Can I use flavored syrups instead of schnapps?

Yes! Peppermint syrup is a great alcohol-free alternative to schnapps. Just start with a small amount (about ½ oz), then taste and adjust.

It adds the minty flavor without the kick, and works well for mocktails or lighter versions.

What’s a good dairy-free version?

Oat milk, almond milk, or coconut cream all work beautifully. Just make sure your dairy-free choice is unsweetened if you don’t want to go overboard on sweetness.

Barista-style creamers are great too because they foam better and blend more smoothly into cocktails.

Can I make it warm instead of iced?

You can! Warm up the espresso and dairy (or dairy-free) base, stir in peppermint syrup and chocolate syrup, and skip the shaker.

Don’t add alcohol until after it’s off the heat—just stir it in gently. It’s like a boozy peppermint mocha hug in a mug.