Chocolate peppermint holiday martinis are the ultimate sweet treat to sip on during winter. Think peppermint hot chocolate, but make it chilled and boozy. This simple version uses Baileys Irish Cream, peppermint schnapps and chocolate syrup!
Peppermint martini cocktails are super popular during the winter season, especially for Christmas! Top it all off with a crushed candy cane rim to really elevate the festive experience. If you love holiday cocktails make sure to check out my winter old fashioned and cranberry gin fizz. You’ll be sipping on these tasty cocktails all winter long!
This easy recipe only has 4 ingredients! Baileys has a creamy texture making it the perfect companion to the peppermint schnapps (or vodka) and chocolate syrup. The crushed candy cane rim is totally optional but I think it adds a nice touch!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Equipment Notes
- Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Martinis
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step by Step Instructions
- Tips and Tricks
- How to Store and Make Ahead
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Other Holiday Cocktails You'll Love
- Did you try this recipe?
- Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Martinis
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This decadent holiday martini tastes like dessert in a glass! Serve it at winter parties or enjoy it sitting by the fire.
- Use either peppermint vodka OR peppermint schnapps for the candy cane flavor! I use whichever I can find in the liquor store.
- This Baileys cocktail is cozy, creamy and absolutely delicious! Swap in Baileys Almande, or vegan Irish cream for a dairy-free version.
Equipment Notes
- A cocktail shaker or jar with a lid.
- A jigger or liquid measuring cup - make sure it measures in ounces.
- Martini or coupe glasses - they always make me feel extra fancy.
- Rolling pin - to crush candy canes! You could also use a hammer, or anything that is tough enough to withstand being hit against a cutting board.
Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Martinis
- Peppermint Schnapps or Vodka - use what you can find or prefer. I’ve made it with both and it tastes very similar.
- Baileys- I opted for the traditional Irish cream for this recipe. You can use another brand if you want.
- Chocolate syrup - use good ol’ Hershey’s chocolate syrup.
- Candy canes or peppermint candies - although they are not necessary they create a beautiful garnish around the rim of the glass!
Substitutions and Variations
- Schnapps - you can use peppermint schnapps or vodka! The Smirnoff peppermint twist vodka is perfect for this.
- Dark chocolate - use dark chocolate syrup.
- White chocolate - use Godiva white chocolate liqueur in place of Baileys and omit the chocolate syrup.
- Vegan - use Baileys Almanade or make your own vegan Irish cream.
- Espresso - add in 1 oz of espresso! Wait for the espresso too cool to room temperature before adding it to the cocktail shaker. That way your ice wont melt!
Step by Step Instructions
Put the candy canes or peppermint candies in a plastic bag, or in between two sheets of parchment paper. Smash the candies with a rolling pin until they become small pieces. The smaller pieces will stick better to the rim of the glass.
Dip the rim of the martini glass into the chocolate syrup until there is a thin layer around the rim. Dip the rim into the peppermint candy pieces until lightly coated. Immediately put the glass in the freezer to help the rim set in place.
Add ice to a cocktail shaker along with the peppermint schnapps, Baileys Irish Cream and chocolate syrup. Shake well for a few seconds until chilled.
Strain the cocktail into your candy cane rimmed martini glass, sip and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Chill the martini glass in the freezer 15 minutes to an hour before serving. It will help keep the peppermint martini ice cold! I recommend making the candy cane rim before chilling them. The cold will help set the crush candy in place!
How to Store and Make Ahead
Make the peppermint rimmed glasses ahead of time and place them in the freezer or fridge until ready to pour the holiday drink. You can make these peppermint bark flavored cocktails ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
Large Batch/Pitcher
To make a large batch you will need 2 parts Baileys, 1 part peppermint schnapps and ½ part of chocolate syrup. An example of this is 2 cups of baileys, 1 cup of peppermint schnapps and ½ cup of chocolate syrup. This will make about 8 drinks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Schnapps is typically made using fruits (such as juniper berries) while vodka is made with grain or potatoes! Vodka tends to be more neutral in flavor while schnapps has a sweeter taste.
Peppermint vodka mixes well with chocolate, which is why these peppermint chocolate martinis are delicious! You can also add peppermint vodka to hot chocolate for an extra cozy drink.
Yes! You will need 2 cups of Baileys, 1 cup of peppermint schnapps and ½ cup of chocolate syrup. Stir well together in a pitcher with ice. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Other Holiday Cocktails You'll Love
Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Martinis
Ingredients
- 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 oz Peppermint schnapps or vodka
- ½ oz chocolate syrup plus more for the rim of the glass
- 2-3 candy canes crushed
Instructions
- Put the candy canes or peppermint candies in a plastic bag, or in between two sheets of parchment paper. Gently smash the candies with a rolling pin until they become small pieces.
- Dip the rim of the martini glass (or whatever glass you're using) into the chocolate syrup until there is a thin layer around the rim.
- Dip the rim into the peppermint candy pieces until lightly coated. Place the glass in the freezer for 5 minutes.
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker along with the schnapps, Baileys Almande and chocolate syrup. Shake well for 10-15 seconds until chilled.
- Gently pour into your candy cane rimmed martini glass, sip and enjoy!
Large Batch/Pitcher:
- Combine 2 cups of Bailey, 1 cup of peppermint schnapps and ½ cup of chocolate syrup in a large pitcher with ice. Stir well, serve and enjoy! The pitcher recipe will make about 8 drinks.
Notes
- Chill the martini glass in the freezer 15 minutes to an hour before serving. It will help keep the peppermint martini ice cold! I recommend making the candy cane rim before chilling them. The cold will help set the crush candy in place!
- Use Baileys Almande or make your own vegan Irish cream for a dairy-free version.
Kyle says
dangerously delish and just fun aesthetic!
Emily Toshiko says
The candy cane rim really adds that extra flair! Thanks! 🙂
Anonymous says
This is such an amazing winter cocktail! I love the peppermint.