If you’re looking to add a festive, refreshing twist to your holiday celebrations, this Peppermint Martini Recipe is here to steal the show. It combines the smooth creaminess of vanilla vodka with the crispness of peppermint, all wrapped up in a sparkling, fun presentation that feels like a winter wonderland in a glass. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just want to treat yourself to something special, this minty cocktail hits all the right notes with a delightful balance of sweetness and sparkle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peppermint Martini Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the creamy sweetness adding depth to the fresh zing of peppermint, to the colorful sprinkles that make it holiday-ready. Let’s break down the essentials that will make your martini shine.
- Vanilla Vodka: This adds a smooth, sweet base that elevates the cocktail’s flavor complexity.
- Vermouth: Brings subtle herbal notes that balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Club Soda: Provides a refreshing sparkle, keeping the drink light and lively.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy richness, giving the martini an indulgent texture.
- Monin Peppermint Syrup: Infuses the cocktail with bright, festive peppermint flavor.
- Mini Candy Canes: Perfect for garnishing and adding extra minty fun.
- Candy Cane Sticks: Hang them on the rim for that extra holiday charm.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Essential for rimming the glass, lending crunch and color.
- Mixed Colors Christmas Sprinkle Mix: Creates a playful, colorful rim that complements the crushed candy canes.
- Karo Syrup: Acts as a sticky base to hold the rim decorations in place.
How to Make Peppermint Martini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glass Rim
Start by gently dipping the rim of your martini glass into the Karo Syrup. This sticky layer is what will help the crushed candy canes and festive sprinkles adhere beautifully, creating a perfect frame for your cocktail.
Step 2: Crush the Candy Canes
Place your candy canes inside a Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin or a sturdy glass. This creates a fun, textured coating that will make your glass look as inviting as the cocktail tastes.
Step 3: Get the Sprinkles Ready
Pour the Christmas Sprinkle Mix into a small bowl to make dipping easier. These sprinkles add a colorful and festive touch to the glass rim, making your drink picture-perfect for any celebration.
Step 4: Rim the Glass
First dip the syrup-coated rim into the sprinkle mix, then immediately dip it into the crushed candy canes. The layers of color and texture will bring the holiday spirit front and center on your martini glass.
Step 5: Mix the Cocktail
In a cocktail shaker, combine the vanilla vodka, vermouth, club soda, sweetened condensed milk, and a drop of Monin peppermint syrup. Shake vigorously for at least 10 seconds to meld these flavors into a creamy, minty delight.
Step 6: Pour and Garnish
Strain your cocktail into the prepared martini glass. Add a candy cane stick inside the drink and hang two mini candy canes on the rim to add that extra festive flair. This not only looks adorable but also adds subtle mint aroma as you sip.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Peppermint Martini Recipe is ready to be savored! Sit back, sip slowly, and enjoy the burst of holiday cheer in every sip.
How to Serve Peppermint Martini Recipe
Garnishes
The accompaniments truly make this cocktail stand out. Mini candy canes and candy cane sticks aren’t just for decoration—they add an inviting aroma and a fun crunch if you want to nibble while you sip. The rim’s crushed candy and sprinkles create a festive first impression that will delight guests visually and texturally.
Side Dishes
Pair your peppermint martini with light and creamy desserts such as white chocolate mousse or peppermint bark for a harmonious holiday flavor experience. Alternatively, simple salty snacks like roasted nuts or cheese platters provide a nice savory contrast to this sweet drink.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra wow factor, serve your cocktail in frosted martini glasses and add fresh mint leaves alongside the candy canes. You can also line your serving tray with holiday-themed napkins or sprinkle some edible glitter to sparkle up your presentation. Offering this drink with a small homemade cookie on the side can make it feel like a luxurious treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftover mixture, keep it in a sealed bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a gentle shake before pouring again because some ingredients might settle.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the Peppermint Martini Recipe as the texture and balance of flavors can be compromised, especially due to the creaminess of the sweetened condensed milk and carbonation from the club soda.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled cocktail, reheating is not applicable. Instead, prepare fresh batches to ensure the minty freshness and creamy texture stay intact and enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of Monin Peppermint Syrup?
You can substitute regular peppermint extract, but only use a very small amount as it’s much more concentrated. The syrup adds sweetness as well as flavor, so adjust the sweetness of your cocktail accordingly if you make this swap.
Is vermouth necessary in this recipe?
Vermouth adds subtle depth and complexity to the cocktail, but if you prefer a simpler flavor profile, you can omit it or replace it with a little more vodka or a splash of white cranberry juice for a fruity twist.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
The sweetened condensed milk is not vegan, so to make a vegan version, substitute this with coconut condensed milk or a nut-based cream sweetener. It will maintain the creamy texture and complement the peppermint flavor nicely.
What type of club soda is best to use?
Choose a plain, unsweetened club soda without added flavors to keep the cocktail crisp and refreshing without interfering with the peppermint notes.
Can this recipe be scaled for a party?
Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix in a large shaker or pitcher. Prepare multiple glasses with the candy and sprinkle rims beforehand to speed up serving time and keep the festive mood flowing.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Martini Recipe is truly a holiday gem that brings together creamy, minty, and sparkling elements into one elegant glass. It’s easy to make, impressive to serve, and utterly delicious to sip. I encourage you to give it a try and spread some holiday cheer with every refreshing, festive sip!
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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 that combines creamy vanilla vodka, crisp vermouth, and a hint of peppermint flavor. Perfect for holiday celebrations, this cocktail is garnished with crushed candy canes and colorful sprinkles for a magical touch.
Ingredients
Drink Ingredients
- 2 ounces Vanilla Vodka
- 2 ounces Vermouth
- 2 ounces Club Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 drop Monin Peppermint Syrup
Garnishes and 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 Glass Rim: Place the Karo Syrup in a small shallow dish and dip the rim of an 8-ounce Martini glass into the syrup to coat it evenly.
- Crush Candy Canes: Place the Candy Canes in a Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin or a heavy cup until finely crushed for rimming.
- Prepare Sprinkles: Open the Christmas Sprinkle Mix and pour it into a small bowl for dipping the glass.
- Apply Rim Decorations: Dip the syrup-coated rim of the glass first into the Christmas Sprinkle Mix, then into the crushed Candy Canes to create a festive and colorful garnish. Set the glass aside.
- Mix Cocktail: In a large cocktail shaker, combine the Vanilla Vodka, Vermouth, Club Soda, Sweetened Condensed Milk, and Monin Peppermint Syrup. Shake vigorously for at least 10 seconds to blend the flavors and chill the mixture.
- Serve: Pour the cocktail mixture into the prepared Martini glass. Garnish by placing a Candy Cane stick inside the drink and hanging two mini Candy Canes on the rim of the glass.
- Enjoy: Your Peppermint Martini is ready to serve for a delightful holiday treat.
Notes
- Use chilled ingredients or shake with ice to ensure the cocktail is served cold and refreshing.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint syrup according to taste preference, adding more for a stronger mint flavor.
- Make sure to crush the candy canes finely for better adherence on the glass rim.
- This recipe yields one 8-ounce cocktail; scale ingredients accordingly for multiple servings.
