Name: Peppermint Martini (Candy Cane Martini)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2-1 ounce peppermint schnapps (60-proof, amount depending on how minty you’d like your martini); 1/2 ounce vanilla vodka; 1 1/2 ounces white creme de cocoa/creme de cacao; 2 ounces heavy cream; Simple syrup or grenadine, for rimming glass; Peppermint candies, for rimming glass

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If you’ve been hunting for the perfect signature winter cocktail, I’ve got great news for you—you’ve found it! This creamy peppermint martini looks almost as amazing as it tastes, with crushed peppermint candies lining the rim of the glass. The minty flavor is ideal for perking up any dreary winter day, and it’s simple enough that you can whip up a batch to serve at any holiday get-together.

Table of Contents

What does this candy cane martini taste like?

The key to a peppermint martini’s flavor is in the name. You can expect every sip to taste like a fresh lick of a peppermint candy cane, but creamier! On top of the fresh minty flavor, there’s also a rich creaminess with hints of chocolate thanks to the crème de cocoa and heavy cream. This cocktail is like drinking Christmas in a martini glass, and is both wintery fresh and comfortingly creamy.

What liquor has peppermint?

Peppermint schnapps is the liquor in your candy cane martini that provides the fresh peppermint flavor. It’s a very strong flavored clear grain alcohol that reminds me of drinking a liquid candy cane. The sharp peppermint flavor is tamed slightly by the other liquors, so it’s not overwhelmingly strong.

What other alcohol is in this peppermint martini?

In addition to peppermint schnaps, you’ll also use white crème de cocoa—crème de cacao—and vanilla vodka. Despite the name, crème de cacao is actually a clear white chocolate liqueur with no dairy or cream included. It has a strong milk chocolate and vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with the vanilla in the vanilla vodka.

How do I make a peppermint martini?

I love how easy it is to make a peppermint martini! There are really only two steps:

Prepare the rim of the glass by crushing up your peppermint candy—using a rolling pin works well. Run water or grenadine syrup along the martini glass rim, then dip the edge of the glass in the crushed candy.
Add all the cocktail ingredients to a shaker with ice, shake until the beverage is mixed and chilled, then strain into your prepared martini glass.

Can I make a big batch of candy cane martinis in advance for a crowd?

Yes! Pour the batch into a large pitcher and store it in the fridge. You might need to give it a bit of a stir or shake to re-mix the ingredients when your guests arrive. Keeping it in the fridge will keep your peppermint martini nice and cold.

Wholefully Protip

If you have room, place your martini glasses in the fridge for a half hour or so before your guests arrive! This will help keep their peppermint martini crisp and chilled for longer.

Looking for more festive cocktails?

Peppermint martinis are delicious, but they’re not the only holiday cocktails around! Try adding some of the following to your festive cocktail repertoire this holiday season.