This peppermint martini recipe uses just four simple ingredients for a dry, not-too-sweet holiday cocktail. There’s no cream or extra sugar here—just a classic martini with a festive mint twist, perfect for martini lovers who want a seasonal spin.
If you enjoy martinis, try other variations like a peppermint espresso martini or a Christmas martini for more holiday-inspired options.
Peppermint Martini Recipe
The holidays are a great time to serve a seasonal cocktail, whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, enjoying a festive evening, or relaxing with family. This peppermint martini keeps the martini’s classic elegance while adding just enough mint to feel festive without being cloying.
It’s a sophisticated drink that evokes the flavors of the season with every sip.
Ingredients
Gin: Choose a good-quality gin since it’s the primary spirit in this martini.
Vermouth: Dry vermouth is best for this recipe to keep the drink crisp.
Peppermint Schnapps: Adds clear peppermint flavor and brightens the cocktail.
Mini Candy Canes & Fresh Peppermint: Crush candy canes to rim the glass and use a mini candy cane or sprig of peppermint as a garnish for a festive presentation.
How to Make a Peppermint Martini
- Rim the martini glass: wet the rim with water and dip it into crushed candy canes on a small plate.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, dry vermouth, peppermint schnapps, and a small fresh peppermint leaf if desired.
- Shake (or stir) for about 30 seconds until the drink is well chilled.
- Strain into the prepared martini glass and garnish with a mini candy cane or a sprig of peppermint.
Tips and Variations
- Prefer vodka? Swap the gin for a good-quality vodka for a cleaner, less botanical base. Peppermint vodka delivers an extra mint punch.
- For a stronger mint flavor, add a tiny dash of peppermint extract. Use very little—the extract is potent.
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, stir in a touch of simple syrup until it reaches your desired sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vermouth is an aromatized, fortified wine flavored with botanicals like roots, spices, flowers, seeds, bark, and herbs. It comes in sweet and dry styles; dry vermouth is typically used for martinis.
Peppermint schnapps is a distilled spirit flavored with peppermint. It’s similar to a light flavored vodka but is not technically vodka. It can substitute for vodka in many cocktails when you want peppermint flavor.
No. Both provide mint flavor, but crème de menthe is usually sweeter, lower in alcohol, and milder in peppermint intensity than peppermint schnapps.
Either method works. Stirring yields a smoother texture, while shaking chills and slightly dilutes the drink more. Shaking also helps distribute the peppermint flavor. Choose based on your texture preference.
More Christmas Cocktail Ideas
If you enjoy holiday cocktails, try other favorites such as candy cane punch, a lemon drop martini, or a cranberry and gin martini to expand your festive menu.
Pair this peppermint martini with seasonal appetizers for an elegant holiday spread and enjoy with friends and family.
Peppermint Martini
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Gin
- 1 ounce Dry Vermouth
- 1 ounce Peppermint Schnapps
- 1 Fresh peppermint (optional)
- 3 mini Candy canes (two to crush for the rim, one to garnish)
Instructions
- Add ice, gin, dry vermouth, peppermint schnapps, and a fresh peppermint leaf (if using) to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake or stir for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
- If rimming the glass, crush two mini candy canes on a plate, wet the rim, and roll it in the crushed candy canes.
- Strain into the prepared martini glass and garnish with the remaining mini candy cane or a sprig of peppermint.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 15 g,
Protein: 1 g,
Fat: 1 g,
Sugar: 13 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.