Festive Chocolate and Peppermint Martini Recipe

Whether you're looking for an easy after dinner drink for the holiday season or something to satisfy that sweet tooth, this chocolate peppermint martini is just the ticket. Plus, the chocolate and peppermint rimmed martini glass makes for an impressive, festive presentation. Everyone's going to love it!

this recipe

To me, chocolate and peppermint is a perfect combination of flavors. During the holidays, I gravitate towards that famous Williams-Sonoma peppermint bark. Are you like me? If so, this easy cocktail is right up your alley.

With only a handful of ingredients, it's an easy drink to make for dinner guests. You can even prep the rim of the glass ahead of time and shake up a cocktail to order. Or, mix one up to enjoy while sitting in front of the fire after a fun snow day. This recipe is one you're going to want to add to your collection.

I love a cocktail to sip on while enjoying a sweet treat, and this drink is perfect for that. Serve it with my Southern Coca Cola cake, especially if you're a chocoholic like me. I think Santa would probably enjoy one too on Christmas Eve paired with my chocolate chip, pretzel, and marshmallow cookies. That will for sure get you on the "nice" list.

Speaking of Christmas, it's also really yummy with my white chocolate Chex mix and Oreo peppermint bark. And, if you need a non-alcoholic option, this slow cooker hot chocolate is perfect. Ready to spread some holiday cheer? Let's make it!

Ingredients

Before we get started, let's gather the ingredients we need for this peppermint chocolate martini recipe:

• chocolate liqueur
• creme de cacao
• peppermint vodka
• half and half
• melted semi-sweet chocolate
• peppermint candies or candy canes

(See recipe card for quantities.)

Instructions

Now that we've got our ingredients, let's make this chocolate peppermint cocktail!

1. First, dip the rim of a martini glass (or martini glasses) in the melted chocolate, turning to coat evenly. Remove any excess and dip the chocolate rimmed glass in the crushed peppermint candy. Set aside.

2. Then, add ice to a cocktail shaker. Add the chocolate liqueur, crème de cacao, peppermint vodka, and half and half. Shake vigorously until the mixture is chilled. Strain into the glass.

Hint: This makes enough for 1 large cocktail or 2 smaller cocktails. To prep for your holiday party, make a large batch of the creamy cocktail and refrigerate ahead of time.

Substitutions

Need to swap out some ingredients? Here are some suggestions:

• Peppermint Vodka - You can use peppermint schnapps instead of peppermint vodka if you'd like. It's a little stronger in peppermint flavor, so you may want to cut some of it with regular vodka. You can also add a little peppermint extract and regular vodka.
• Half and Half - Use regular milk instead of half and half if you prefer. Or for a richer version, use heavy cream or whipping cream.
• Dairy Free - For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk instead of half and half.

Variations

Check out these easy variations to this recipe:

• White Chocolate Peppermint Martini Recipe - Use white chocolate liqueur and white crème de cacao for a snowy white version of this cocktail. Instead of semisweet chocolate, melt white chocolate chips for the chocolate-rimmed glass.
• Chocolate and Vanilla Martini - Instead of peppermint vodka, use vanilla vodka.
• Mudslide Garnish - Drizzle chocolate syrup on the inside of the glass before adding the cocktail.

Equipment

Here's the equipment you'll need to make this recipe:

• liquid measuring cup
• measuring spoons
• cocktail shaker
• rolling pin
• small bowl

Storage

If you want to make this cocktail ahead of time, just strain and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips

When developing and testing recipes, here are some key things that I do for more success in the kitchen:

• Be sure to use dry measuring cups for things like flour, sugar, and mayonnaise and a liquid measuring cup for things like water, milk, and broth.
• When measuring dry ingredients like flour and powdered sugar that can pack down, spoon the ingredient into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife as opposed to scooping the measuring cup into the ingredient.
• I test and develop recipes using a standard electric oven and standard gas stovetop. Be aware that if you use an electric stovetop or convection oven, your bake times will be different.
• When recipes call for kosher salt, I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt.

Food safety

Finally, don't forget to keep these food safety tips in mind when making this recipe.

• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.