Peppermint martini is just 3 ingredients and results in a slightly sweet, well-balanced martini with a pop of peppermint in every sip.

This past weekend we were home, as usual for this year, but we made some gingerbread cookies, saw some friends and families outdoors (and with masks on) and got our new fire pit delivered.

We also played lots of board games, worked on a holiday puzzle, did some holiday-themed coloring pages and watched Home Alone. 

I'm pretty full up and happy with all of that! ❤️

So let's move right along and talk fun drinks.

Last week I shared a lemon drop martini, which is so light and refreshing. And I’ve been digging through my notes of drink recipes to bring more to you.

I mean, it’s 2020 after all. 😉

Today it’s this fun and festive peppermint martini.

It’s clear and unassuming looking, but that’s just a ruse.

This baby packs a punch and will give you a pop of peppermint with every sip.

It’s just right for December and the holiday season and a great one to try out for cocktail hour.

It takes just 3 ingredients, too:

1. Vanilla flavored vodka
2. White creme de menthe
3. Peppermint schnapps

(If you don't have any - or all - of these ingredients, keep reading below for a favorite tip in that department.)

OK, let’s get to mixing.

Now, I’ve got some notes and tips coming up on how to make a peppermint martini. Just tryin’ to be helpful.

If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.

Recipe Notes:

• Try to choose top quality ingredients for this martini because those flavors will really come through. In other words, cheap vodka is not recommended.
• The measurements in the recipe card below make a really well-balanced martini. However, everyone has different tastes, so if you’d like to adjust this (add more vodka or peppermint schnapps, for instance), feel free!
• This makes a strong drink, so please keep that in mind and remember to drink responsibly.
• Also, I’ve listed servings as 3-4 because it depends on how you pour it. My go-to martini glasses at home happen to be kinda huge, so I end up with a big glass. You can of course adjust the quantities to make more - or fewer - martinis to suit your needs.

Pro tip: Many liquor stores sell mini bottles of certain speciality items, such as vanilla vodka. That can be a great way to try out new drinks without committing to buying a larger and more expensive bottle.

Or ask a neighbor if they have it. I love to share these types of speciality items with friends and neighbors so we don’t all crowd out our liquor cabinets.

As for garnishes and toppings…

Crushed peppermints (either from actual mints or from crushed up candy canes) make a really fun and pretty rim for the glasses.

You can skip it, however, if you prefer. (I know I don’t garnish my drinks at home when it’s just me. Though if I’m hopping on a Zoom call with my girl friends, I might!)

You could also add a sprig of mint or serve these with a small mini candy cane over the rim of the glass.

Finally, if you are looking for some more festive fun in the drink department, check out my poinsettia cocktail and champagne brunch punch. So fun for brunch or a morning beverage!

I have another delicious martini coming your way later this week, too, so stay tuned. (Update: Check out this pomegranate martini.)

You can sign up for my free e-newsletter to get all of my new recipes delivered straight to your inbox so you never miss a thing. I’ll even send you my free e-cookbook, Healthy Weeknight Dinners, as a thank you!

Cheers to you and to a happy holiday season!

XO,

Kathryn