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Home » Recipes » Drinks

Peppermint Martini

By: Kathryn Doherty | Last Updated: Mar 10, 2025 | Published: Dec 7, 2020
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Peppermint martini is just 3 ingredients and results in a slightly sweet, well-balanced martini with a pop of peppermint in every sip.

A peppermint rimmed coupe glass with a martini garnished with a sprig of mint.


 

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.

Two clear martinis served in glasses with crushed peppermint rims and sprigs of mint for garnish.

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
Overhead of peppermint martinis in clear coupe glasses with peppermint candies scattered around the glasses.

(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.

Two coupe glasses being rimmed with crushed peppermint.

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.

A shot of alcohol being added to a measuring cup that's also a martini shaker.
A shaken martini being poured into a glass.

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!

Peppermint flavored martinis in glasses rimmed with crushed peppermint pieces and garnished with lime.

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

Close up of a peppermint rimmed coupe glass with a martini garnished with a sprig of mint.
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4.67 from 15 votes

Peppermint Martini

Peppermint martini is just 3 ingredients and results in a slightly sweet, well-balanced martini with a pop of peppermint in every sip.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Yield: 3 -4 servings

Ingredients

  • 5 oz. vanilla-flavored vodka
  • 2 oz. white crème de menthe
  • ½ oz. peppermint schnapps
  • Crushed peppermints, for rimming the glasses (optional)
  • Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • If rimming your glasses, dip the rim of each glass in a shallow bowl of water then dip in a shallow dish of finely crushed peppermints, turning slightly to help them adhere evenly.
  • Fill a shaker with ice and add the vodka, crème de menthe and peppermint schnapps. Shake well for at least 15-20 seconds.
  • Strain into prepared martini glasses and serve immediately, with a fresh sprig of mint if desired.

Notes

Try to choose really quality ingredients for this martini because those flavors will really come through. In other words, cheap vodka is not recommended.
The measurements here 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! 
I’ve listed servings as 3-4 because it depends on how you pour it and the size of your glasses. 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 you can borrow something!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 279kcal
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below or follow me on Instagram @familyfoodonthetable and tag me in your photo!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. JimA

    October 11, 2023 at 9:21 pm

    Thought I'd give it a try. Not bad. Had to adjust a little on the ingredients for "my" taste.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Doherty

      October 13, 2023 at 7:20 am

      I'm glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  2. Chloe

    December 14, 2023 at 6:26 am

    Is there an ingredient that can be substituted for the white Cream de Minth. Something as sweet as that but for a healthier drink? Something sugar free but that tastes sweet? Thanks !!Merry Christmas!

    Chloe

    Reply
  3. Amy

    December 04, 2024 at 2:43 pm

    Hi! I can’t wait to try the martini! Do you happen to have a link for the glasses? They’re such a great shape.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Doherty

      December 05, 2024 at 9:27 am

      Hi Amy! I actually don't know where those glasses are from, but these ones from Crate & Barrel look very similar (might even be the same ones): https://www.crateandbarrel.com/ridgecrest-7-oz.-coupe-glass/s104564 I do adore a coupe glass! Hope you enjoy the martini!

      Reply
4.67 from 15 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a cookbook author, mom of two, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes to help you get delicious food on the table for your family!

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