This Chocolate Peppermint Martini is a fun and festive drink! It’s a mix of creamy chocolate and refreshing peppermint, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.
What’s better than sipping on a chocolatey treat? I love adding a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top for a sweet touch. Cheers to tasty sips and holiday vibes! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: You can use plain vodka for a classic taste, or opt for vanilla-flavored vodka for extra sweetness. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, use a vanilla soda or flavored sparkling water.
Chocolate Liqueur: Godiva is a popular choice, but any chocolate liqueur works, such as crème de cacao. If you want a non-alcoholic alternative, you could use chocolate syrup combined with a splash of cream.
Peppermint Schnapps: This gives the drink its minty flavor. If you want something less sweet, you can use mint extract in very small amounts—just a drop or two will do!
Half-and-Half or Cream: Half-and-half creates a nice balance, but if you want a lighter version, use milk. For a vegan alternative, try coconut or almond milk instead.
How Do You Get the Perfect Rim on Your Martini Glass?
Rimming your glass adds a festive touch and a bit of extra flavor! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with crushed peppermint candies in a shallow plate.
- For a sweet coating, drizzle chocolate syrup on the rim of your glass. Tilt and rotate the glass to ensure coverage.
- Immediately dip the rim into the plate of crushed candies, gently pressing to adhere.
- Let it set for a moment before pouring in your drink.
This simple step takes your martini from ordinary to extraordinary!
How to Make a Chocolate Peppermint Martini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka (plain or vanilla-flavored)
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur (e.g., Godiva or crème de cacao)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz half-and-half or cream
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (for rimming glass and garnish)
- Chocolate syrup (optional, for rimming glass)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chocolate Peppermint Martini takes about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy cocktail that’s perfect for holiday parties or cozy evenings at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by placing the crushed peppermint candies in a shallow plate. If you want a sweet rim, drizzle some chocolate syrup on the rim of your martini glass. After that, dip the rim into the crushed candies, making sure to coat it evenly. Set the glass aside while you mix the drink.
2. Mix the Cocktail:
Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice cubes. Pour in the vodka, chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and half-and-half (or cream). Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until everything is well chilled and mixed.
3. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to pour! Strain the mixed cocktail into your prepared martini glass. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some additional crushed peppermint candies on top as a garnish. And there you have it!
4. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and sip on this delightful and creamy chocolate peppermint treat. Cheers to a festive drink that’s delicious and fun!
Can I Make This Drink Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! To create a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka and schnapps with flavored sparkling water or soda. You can still use chocolate syrup for sweetness and richness.
What Can I Use Instead of Peppermint Schnapps?
If you don’t have peppermint schnapps, you can substitute it with peppermint extract. Just use a few drops, as it’s much more concentrated. You might want to add a little extra chocolate liqueur or simple syrup to balance the flavors.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover mixture (before serving), keep it in a sealed container in the fridge but try to consume it within 24 hours. Be aware that the consistency may change when you let it sit. Shake it up again before serving.
Can I Use Different Types of Liqueur for Variation?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations. You could try using Irish cream liqueur instead of chocolate liqueur for a creamy twist or add some coffee liqueur for a mocha flavor.