As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking for ways to get into the spirit. One way to do that is by serving up some festive and refreshing cocktails to our friends and family. And what’s more festive than a peppermint-themed drink? This winter wonderland-inspired ingredient adds a cool and creamy touch to any cocktail, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 delicious peppermint cocktail recipes that are sure to bring some holiday cheer to your next party. From classic cocktails with a peppermint twist to new and creative concoctions, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab your favorite spirit, some crushed candy canes, and let’s get started!
Peppermint Mocha Martini
Kick off your holiday season with this refreshing twist on a classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz Kahlúa liqueur
– 1/2 oz Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1 tsp peppermint extract
– Crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, Kahlúa, and white chocolate liqueur.
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with heavy cream and stir gently to create a layered effect.
6. Add a few drops of peppermint extract (to taste).
7. Garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Enjoy your Peppermint Mocha Martini!
Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Add a grown-up spin to your favorite hot chocolate with this spiked peppermint version. Perfect for cold winter nights or holiday gatherings, this recipe combines rich chocolate and creamy milk with the invigorating flavors of peppermint and vodka.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 shot (1.5 ounces) vodka
– Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming.
2. Add the cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
4. Pour into mugs and add vodka.
5. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Peppermint White Russian
A refreshing twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, this peppermint infused version is perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz white crème de cacao
– 4 oz cream
– 1/2 oz peppermint syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– Ice
– Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, white crème de cacao, and peppermint syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with cream and stir gently.
6. Garnish with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Frosty Peppermint Margarita
Get ready to cool down with this refreshing twist on the classic margarita! This frosty treat combines the invigorating flavor of peppermint with a hint of sweetness and a tangy kick.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce peppermint schnapps
– 1 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– Salt for rimming glass (optional)
– Ice
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add tequila, peppermint schnapps, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This is a quick and easy cocktail recipe that’s ready in just a few minutes.
Peppermint Candy Cane Cosmo
Get into the holiday spirit with this refreshing and festive Peppermint Candy Cane Cosmo! This sweet treat is perfect for a Christmas party or just a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup vodka (peppermint-flavored or regular)
– 1/2 cup triple sec
– 1/2 cup cranberry juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
– Candy cane rim for glasses
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and peppermint extract to the shaker.
3. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain mixture into chilled glasses filled with crushed candy cane for rim.
5. Top each glass off with heavy cream.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.
Peppermint Chocolate Martini
Cool down with this refreshing twist on a classic martini, combining the invigorating flavor of peppermint with rich chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
– 1 ounce vodka (peppermint-flavored or regular)
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1/4 ounce peppermint schnapps
– Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine white chocolate liqueur, vodka, and heavy cream.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Add a splash of peppermint schnapps and gently stir.
5. Garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Enjoy your Peppermint Chocolate Martini!
Iced Peppermint Irish Coffee
This Iced Peppermint Irish Coffee recipe combines the classic flavors of Irish coffee with the invigorating zing of peppermint, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 1 shot of strong brewed coffee
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
– Crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew a shot of strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
2. In a large glass, mix together the cooled coffee, cocoa powder, and sugar until well combined.
3. Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract. Stir until the cream is fully incorporated.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or mintiness as needed.
5. Garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and serve!)
Peppermint Espresso Martini
A refreshing twist on the classic martini, this Peppermint Espresso Martini combines the invigorating flavors of peppermint and espresso to create a unique and revitalizing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces vodka
– 1 ounce Kahlúa coffee liqueur
– 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 ounce freshly brewed espresso
– 1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, Kahlúa, and peppermint schnapps to the shaker.
3. Add 1-2 tablespoons of freshly brewed espresso to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the martini into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (bartending time: approximately 2 minutes)
Peppermint Eggnog Cocktail
Get into the holiday spirit with this refreshing twist on a classic cocktail. This Peppermint Eggnog Cocktail combines the creamy richness of eggnog with the invigorating zing of peppermint.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz eggnog
– 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Crushed candy canes or peppermint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, eggnog, peppermint schnapps, and heavy cream.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled glass.
5. Add a dash of vanilla extract.
6. Garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Peppermint Vodka Spritzer
This Peppermint Vodka Spritzer is the perfect drink to enjoy during the holiday season. The combination of peppermint vodka, lemon-lime soda, and crushed candy canes will transport you to a winter wonderland.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces peppermint vodka
– 4 ounces lemon-lime soda (such as 7-Up or Sprite)
– 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
– Crushed candy canes for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the peppermint vodka and lime juice.
3. Top with lemon-lime soda.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with crushed candy canes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None needed! This spritzer is ready to serve immediately.
Peppermint Gin Fizz
This refreshing cocktail combines the coolness of peppermint with the crispness of gin, perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a unique twist on a classic gin fizz.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 3-4 dashes peppermint extract
– Club soda
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and peppermint extract to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, after all!
Peppermint Rum Punch
Beat the winter blues with this invigorating Peppermint Rum Punch, perfect for holiday gatherings and parties. This easy-to-make recipe combines the classic flavors of peppermint and rum in a refreshing drink that’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dark rum
– 1/2 cup peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup crushed ice
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine dark rum, peppermint schnapps, pineapple juice, and simple syrup.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Add lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
4. Fill glasses with crushed ice and pour the Peppermint Rum Punch over the ice.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Peppermint Bourbon Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic smash. The combination of peppermint-infused bourbon, crushed ice, and a splash of citrus creates a cool and invigorating drink perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz peppermint-infused bourbon
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 3-4 mint leaves
– Crushed ice
– Sliced peaches or orange, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
2. Add peppermint-infused bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add 3-4 mint leaves to the shaker and muddle gently to release oils and flavors.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
6. Garnish with sliced peaches or orange, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Peppermint Prosecco Sparkler
Refresh your senses with this revitalizing Peppermint Prosecco Sparkler, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of Prosecco or sparkling wine (750ml)
– 1/2 cup freshly brewed peppermint tea
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Chill the Prosecco in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Brew a strong pot of peppermint tea according to package instructions.
3. Allow the tea to cool down to room temperature.
4. In a large glass, combine 1/2 cup of cooled peppermint tea and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
5. Pour the chilled Prosecco into the glass with the tea mixture.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe doesn’t involve cooking.
Peppermint Amaretto Sour
Combine the invigorating flavors of peppermint and amaretto with a hint of citrus, and you’ll have a unique and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1 oz amaretto liqueur
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/4 oz peppermint syrup (see note)
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, amaretto, lime juice, and peppermint syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Note: To make peppermint syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool before using.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation time: 5-7 minutes)
Peppermint Coconut Mojito
Cool down with this unique blend of peppermint and coconut, combining the best of both worlds in a refreshing cocktail. This Peppermint Coconut Mojito is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces white rum
– 1 ounce peppermint syrup (or 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves and simple syrup)
– 1 ounce coconut cream
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 6-8 ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add rum, peppermint syrup (or fresh mint and simple syrup), and coconut cream.
3. Squeeze in a lime wedge and drop it in the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Peppermint Gingerbread Martini
Escape to a winter wonderland with this refreshing twist on the classic martini, infused with peppermint and gingerbread flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz ginger liqueur
– 1 oz heavy cream
– 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
– Crushed candy canes or peppermint crumbs for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, ginger liqueur, and peppermint schnapps.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Top with heavy cream and simple syrup, holding back the foam with a spoon.
5. Garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint crumbs.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, no cooking required.
Peppermint Cranberry Sangria
Perfect for holiday gatherings or warm-weather soirees, this Peppermint Cranberry Sangria combines the tartness of cranberries with the invigorating zing of peppermint. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for serving in large quantities.
Ingredients:
• 1 bottle of white wine (chardonnay or sauvignon blanc work well)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup peppermint schnapps
• 1/4 cup triple sec
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 sprig of fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cranberries and sugar. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Add the white wine, peppermint schnapps, triple sec, and lime juice to the pitcher. Stir well to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Serve the sangria over ice in tall glasses and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Peppermint Maple Old Fashioned
This Peppermint Maple Old Fashioned combines the classic flavors of bourbon and bitters with the invigorating zing of peppermint and the sweetness of maple syrup, creating a unique and refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz peppermint simple syrup (see below)
• 1/4 oz maple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Peppermint sprigs for garnish
Peppermint Simple Syrup:
– Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan. Heat, stirring until dissolved.
– Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup dried peppermint leaves. Let steep for at least 30 minutes.
– Strain and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, peppermint simple syrup, maple syrup, and bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a peppermint sprig.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)
Peppermint Rosemary Gin Cocktail
Revitalize your spirits with this refreshing twist on the classic gin cocktail. The combination of peppermint and rosemary creates a unique and revitalizing flavor profile that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce peppermint syrup (see note)
– 1/4 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/4 ounce simple syrup
– 2 sprigs of rosemary, plus more for garnish
– Club soda
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, peppermint syrup, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a few sprigs of rosemary to the shaker (don’t worry about the leaves getting in there!).
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Top with club soda and garnish with additional rosemary sprigs.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, after all!
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these refreshing peppermint cocktail recipes! From classic mochas to festive fizzes, we’ve got you covered. Try the Peppermint Mocha Martini, Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate, or Peppermint White Russian for a sweet and sophisticated treat. Or, go bold with the Frosty Peppermint Margarita or Peppermint Candy Cane Cosmo. With 20 recipes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect drink to bring cheer to your holiday gatherings.