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Home » Recipes » Beverages

Published: Dec 3, 2022 by Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Peppermint-Chocolate Martini

Jump to Recipe
Two chocolate peppermint martinis on a marble surface with peppermint bark and candy canes around them with text overlay on the photo.

‘Tis the season to give your holiday cocktail menu a sweet and jolly flair with this decadent peppermint-chocolate martini! Featuring cooling peppermint schnapps, rich chocolate liqueur and crème de cacao, this Christmas dessert martini is a favorite cocktail for any holiday party. After one sip, you’ll want to make this festive martini a Christmas tradition.

Looking down on two peppermint-chocolate martini cocktails on a white marble countertop with a Christmas tree in the background.
Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Expert Tips
  • Perfect Pairing
  • Get More Christmas Cocktails
  • 📖 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dessert in a glass: Love a sweet treat? This martini is your dream cocktail. It’s bursting with chocolate flavor with just the right touch of sweet peppermint. You won’t find a more perfect after-dinner drink for the holiday season.

Batching option for your holiday parties: While you can certainly shake up a couple cocktails at a time, you also have the option to scale up the recipe to keep your hosting responsibilities light on party day. You have good company to enjoy.

Quick and simple: You don’t need to be an advanced bartender to make this Christmas martini, and this easy cocktail requires very little hands-on preparation time.

Related: For more holiday cocktails, try my sparkling pomegranate martini, Sugar Plum Fairy Martini and Baileys chocolate martini.

Ingredients

The peppermint martini ingredients on a white marble countertop with black and white labels.

Chocolate liqueur: Not only does this give us an intense chocolate flavor but it also adds a creaminess with its silky finish. I used the Godiva brand in the milk chocolate variety. Mozart is another popular brand. If you'd like to make this into a white chocolate-peppermint martini, simply substitute the milk chocolate variety for white chocolate liqueur.

Crème de cacao: While this is a chocolate bean-flavored liqueur, it’s distinctly different from the above ingredient, which is sweeter with more of a creamy, syrup-like texture. You’ll see it in both dark and white varieties. This recipe was specifically tested with the white crème de cacao, which shows off vanilla notes as well. 

Vanilla vodka: You’ll love the way the vanilla complements the peppermint schnapps and adds another layer of sweet flavor. That said, you can substitute plain vodka if need be. Some peppermint martini recipes use peppermint vodka, but I don't think it's necessary with the schnapps.

Heavy cream: This gives our holiday martini a decadent touch. You can also substitute this for half and half.

Peppermint schnapps: It doesn't take much to get that strong peppermint flavor, so we just need a small amount. Don't pour with a heavy hand here.

Chocolate sauce and peppermint bark: We use these two ingredients to make that festive garnish. Although the garnish is optional, it adds some extra holiday fun.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Let’s begin by preparing our martini glasses with that peppermint bark garnish. For this step, we swirl the rim of the glass into the chocolate syrup and then dip it into the grated peppermint bark on a shallow plate (photo 1). Our chocolate rim is now ready.

A hand swirling the martini glass into grated peppermint bark with a plate of chocolate sauce in the background.

Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, we add the chocolate liqueur, white crème de cacao, vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, heavy cream and a handful of ice (photo 2). 

A hand pouring a shot of chocolate liqueur into a crystal cocktail shaker on a marble countertop.

Step 3: Now we put the cocktail shaker top on the glass and shake well (photo 3). About 20-30 seconds works well here.

Two hands shaking a crystal cocktail shaker against a white background to mix the drink.

Step 4: All that’s left is to strain the chocolate-peppermint martini into the glass (photo 4). If you'd like, you could even add a peppermint stick to go along with the chocolate-rimmed glass for even more holiday cheer.

A hand holding the cocktail shaker to strain the drink into a martini glass on a white marble countertop.

In four easy steps, we now have the most festive Christmas martini ready for sipping. Put on some Christmas music and enjoy those holiday vibes!

Recipe FAQs

How do you grate peppermint bark?

This process is easy as can be — simply run the peppermint bark along a box grater. I used the big holes, but you can use the small holes if you prefer a smaller grate, more like a dusting of peppermint bark. This process also works for grating chocolate.

Can you make this drink ahead of time?

Absolutely. To make this peppermint-chocolate martini ahead of party time, stir together the chocolate liqueur, white crème de cacao, vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps and heavy cream in a pitcher and keep it in the refrigerator covered for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, pour 4 ½ ounces per drink into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. The standard cocktail shaker can handle two drinks at a time.

If you don’t want to bother shaking, I recommend adding a handful of ice to the pitcher, stirring for about 30 seconds and then using a slotted spoon to remove any ice. Without shaking, you’ll miss out on the dilution, but this gives you some of that. Stir again before serving. Please note that I recommend shaking for best results.

Is this drink strong?

This drink goes down oh-so smoothly, but the vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, crème de cacao and peppermint schnapps all have a kick. Sip slowly, friends.

Two peppermint-chocolate martinis on a white marble countertop with crushed peppermint bark all around them.

Expert Tips

Serve in a chilled glass: Since this peppermint martini recipe calls for serving it straight up without ice, a chilled glass keeps your sipping experience nice and cool. For a perfectly chilled glass, keep it in the freezer for 30 minutes ahead of serving.

No worries if you forget, though. You can instead fill the martini glass with water and ice cubes while mixing. Stir the water and ice for about 30 seconds before straining, dump the contents, and you’re left with a chilled glass.

Use the proper shaking technique: For the proper shake, we want to use two hands and hold the glass at an angle.

Buy a miniature bottle of peppermint schnapps: A little bit of peppermint schnapps goes a long way. If you don’t drink it very often, you can save a few bucks by buying one of those miniature bottles instead of a full-size handle.

Get creative with garnishes: While I love grated peppermint bark, you have other fun options. For instance, you can use crushed candy canes, shaved chocolate, cocoa powder or holiday sprinkles.

Perfect Pairing

This sweet martini calls for dessert, and I have two perfect recipes for you — this peppermint bark ice cream and peppermint chocolate chip cookies. They have all the pepperminty goodness to match our drink. A rich, chocolatey dessert would work just as well, and these ultra fudgy brownies are perfect. 

For the most luscious holiday cocktail, I hope you try this peppermint-chocolate martini. Every sip is sure to make you feel some Christmas cheer. 

Cheers!

Two peppermint-chocolate martini cocktails on a white marble countertop with ornaments and chocolate around them.

Get More Christmas Cocktails

  • The Best Baileys Eggnog
  • Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned
  • Winter Wonderland Margarita
  • Cranberry French 75

If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, and you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.

📖 Recipe

Looking down on two peppermint-chocolate martini cocktails on a white marble countertop with a Christmas tree in the background.

Peppermint-Chocolate Martini

‘Tis the season to give your holiday cocktail menu a sweet and jolly flair with this decadent peppermint-chocolate martini! Featuring cooling peppermint schnapps, rich chocolate liqueur and crème de cacao, this Christmas dessert martini is a favorite cocktail for any holiday party. After one sip, you’ll want to make this festive martini a Christmas tradition.
5 from 87 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 410kcal
Author: Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or small measuring cup

Ingredients

  • Chocolate sauce for garnish, optional
  • Grated peppermint bark for garnish, optional
  • 1 ½ ounces chocolate liqueur such as Godiva or Mozart
  • 1 ounce white crème de cacao
  • 1 ounce vanilla vodka
  • ½ ounce peppermint schnapps
  • ½ ounce heavy cream
  • Ice

Instructions

  • If desired, dip the rim of the serving glass into the chocolate sauce and then swirl it in the grated peppermint bark. Set aside.
  • Add the chocolate liqueur, white crème de cacao, vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, heavy cream and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker.
  • Put on the top and shake vigorously, about 20-30 seconds.
  • Strain into the martini glass. Enjoy!

Notes

8-serving pitcher: Stir together the 1 ½ cups chocolate liqueur, 1 cup white crème de cacao, 1 cup vanilla vodka, ½ cup peppermint schnapps and ½ cup heavy cream in a pitcher and keep it in the refrigerator covered for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, pour 4 ½ ounces per drink into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. The standard cocktail shaker can handle two drinks at a time.
If you don’t want to bother shaking, I recommend adding a handful of ice to the pitcher, stirring for about 30 seconds and then using a slotted spoon to remove any ice. Without shaking, you’ll miss out on the dilution, but this gives you some of that. Stir again before serving. Please note that I recommend shaking for best results.
  • Serve in a chilled glass. For a perfectly chilled glass, keep it in the freezer for 30 minutes ahead of serving. If you forget, you can instead fill the martini glass with water and ice cubes while mixing. Stir the water and ice for about 30 seconds before straining, dump the contents, and you’re left with a chilled glass. 
  • Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 14mg | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 208IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.01mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @BurrataandBubbles or tag #burratandbubbles!

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Amy Liu Dong says

    December 12, 2022 at 3:31 am

    5 stars
    This was such a pretty delicious drink to prepare for this holiday. My sister came over last weekend, and I often make your drinks when we have our visits. She loved this one too!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 12, 2022 at 6:49 am

      Sounds like such a fun way to spend time together! Cheers!

      Reply
  2. Amy says

    December 11, 2022 at 5:26 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for the pitcher directions. We had a holiday party with some friends and this drink was a hit. I especially loved the peppermint bark rim.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 11, 2022 at 6:20 pm

      You're welcome! I'm glad that was helpful. Happy holidays!

      Reply
  3. Ann says

    December 11, 2022 at 12:22 pm

    5 stars
    This drink was so festive and great to make for the holidays! We had some friends over last night and made it for them, and they just loved it.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 11, 2022 at 6:23 pm

      That's great to hear! Thanks, Ann.

      Reply
  4. Tristin says

    December 11, 2022 at 9:23 am

    5 stars
    I love a great holiday cocktail and this one is so pretty, too! Definitely added the grated peppermint bark to the rim of the glass, yum.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 11, 2022 at 10:12 am

      It really does make it extra fun! Thanks for trying it.

      Reply
  5. Jamie says

    December 11, 2022 at 6:25 am

    5 stars
    Such an awesome drink! It had the perfect peppermint flavor.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 11, 2022 at 6:22 pm

      Glad you loved it, Jamie!

      Reply
  6. Cathleen says

    December 10, 2022 at 9:38 am

    5 stars
    This is my kind of martini!! This is perfect for the holidays, thank you so much for sharing the recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 10, 2022 at 10:15 am

      You are very welcome!

      Reply
  7. Maggie says

    December 09, 2022 at 8:57 pm

    5 stars
    The hubby and I love a good cocktail. I made it for him this weekend. It was a hit!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 10, 2022 at 8:16 am

      Thanks so much for trying it!

      Reply
  8. Leslie says

    December 09, 2022 at 7:02 am

    5 stars
    Vanilla vodka and peppermint schnapps is the BEST combination...especially added with a chocolate drizzle like you suggested! Love this recipe!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 09, 2022 at 8:46 am

      Thanks so much, Leslie!

      Reply
  9. Megan says

    December 09, 2022 at 3:21 am

    5 stars
    Now this is one recipe I will need to make again in the weeks ahead! I love chocolate and peppermint and this martini was right up my alley. Thanks for coming up with these amazing recipes.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 10, 2022 at 10:25 am

      You're very welcome, Megan! It's a true joy.

      Reply
  10. Sharon says

    December 07, 2022 at 6:21 pm

    5 stars
    I just loved how the grated peppermint bark added a delicious layer of sweetness. So pretty too. I'll be sipping on this throughout the holidays. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 08, 2022 at 9:56 am

      Cheers to that!

      Reply
  11. Jessica says

    December 07, 2022 at 12:26 pm

    5 stars
    I love the peppermint bark around the edge! I've been looking for a party drink to serve, so I gave this a run last night. Everyone is going to love it. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 07, 2022 at 1:43 pm

      You're very welcome, Jessica!

      Reply
  12. veenaazmanov says

    December 07, 2022 at 8:42 am

    5 stars
    Thanks for such a classy recipe. The peppermint-chocolate combination is one of my favorites for the season.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 07, 2022 at 1:31 pm

      Me too! Enjoy the holiday season!

      Reply
  13. Amanda Mason says

    December 07, 2022 at 8:02 am

    5 stars
    Your drink recipes are so good! I've made many of them and this one did not disappoint either! Loved the flavor and it's perfect for an upcoming holiday party I have in 2 weeks!!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 07, 2022 at 1:16 pm

      Thank you so much! They're my favorite to create. Have so much fun with your party!

      Reply
  14. Kathryn says

    December 06, 2022 at 5:16 pm

    5 stars
    This is my favorite kind of peppermint chocolate to indulge in during the holidays! You're cocktails are always my favorite and I love your holiday editions!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 06, 2022 at 6:36 pm

      Thank you so much for the sweet comment, Kathryn! I'm so glad you enjoy them. They're truly my favorite to share. Happy holidays!

      Reply

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A headshot of Amanda, the owner of Burrata and Bubbles, holding a beer.

Hi, I'm Amanda, a Denver-based lady who believes life is best spent with comforting meals, tasty beverages and good company. When I'm not playing in the kitchen, I'm probably exploring new breweries with my husband, Matt, or obsessing over my adorable dog, Baylor.

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