3-Ingredient Peppermint Mocha Martini

Looking for that perfect Christmas cocktail to ring in the Holidays? This Cheery Peppermint Mocha Martini is decadent and festive in both appearance and flavor.

The use of Baileys here gives it a distinct creamy flavor, amplified by the chocolate liqueur and then freshened up with a dash of Peppermint Schnapps and candy cane garnish.

As a busy mom who loves to indulge, I appreciate a decadent cocktail recipe that only requires 3 ingredients and about 5 minutes to shake up, especially around the Holidays!

And between this and my Decadent White Chocolate Martini, my family and friends are always showing up at my house at cocktail hour this time of year!

Peppermint Mocha Martini Ingredient Highlights

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Any brand of chocolate liqueur will do here. I usually use Mozart.

You can also use Baileys Almande or Original Irish Cream in place of the Baileys Espresso Creme, but the extra coffee flavor in the Espresso Creme makes it more a true “mocha”.

About the candy cane. Sure, it’s a super cute garnish. That’s a given. But it also partially dissolves into your drink and gives it a more pepperminty flavor.

If you don’t have a candy cane on hand or choose not to include one in your cocktail, you can add an extra 1/2 ounce of Peppermint Schnapps. This will make up for that little bit of extra peppermint the candy cane adds.

If you don’t have chocolate syrup, you can use melted chocolate or just omit it.

Peppermint Mocha Martini Tips and Tricks

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How I Garnish My Rim to Make it Minty and Festive

I like to crush one of my candy canes up for the rim and leave the second intact for garnish.

I used a mortar and pestle to crush my candy cane, but you can also opt to put your candy cane in a storage bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.

I like to use my finger to wet the rim of the glass with chocolate syrup. You can then easily dip your glass into the crushed candy cane and be left with your candy cane rim.

Adding a little chocolate syrup to the inside of the glass is also encouraged to kick up the chocolate flavor.

Cool it Down

Pour the Baileys, Chocolate Liqueur, and Peppermint Schnapps over ice. It’s best to use a cocktail mixing glass or cocktail shaker so you can easily integrate your ingredients.

This martini is best when chilled by mixing it with ice rather than serving over ice. You really want a super smooth finish.

Mix it Up!

Whether you’re using a cocktail mixer or cocktail shaker, make sure to stir (or shake!) well.

Stirring will help you get a smooth, creamy finish. It aerates the drink and gives it a little more volume.

Serve it Cold

Of course, you will get a nice chill from mixing or shaking with ice, but if you want to savor your cocktail and keep it colder longer, you have two tricks up your sleeve.

You can either store your peppermint schnapps in the freezer or you can stick your martini glass in the freezer about 30 minutes before making your cocktail.