Hey there, friend! Let’s talk about the perfect festive drink: the Peppermint Baileys Martini. It’s creamy, and chocolatey, and has just the right pop of peppermint to make it feel like Christmas in a glass.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy holiday party or just treating yourself after a long day of shopping and wrapping, this martini is pure magic.
Plus, it’s so easy to make you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Let’s shake this up together!
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1/2 oz chocolate syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
- Crushed candy canes (for rimming the glass)
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
- Mini candy canes (optional, for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Tools:
- Cocktail shaker
- Martini glass
- Small plate (for the rim)
- Measuring jigger
Pro Tips:
- Chill Your Glass: Pop your martini glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes beforehand to keep your drink extra cold and frosty.
- Rim Like a Pro: For the best candy cane rim, use a bit of chocolate syrup instead of water to make the crushed candy canes stick! It adds flavor and looks amazing.
- Customize the Sweetness: Prefer a sweeter drink? Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup into the shaker before mixing.
- Go Boozy or Mild: You can reduce the peppermint schnapps if you want a milder mint flavor, or crank it up for more of a peppermint punch.
- Make It a Mocktail: Swap Baileys and vodka with a non-alcoholic Irish cream substitute and use peppermint extract instead of schnapps.
Substitutions and Variations:
- No Baileys? Use any Irish cream liqueur or try a dairy-free version like Almond Baileys.
- Peppermint Alternative: If you don’t have schnapps, a few drops of peppermint extract work great.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based Irish cream and whipped topping.
- Add Coffee: Mix in a splash of cold brew or espresso for a peppermint mocha vibe.
How to make Peppermint Baileys Martini
1. Prep the Glass
Pour a bit of chocolate syrup onto a small plate. Dip the rim of your martini glass into the syrup, then immediately press it into crushed candy canes to coat. Set aside.
2. Shake It Up
In a cocktail shaker, combine Baileys, vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, and chocolate syrup. Add a handful of ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds until well mixed and chilled.
3. Pour and Garnish
Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings, and a mini candy cane for an extra festive touch.
Make Ahead Tips:
- You can rim the glasses ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Pre-mix the Baileys, vodka, schnapps, and chocolate syrup in a jar and chill. Shake with ice when ready to serve.
Leftovers and Storage:
If you have leftover martini mix (unlikely, but hey, it happens!), store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just shake it with fresh ice before serving.
Wrap-Up
There you have it—your festive, creamy, pepperminty holiday drink is ready to shine! This Peppermint Baileys Martini is sure to make your holidays extra special.
If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you go all out on the garnishes? Leave me a comment below with your thoughts or questions. Cheers, and happy holidays! 🎄🍸
