This Peppermint Eggnog Martini is creamy, cozy, and just the right mix of festive and fun.
It’s the drink I pull out when I want to impress during the holidays without a lot of effort.
It tastes like the best parts of winter — cool peppermint, warm nutmeg, and smooth vanilla — all wrapped up in one silky cocktail.
It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and looks super fancy in a glass rimmed with crushed candy canes.
If you like eggnog and you like holiday cocktails, you’re gonna love this.
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz eggnog (cold, store-bought or homemade)
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 tbsp crushed candy canes (for rimming the glass)
- Ice cubes
- Small splash of simple syrup (for rimming)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (for garnish)
- Optional: mini candy cane for garnish
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this on a whim one snowy December when friends popped by last minute. I had eggnog, a little peppermint schnapps, and thought, “Why not shake things up?” Everyone raved, and it’s been my go-to winter cocktail ever since.
- It’s creamy and refreshing at the same time
- Super simple to make but feels fancy
- Perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in
- You can batch it up for guests in no time
Makes
1 serving
Time
5 minutes total
Macros (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Carbs: 19g
- Sugar: 17g
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Alcohol: 2 oz (about 14% ABV)
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Eggnog brings fat and sugar, which helps smooth out the alcohol and carry the flavor of the peppermint and vanilla. Vodka gives it strength without overpowering, and peppermint schnapps adds a cool bite. The crushed candy cane rim adds texture and a sweet crunch that pairs well with the creamy drink.
Common Mistakes
- Not shaking long enough – A quick shake won’t chill it enough. Shake until it’s ice cold.
- Using warm eggnog – Your drink will be lukewarm. Use cold eggnog from the fridge.
- Too much schnapps – A little goes a long way. Don’t overdo it or it’ll taste like mouthwash.
- Skipping the rim – The candy cane rim is part of the magic. Don’t skip it.
What to Serve With
- Holiday cookies (especially shortbread or chocolate peppermint)
- Cheese board with brie and fruit
- Dark chocolate bark
- Spiced nuts
FAQ
Can I use homemade eggnog?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s cold before mixing.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, mix the cocktail base (eggnog, vodka, schnapps) ahead and shake with ice when ready to serve.
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Try using peppermint extract (just a drop) and non-alcoholic vanilla syrup instead of vodka and schnapps.
What if I don’t like peppermint?
Swap the schnapps for coffee liqueur or cinnamon schnapps for a twist.
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix eggnog, vanilla vodka, and peppermint schnapps together in a jar or bottle and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just shake with ice and rim your glass when ready to serve.
How to Make It
Step 1: Rim the glass
Dip the rim of a clean martini glass into a shallow dish of simple syrup, then dip into crushed candy canes until coated.
Step 2: Add ingredients to shaker
In a cocktail shaker, pour in 2 oz cold eggnog, 1 oz vanilla vodka, and 1 oz peppermint schnapps.
Step 3: Add ice and shake
Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker, seal it tight, and shake hard for 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
Step 4: Strain into glass
Strain the shaken cocktail into your candy cane-rimmed glass. It should be smooth and creamy with no ice chunks.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle a small pinch of ground nutmeg on top and hook a mini candy cane on the rim if you’d like.
Leftovers and Storage
Not much to store with a single serving, but if batching, keep the pre-mixed cocktail (before shaking with ice) in the fridge for up to 3 days. Don’t store after it’s been shaken — it loses its texture. Always shake right before serving.
