Looking for a festive holiday cocktail that feels like a treat in a glass? This Bailey’s Peppermint Martini is your perfect holiday indulgence. Creamy, minty, and with just the right hint of chocolate, this cocktail is a showstopper for any holiday gathering or a cozy night in by the fire.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This cocktail combines the rich, velvety flavor of Bailey’s Irish Cream with the refreshing coolness of peppermint schnapps. It’s easy to make, feels luxurious, and has a beautiful holiday presentation. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this martini will instantly elevate your festive vibes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to shake up this holiday cocktail. The full list of ingredients and proportions is detailed below.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream
- Peppermint schnapps
- Vanilla vodka
- Crème de cacao (optional, for a touch of chocolate)
- Ice cubes
- Candy canes or crushed peppermint candies for garnish
- Whipped cream (optional, for extra indulgence)
Directions
- Start by preparing your glass: rim the edge with water or simple syrup, then dip it into crushed peppermint candies for a festive look.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add Bailey’s Irish Cream, peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka, and crème de cacao if using.
- Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- Garnish with a mini candy cane on the rim or a dollop of whipped cream and extra peppermint sprinkles if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use high-quality vanilla vodka for a smooth, balanced flavor.
- For an extra frosty touch, chill your martini glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Don’t have peppermint schnapps? Substitute with crème de menthe for a similar minty flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup to the inside of the glass before pouring the cocktail for a festive swirl effect.
- Swap the Bailey’s for a dairy-free cream liqueur to make this cocktail vegan-friendly.
- For a stronger peppermint punch, increase the amount of peppermint schnapps slightly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This martini is perfect on its own, but it pairs beautifully with holiday desserts like chocolate truffles, shortbread cookies, or a rich chocolate mousse. Serve it as a dessert cocktail to end your holiday meal on a sweet note.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, mix the ingredients (without the ice) and store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes! Substitute Bailey’s with a non-alcoholic Irish cream, use peppermint syrup instead of schnapps, and replace the vodka with a splash of vanilla extract and milk.
What’s the best garnish for this martini?
Crushed candy canes are classic, but you can also use chocolate shavings, a peppermint stick, or even a rim of cocoa powder.
Can I make this martini without a shaker?
Absolutely! Use a mason jar or any sealed container to shake the ingredients with ice.
What if I don’t have Bailey’s?
You can use any cream liqueur or a mix of heavy cream and a touch of sugar for a creamy base.
Conclusion
The Bailey’s Peppermint Martini is a holiday cocktail that’s as festive as it is delicious. With its creamy texture, minty freshness, and sweet chocolatey undertones, it’s the ultimate way to toast the season. Gather your ingredients, shake it up, and sip your way to holiday bliss. Cheers!
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Bailey’s Peppermint Martini
- Prep Time: 4 minutes minutes
- Total Time: 4 minutes minutes
- Yield: 1 martini 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and festive Bailey’s Peppermint Martini is the ultimate holiday cocktail. With the smoothness of Bailey’s, the cool touch of peppermint, and a hint of vodka, this martini is perfect for sipping at holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces Smirnoff Peppermint Twist Vodka
- 1.5 ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 0.5 ounce chocolate syrup for garnish and rimming
- 1 candy cane for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare your martini glass by drizzling chocolate syrup inside the glass to create a decorative swirl. For an extra touch, you can rim the glass with chocolate syrup as well.
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Place the glass in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
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In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the peppermint vodka and Bailey’s Irish Cream.
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Shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled and fully combined.
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Strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass.
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Garnish with a candy cane and serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra festive rim, dip the martini glass in melted chocolate and crushed candy cane before adding the cocktail.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding a splash of simple syrup if desired.
- Chill the Bailey’s Irish Cream before mixing for a colder, smoother cocktail.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 martini
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg