The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in festive drinks, and nothing says “holiday spirit” quite like a frosty, minty cocktail. If you’re looking for the ultimate winter-themed drink, Frosty’s Peppermint Martini is a deliciously cool and refreshing choice. This delightful martini blends the sweet, creamy flavors of vanilla vodka with the crisp, minty goodness of peppermint schnapps, resulting in a perfectly balanced drink that will impress your guests at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking to try something new, this peppermint martini is an easy-to-make, show-stopping cocktail that brings the magic of winter to your glass.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz white crème de cacao (optional for extra richness)
- 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half (for creaminess)
- 1-2 crushed candy canes (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream (optional for topping)
- Mini candy cane (for garnish)
- Mint leaves (optional for a fresh touch)
- Rim the glass (optional):
- Crushed peppermint candy
- Simple syrup or honey (for sticking the candy to the rim)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the glass
Begin by preparing your martini glass for the festive flair. Take a small plate, spread out crushed candy canes or peppermint candy, and set it aside. Wet the rim of the martini glass with simple syrup or honey, then dip the rim into the crushed peppermint to coat it evenly. This adds a fun and crunchy touch to every sip.
Step 2: Chill the glass
Place the prepared martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill while you mix the cocktail. A frosty glass helps to enhance the overall crispness of the drink.
Step 3: Mix the ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add a generous handful of ice cubes. Pour in 1 ½ oz of vanilla vodka, 1 oz of peppermint schnapps, 1 oz of white crème de cacao (if using), and 1 oz of heavy cream or half-and-half. The white crème de cacao provides a subtle chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the peppermint, while the cream gives the martini a smooth, luxurious texture.
Step 4: Shake it up
Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds. The key to a perfect martini is ensuring that all the ingredients are well-chilled and blended, giving the cocktail a silky, smooth finish. Shaking the mixture also creates a slight froth, adding to the martini’s creamy appeal.
Step 5: Strain and serve
Remove the chilled martini glass from the freezer. Using a strainer, pour the mixture into the glass, ensuring the cocktail has a smooth, velvety consistency without any unwanted ice chunks. The frosted glass paired with the creamy white cocktail creates an irresistible visual appeal.
Step 6: Garnish and decorate
Top off your Frosty’s Peppermint Martini with a swirl of whipped cream if desired. Garnish with a mini candy cane for a festive look, and optionally add a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of green color. For an extra special touch, you can sprinkle some additional crushed candy cane over the whipped cream.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peppermint Martini: Add 1 oz of chocolate liqueur or chocolate syrup to the mix for a decadent, dessert-like version of this martini.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream or half-and-half with a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk, for a vegan-friendly cocktail.
- Peppermint Mocha Martini: Add a splash of cold espresso or coffee liqueur to create a peppermint mocha version, perfect for coffee lovers.
- Extra Minty: If you love an intense peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint schnapps to 1 ½ oz, ensuring your martini has an extra icy kick.
COOKING Note:
- The key to the perfect Frosty’s Peppermint Martini is balance. Peppermint schnapps can be quite strong, so make sure it doesn’t overpower the vanilla vodka or creaminess of the drink.
- For those who prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, slightly reduce the cream or opt for a lighter splash of crème de cacao. Alternatively, the crème de cacao can be omitted altogether for a purer mint experience.
- Be cautious when using crushed candy canes for the rim. They can add sweetness to each sip, so adjust your sugar levels based on personal preference.
Serving Suggestions:
Frosty’s Peppermint Martini is best served chilled and in elegant martini glasses for a classic look. If you’re hosting a holiday party, consider making a martini station where guests can rim their own glasses with crushed peppermint candy and customize their martinis with different garnishes like whipped cream, mini candy canes, and mint leaves. Pair this cocktail with festive finger foods like gingerbread cookies, chocolate truffles, or even a savory charcuterie board to balance the sweetness of the martini.
Tips:
- Chill everything: From the shaker to the glass to the ingredients, keeping everything ice-cold ensures a crisp, refreshing cocktail every time.
- Use quality vodka: Since the flavor of the vodka is prominent in this drink, opting for a high-quality vanilla vodka will elevate the overall taste.
- Make it a batch: Hosting a holiday gathering? You can make this martini in larger quantities by scaling up the ingredients. Simply stir in a pitcher and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Total Time: 5-7 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 30mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this martini ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can mix the vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, crème de cacao, and cream together in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply shake with ice and pour into the prepared glasses.
Q: What if I don’t have vanilla vodka?
A: No problem! You can use regular vodka and add a few drops of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Q: Is this cocktail very sweet?
A: It has a balanced sweetness. The cream and vanilla vodka mellow out the stronger peppermint schnapps, but if you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the amount of peppermint schnapps or skip the candy rim.
Q: Can I add ice to the martini?
A: Traditional martinis are served without ice in the glass, but if you prefer it super cold, you can add a couple of ice cubes. Just note that as the ice melts, it will dilute the drink.
Q: Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the vodka and peppermint schnapps with peppermint extract and a non-alcoholic vanilla syrup. You’ll still have a deliciously festive drink without the alcohol.
Conclusion:
Frosty’s Peppermint Martini is the ultimate winter cocktail that brings a frosty, festive twist to any holiday celebration. Its smooth, creamy texture combined with the cooling taste of peppermint creates a perfectly balanced drink that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you’re relaxing by the fireplace or hosting a holiday party, this martini is sure to be a hit. Pair it with your favorite holiday treats, and you’ve got yourself a merry and bright experience. So go ahead, shake up some holiday cheer and enjoy this cool, minty martini!
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Frosty’s Peppermint Martini
- Total Time: 5-7 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz white crème de cacao (optional for extra richness)
- 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half (for creaminess)
- 1–2 crushed candy canes (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream (optional for topping)
- Mini candy cane (for garnish)
- Mint leaves (optional for a fresh touch)
- Rim the glass (optional):
- Crushed peppermint candy
- Simple syrup or honey (for sticking the candy to the rim)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the glass
Begin by preparing your martini glass for the festive flair. Take a small plate, spread out crushed candy canes or peppermint candy, and set it aside. Wet the rim of the martini glass with simple syrup or honey, then dip the rim into the crushed peppermint to coat it evenly. This adds a fun and crunchy touch to every sip.
Step 2: Chill the glass
Place the prepared martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill while you mix the cocktail. A frosty glass helps to enhance the overall crispness of the drink.
Step 3: Mix the ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add a generous handful of ice cubes. Pour in 1 ½ oz of vanilla vodka, 1 oz of peppermint schnapps, 1 oz of white crème de cacao (if using), and 1 oz of heavy cream or half-and-half. The white crème de cacao provides a subtle chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the peppermint, while the cream gives the martini a smooth, luxurious texture.
Step 4: Shake it up
Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds. The key to a perfect martini is ensuring that all the ingredients are well-chilled and blended, giving the cocktail a silky, smooth finish. Shaking the mixture also creates a slight froth, adding to the martini’s creamy appeal.
Step 5: Strain and serve
Remove the chilled martini glass from the freezer. Using a strainer, pour the mixture into the glass, ensuring the cocktail has a smooth, velvety consistency without any unwanted ice chunks. The frosted glass paired with the creamy white cocktail creates an irresistible visual appeal.
Step 6: Garnish and decorate
Top off your Frosty’s Peppermint Martini with a swirl of whipped cream if desired. Garnish with a mini candy cane for a festive look, and optionally add a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of green color. For an extra special touch, you can sprinkle some additional crushed candy cane over the whipped cream.
Notes
- The key to the perfect Frosty’s Peppermint Martini is balance. Peppermint schnapps can be quite strong, so make sure it doesn’t overpower the vanilla vodka or creaminess of the drink.
- For those who prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, slightly reduce the cream or opt for a lighter splash of crème de cacao. Alternatively, the crème de cacao can be omitted altogether for a purer mint experience.
- Be cautious when using crushed candy canes for the rim. They can add sweetness to each sip, so adjust your sugar levels based on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 30mg
- Protein: 1g