A peppermint martini recipe is the perfect holiday cocktail. Cool, creamy, and just the right mix of sweet and festive.

Close-up of a peppermint martini with a crushed candy cane rim and mini candy cane garnish, served in a chilled glass on a rustic wooden table with warm holiday lights in the background.

This easy holiday martini combines peppermint simple syrup, vanilla vodka, Irish cream, and a splash of lime juice for a bright finish. It’s indulgent without being heavy.

What is it about peppermint and the holidays that just make sense? I don’t have the answer, but I’m happily sipping on it anyway.

This peppermint martini recipe is definitely getting a spot on my bar this year, because when the holidays roll in, I go all out for my people. These are the peeps I want to thank, to celebrate, and to show a little extra love to. I go a bit over the top, and I’m not even sorry about it. I’m cooking for days, filling a grazing table for my holiday party with charcuterie, dips, their favorite appetizers, and my signature move—a giant martini glass filled to the top with ahi tuna.

And I love having a DIY signature sip station when the holiday party rolls around. I set out all the ingredients, add garnishes and sugars for the rim, and pop a cute 5×7 recipe card in a frame so everyone can shake up their own cocktail. It’s fun, it’s festive, and it keeps me from playing bartender all night.

Alright, let’s make this peppermint cocktail. Cue the twinkle lights… things are about to get festive.

Peppermint Martini Recipe Ingredients

Peppermint Martini Ingredients on a wooden surface with white text next to each ingredient.

Vanilla vodka: The vanilla flavor gives this cocktail that smooth, sweet base without going overboard. I use Smirnoff because it’s the easiest to find near me.
Irish cream: I reach for Baileys. Is there even another option? It adds that creamy holiday vibe.
Peppermint simple syrup: Homemade all the way. It’s so darn easy, and I promise it tastes a million times better than the bottled stuff. Hold tight… I’ll show you.
Fresh lime juice: Always freshly squeezed. It brightens up the whole drink and keeps it from feeling too heavy.

How to Make Peppermint Simple Syrup

First, we’ll start with the peppermint simple syrup. It’s as easy as it gets.

Add 1 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Give it a stir until the sugar dissolves.

Now toss in about five mini candy canes. I use the minis because they melt faster, but if you only have the regular ones, throw in two.

Keep stirring until the candy canes melt into the liquid.

Let it cool, and that’s it. Now you’ve got this beautiful, minty syrup that tastes like the holidays in a bottle.

Jar of homemade peppermint simple syrup tied with a rustic raffia bow, surrounded by candy canes on a wooden slice, with warm holiday lights softly glowing in the background.

Let’s Mix up the Peppermint martini recipe

Now let’s mix up this peppermint martini recipe.

Fill your shaker with ice. Add the vanilla vodka, Irish cream, peppermint simple syrup, and fresh lime juice.

Give it a good shake. I mean really go for it.

Strain it into your martini glass, oh, but don’t forget to rim that glass (see my Winter martini post on all your rimming how-tos) before you pour with crushed peppermint.

Garnish with a little candy cane and you’ve officially made the merriest cocktail of the season.

Overhead shot of a peppermint martini with a crushed candy cane rim and mini candy cane garnish, surrounded by scattered candy canes on a rustic wooden table.

Big Batch This Peppermint Martini Recipe

If you want to make this peppermint martini recipe party-friendly, skip the single shakes and go straight for the pitcher. Just mix all the ingredients together. No ice, we don’t want to dilute this baby. Pop the pitcher in the fridge to chill.

Set out a shaker and a bucket of ice so everyone can pour a little into the shaker, give it a quick shake, and strain it into their candy cane–rimmed glass. It keeps things cold, keeps things fun, and keeps you out of bartender jail for the night.

Peppermint Martini recipe Tips

Use chilled glasses. Pop your martini glasses in the freezer for a bit. It makes the cocktail extra frosty.
Crush the candy canes ahead of time. Do it in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin or mallet. Or you can buy already crushed peppermint on Amazon.
Rim the glasses right before serving. Candy cane rims get sticky if they sit too long, so add them when guests arrive or let everyone rim their own at the DIY sip station.
Go heavy on the shake. Give it some enthusiasm.
Fresh lime juice only. The bottled stuff doesn’t cut it here. Fresh keeps the whole drink bright and balanced.
Serve with a candy cane on the side. Cute and festive, with a hint of extra peppermint!
If batching, no ice in the pitcher. Ice waters it down. Chill the pitcher instead and leave out a shaker with ice for guests.
Make the simple syrup in advance. It lasts in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Storing Your Peppermint Simple Syrup

Your peppermint simple syrup will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks, which makes it perfect for holiday-season prep.

Once it cools, pour it into a jar or a little glass bottle with a tight lid. I usually keep mine right on the fridge door so I can grab it whenever I’m mixing a cocktail… or giving my morning coffee a little peppermint kick.

If you want to get ahead, make a double batch. The color stays bright, the flavor stays minty and sweet, and it’s just as good on day fourteen as it is the day you make it. Just give it a quick shake before using.

Cabin Tip

It makes the cutest hostess gift. Tie a little ribbon around the bottle, add a candy cane, and you’ve just created a homemade gift everyone actually gets excited about.

Other Occasions to Serve this Peppermint Cocktail Recipe

Winter birthdays
Swap the candy cane for a chocolate shaving garnish and suddenly it’s a “winter wonderland martini,” not just a Christmas thing.

Girls’ night in
Drizzle a little chocolate syrup inside the glass and it becomes a mint-chocolate vibe. Cute, cozy, and perfect for a movie night.

Valentine’s Day
Garnish with pink sprinkles or a little heart-shaped candy. Now it’s a “Be Mine Martini.”

A winter dinner party
Use a simple mint leaf instead of a candy cane. Clean, elegant, and seasonally appropriate without screaming Santa.

New Year’s Eve
Rim the glass with crushed white glitter sugar for a “frosty” look. Keeps the mint, but leans midnight chic.

St. Patrick’s Day
Hear me out…ditch the candy cane, add a tiny bit of cocoa or extra Irish cream on top, and boom: “Minty Irish Martini.”

Bridal shower in winter
Pretty, white bride vibe, delicate. Garnish with a tiny edible flower and you have the cutest signature sip.

Après-ski or cabin weekend
Serve it with a chocolate-dipped rim and it’s pure lodge vibes. The crew will lose it.

More Festive Cocktails You’ll Love

If this peppermint martini recipe has you in the holiday spirit, I’ve got a few more cocktails that will keep the good vibes going all season long.

Holiday Moscow Mule: A cozy classic with a holiday twist. Fresh, gingery, and the perfect sip while you’re wrapping gifts.
Cranberry Gin Cocktail: Bright, tart, and gorgeous. I love this one for cocktail hour before dinner.
The Green Cocktail (my Grinchy Christmas version): Vibrant, fun, and a little mischievous.
Blue Christmas Cocktail: If you’re feeling a little Elvis this season, this one’s for you. That blue curaçao gives the prettiest winter glow.
Gingerbread Vodka Cocktail: Sweet, cozy, and dessert-level delicious. Gingerbread house decorating? You’ll need this one on the side.

Let’s Mint This Official

If you want holiday tips, cozy recipes, and a little cocktail inspo sprinkled into your season, come join the Cozy Crew. Want to hear more about my holiday grazing table? Not to boast… but it’s kinda epic. I’ll send all the good stuff straight to your inbox all season long.

And if you need that cute little 5×7 recipe card for your own signature sip station, I gotcha. Just shoot me an email and I’ll send you the downloadable PDF so you can print it out and look like the holiday hostess with the mostest.

Come hang with me — the more the mint-ier.

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