Peppermint Baileys Martini Recipe That Tastes Like Christmas in a Glass (But Way More Fun)

You know that moment when the party is good but you want it great? This is that moment’s drink. The Peppermint Baileys Martini is creamy, minty, slightly boozy, and dangerously sippable—like a holiday dessert that forgot it’s supposed to be polite.

No bar cart flexing required; just a shaker, a handful of simple ingredients, and five minutes. The payoff? A frosty, velvety cocktail that makes your guests ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished the first glass.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big flavor, low effort: It delivers café-level creaminess and bar-quality chill with almost zero prep.
Holiday vibes on lock: Peppermint + Baileys = instant seasonal nostalgia—without baking anything.
Balanced sweetness: Rich, minty, and chocolate-kissed, but not cloying.
Looks luxe, tastes cozy: The candy-cane rim and drizzle make it look fancy, but it’s pure comfort.
Scale-friendly: Make one for you or batch for a crowd without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients

2 oz Baileys Irish Cream (original or peppermint if you have it)
1 oz vodka (plain or vanilla for extra dessert vibes)
1 oz peppermint schnapps (or 1/2 oz if you prefer a softer mint)
1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream (for silkiness; milk works in a pinch)
1/2 oz white creme de cacao (optional, for chocolate depth)
Ice (enough to fill a shaker)
Chocolate syrup (optional, for glass drizzle)
Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for rimming)
Simple syrup or honey (to help the rim stick)
Mini candy cane or chocolate shavings (optional garnish)

How to Make It – Instructions

Chill your glass: Pop a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes.
Cold glass = colder cocktail. Science.
Prep the rim: Crush candy canes finely. Dip the rim of the chilled glass in a thin layer of simple syrup or honey, then into the crushed candy.
Optional drizzle: Swirl a little chocolate syrup inside the glass.
It looks extra, and yes, it tastes extra too.
Load the shaker: Add ice, then pour in Baileys, vodka, peppermint schnapps, half-and-half, and creme de cacao (if using).
Shake hard: Shake 12–15 seconds until the shaker frosts over. You want micro-ice and froth for that luxe texture.
Strain and serve: Double strain into your prepared glass to keep out ice shards. Smooth = pro.
Garnish: Hook a mini candy cane on the rim or dust with chocolate shavings.
Snap a pic. Brag responsibly.

Keeping It Fresh

Batching: Mix the alcohol and cream components in a sealed pitcher up to 24 hours in advance. Keep chilled.
Stir before serving and shake with ice per pour for that fresh froth.
No sitting on ice: Don’t let the finished cocktail hang out in the shaker or over ice. It gets watery and sad fast.
Rims last: Rim glasses just before serving. Candy melts if it sits too long, especially in warm rooms.
Leftovers: If you somehow have extra (bold claim), store in the fridge up to 24 hours.
Shake with fresh ice before pouring.

Benefits of This Recipe

Fast gratification: From zero to celebratory in under five minutes.
Approachable ingredients: Everything is easy to find, and the ratios are forgiving.
Customizable sweetness: Control the schnapps and creme de cacao to fine-tune mint and chocolate levels.
Party-friendly: Scales cleanly and looks impressive with minimal effort—host points unlocked.
Texture goals: The cream and Baileys create a velvety mouthfeel that feels luxe without being heavy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overdoing the schnapps: Peppermint is bossy. Too much and it tastes like toothpaste. Start with 1/2–1 oz and adjust.
Skipping the shake: Stirring won’t cut it.
The shake chills, aerates, and blends the cream. Don’t get lazy.
Warm glass, warm drink: A room-temp glass kills the vibe. Chill it—non-negotiable.
Using crushed ice in the shaker: It dilutes too fast.
Use standard cubes for consistent chill without watering down.
Too sweet everywhere: If you’re drizzling chocolate, consider dialing back creme de cacao or schnapps. Balance beats sugar-bomb.

Mix It Up

Mocha Mint: Swap half-and-half for chocolate milk, or add 1/4 oz coffee liqueur for a latte vibe.

Thin Mint Twist: Use creme de menthe instead of schnapps and add a dash of chocolate bitters. Girl Scout energy, adult mode.

White Christmas: Use white chocolate liqueur in place of creme de cacao and skip chocolate drizzle for a snowy look.

Frosty Lite: Use whole milk and reduce Baileys to 1.5 oz for a lighter sip that still slaps.

Spiked Affogato: Pour a half shot of hot espresso over the finished martini.
It’ll melt the rim a bit—worth it.

Dairy-Free Dream: Use Baileys Almande or similar almond-based cream liqueur, plus coconut cream for body. IMO, vanilla vodka plays nicest here.

Snow Globe: Add a pinch of edible shimmer dust to the shaker for a glittery holiday moment. Festive?
Absolutely.

FAQ

Can I make this without vodka?

Yes. Skip the vodka and add an extra 1/2–1 oz Baileys for more creaminess. It’ll be lower proof and a bit sweeter, still excellent.

What if I don’t have peppermint schnapps?

Use 1–2 drops of peppermint extract in a pinch.

It’s potent—add sparingly, taste, then adjust. Creme de menthe works too, but it’s sweeter.

Does this work as a pitcher cocktail?

Absolutely. Combine all liquid ingredients in the right ratios in a chilled pitcher, keep in the fridge, and shake individual servings with ice before pouring.

Don’t pre-ice the pitcher.

How do I make it less sweet?

Reduce Baileys to 1.5 oz, use unsweetened cream or milk, and skip the creme de cacao. You can also choose an unflavored vodka for a cleaner finish.

What glassware is best?

A chilled martini or coupe glass is ideal. Coupes hold aromas better and are a bit more forgiving when you’re carrying three at once—because you will be.

Can I use flavored vodka?

Yes.

Vanilla or whipped cream vodka amplifies dessert vibes, while chocolate vodka doubles down on richness. If you do, consider dialing back creme de cacao.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Try Irish cream–style non-alcoholic cream liqueur, peppermint syrup or extract, chocolate syrup, and milk or cream. Shake with ice and strain the same way.

It won’t be identical, but it’s festive and tasty.

How strong is this cocktail?

Moderate. Between the vodka, schnapps, and Baileys, it’s boozy but softened by dairy. If you want it punchier, increase vodka to 1.5 oz and reduce cream slightly.

Wrapping Up

The Peppermint Baileys Martini Recipe is your shortcut to holiday-level indulgence without the oven, the stress, or the “did I overcook this?” spiral.

It’s quick, creamy, minty, and ridiculously photogenic. Stock the basics, shake confidently, and let the candy cane rim do the talking. Your guests will think you know a guy at a fancy bar.

Joke’s on them—you do. It’s you.

Printable Recipe Card
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Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.