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10 Cocktails With Peppermint That Are Perfect For The Holiday Season

Fall temperatures may just now be hitting, but the holiday spirit is already in the air. The Dunkin’ and Starbucks holiday menus were leaked, and Anthropologie’s holiday collection is ready to add some extra cheer to your holiday table. Now, we can add some extra merriment to our bar carts and booze-y beverages thanks to these delicious cocktails with peppermint.

From candy canes to hot chocolate, peppermint flavors permeate the holiday festivities. And what better way to celebrate than with a delightful peppermint cocktail? Whether you’re searching for a boozy twist on a classic holiday treat or a refreshing sip to sip by the fireplace, this roundup features a variety of peppermint cocktails to suit every holiday spirit, from wine and whiskey to vodka and tequila.

#SpoonTip: No matter what you’re drinking, always drink responsibly. Spoon does not promote binge or underage drinking.

Peppermint Espresso Martini

@erinliveswhole

PEPPERMINT ESPRESSO MARTINIS ☃️🫶🏻😍☕️ happy holidays! save this recipe!! In a shaker, add 1 cup ice, 3oz vodka, 3oz kahlua (or coffee liqueur), 3oz espresso, 3oz vanilla or peppermint creamer, 1/4 tsp peppermint extract. shake it all together for 20 seconds! dip rim in melted chocolate then crushed peppermint candy cane pieces. serves 2! #espressomartini #peppermint #cocktails #cocktailreel #cocktailrecipes #martini #holidaycocktail #holidaydrinks #drinks 🎥: @themindfulhapa

♬ Sleigh Ride – Lindsey Stirling

Love a good espresso martini? TikTok user Erinliveswhole’s festive take on the trendy cocktail is made with vodka, Kahlua, espresso, peppermint creamer, and peppermint extract, then shaken with ice and served with a chocolate and crushed peppermint candy cane rim. 

Peppermint Martini

@mrsevansplace

Peppermint Martini | my drink of choice for the holidays! Here’s how I like to make mine * 2 oz peppermint schnapps * 1 oz vanilla vodka * 1 oz white chocolate liqueur * Vanilla frosting * Crushed peppermints and 1 whole peppermint Stir/shake well and pour into your prepared glass. Garnish with a candy cane. Cheers & follow for more holiday spirit! . . . . #holidaydrinks #holidaycocktail #christmascocktails #christmasdrinks #drinkrecipe #holidayrecipe #peppermintmartini #CandyCaneLane #EddieMurphy #TraceeEllisRoss #CultureRated

♬ Candy Cane Lane – Sia

This recipe by mrsevansplace on TikTok is both festive and delicious. Make this Peppermint Martini with peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and vanilla frosting, then shaken with ice and served with a crushed peppermint and whole peppermint garnish. This drink is perfect for the holidays and makes a great treat for one.

#SpoonTip: Liquor cabinet not fully stocked? Check out Spoon’s recipe for DIY peppermint schnapps.

Candy Cane Peppermint Cocktail

@dioandiris

Candy Cane Peppermint Cocktail ❄️♥️🤍 How to make it at home: 1.5 oz grenadine 2.5 oz peppermint twist vodka Top it off with sprite Garnish with a maraschino cherry + a mini candy cane #peppermint #peppermintcocktail #candycane #candycanecocktail #festivedrinks #christmas #christmascocktails #xmas #xmasdrinks #cocktails #holidaydrinks #holidaycocktail #holidayszn #dioandiris

♬ Candy Cane Lane – Sia

Get into the holiday spirit with this refreshing Candy Cane Peppermint Cocktail perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in. This recipe from dioandiris on TikTok combines grenadine, peppermint twist vodka, and Sprite for a bubbly and festive drink. Top it off with a maraschino cherry and a mini candy cane for a sweet and festive touch.

3-Ingredient Peppermint Martini

@hannahg11

Welcome to cocktails with hannah

♬ original sound – Hannah Godwin

It doesn’t get much easier than this martini. Influencer Hannah Godwin combines vanilla vodka, peppermint vodka, half & half in a candy-cane rimmed glass for an easy festive martini.

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Chip Cocktail

@dioandiris

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Chip Cocktail 🍪 Recipe: 2 oz chocolate chip whiskey 2 oz RumChata Peppermint Bark 1 oz Kahlúa 4 oz hot chocolate Shake together in a cocktail shaker Top it off with a peppermint bark CHEERS! (FYI – this drink was so good 🤩) #christmasdrinks#festive#festivedrinks#cozyseason#christmascocktails#cocktails#peppermintbark#chocolatechip#dioandiris

♬ Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

This Peppermint Bark Chocolate Chip Cocktail by dioandiris on TikTok is a festive and delicious winter treat, and perfect for sipping by the fireplace on a chilly evening. It’s a rich and creamy blend of chocolate chip whiskey, RumChata Peppermint Bark, Kahlúa, and hot chocolate, all shaken together and topped with a peppermint bark for a festive touch.

#SpoonTip: Don’t have chocolate chip whiskey? Try your whiskey of choice and add chocolate bitters!

Peppermint-Infused Gin

Okay, so maybe this one isn’t exactly a cocktail, but it’s a little too easy to infuse your gin with peppermint for a festive spirit to get you in the festive spirit. Just add peppermint leaves to gin and let it sit overnight, and pair with tonic for a holiday G&T. 

Peppermint White Russian

Add a festive spin on this classic nightcap with a recipe from Christines_bar on TikTok. Just combine vodka, peppermint schnapps, coffee liqueur, and cream, pour over ice, and stir. 

Chocolate Peppermint Margarita

Who said tequila and candy canes don’t go well together? TikTok user drinkinwithmike adds a festive spin to the marg by mixing milk, tequila, and peppermint vodka with a splash of chocolate syrup.

Peppermint Sangria

@allie.carte.dishes

Peppermint cranberry sangria! fyp foryoupage wwpersonalpoints wwtiktok ww weightwatchers lowcalorie WhenRiftanSays ThanksandGiving

♬ Winter Wonderland – Instrumental Christmas Music

Wine lovers, this one’s for you. This Peppermint Sangria from allie.carte.dishes on TikTok is simple: combine garnacha red wine, peppermint vodka, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. Garnish with diced fruit, such as oranges, apples, cranberries, and limes.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

@everydaycocktail

Santa Peppermint Hot Chocolate is a delicious cocktail for the Christmas holiday – it’s beautiful, delicious, and makes you feel cozy! ☕🎄 Recipe: • 1 pack Hot Chocolate 🍫 • 2 oz Vanilla Vodka 🍸 • 1 oz Peppermint Syrup 🍬 • 3 oz Milk 🥛 For the Redhead version, use whipped cream and red food coloring. 🎅🔴 Top it with whipped cream and add Christmas sprinkles. 🍬🎄 Enjoy this festive treat! ChristmasCocktail #HolidayCheers #ChristmasSpirit #CocktailTime #Mixology #CheersToTheHolidays #FestiveDrinks #DrinkUp #HolidayRecipes #ChristmasDelights #cocktail #bar #bartender #bartenderlife #cocktailsrecipe #hotchocolate #hotdrinks

♬ The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) – Nat King Cole Trio

Give this nostalgic holiday bev an adult upgrade with vanilla vodka. Combine hot chocolate, vanilla vodka, peppermint syrup, and milk for a delicious and cozy treat. For a fun twist, top it with whipped cream and red food coloring to create a “Redhead” version.

Kennedy Dierks is a National Contributor at Spoon University, and chapter president of Spoon at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. She covers all things food and has a soft spot for pop-culture moments, product launches, and the occasional cocktail.

Beyond Her Campus, Kennedy plans to pursue medicine and currently works as a medical assistant and clinical researcher. She has written for Teen Vogue, ABC News, and Girl’s Life Magazine, in addition to a number of academic and scholarly journals. She recently graduated from Seton Hall University, where she majored in Biology and Religious Studies while minoring in Art History. Kennedy is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree at Seton Hall’s College of Interprofessional Health Sciences.

Kennedy is a Taylor Swift aficionado who is convinced that a New Jersey bagel makes everything better. In her free time, she can be found teaching spin classes at the gym, playing the guitar, designing art for her Redbubble shop, or roaming the aisles of Trader Joe’s looking for her new favorite product.