20 Stunning Peppermint Cocktails You Absolutely Must Try (Plus Easy Recipes!)

Updated at: 18-04-2026 - By: John Lau

Cool, minty, festive, and totally irresistible — your ultimate guide to the most gorgeous peppermint cocktails worth shaking up tonight.

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Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, planning a cozy girls’ night in, or simply craving something that feels both indulgent and refreshing, peppermint cocktails are the answer. There is something undeniably magical about the crisp, cooling burst of peppermint meeting a perfectly crafted spirit. These drinks look stunning, taste incredible, and — let’s be honest — they make you feel like the most stylish hostess in the room.

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This guide covers 20 must-try peppermint cocktails, each with a full recipe and step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a total beginner, every drink on this list is completely achievable at home.

A Brief (and Fascinating) History of Peppermint in Cocktails

Before you start shaking, let’s talk about why peppermint became such a cocktail icon in the first place.

Peppermint itself is a hybrid plant — a natural cross between watermint and spearmint — that originated in Europe and has been used for thousands of years in medicine, food, and beverages. Its essential oil contains a compound called menthol, which creates that signature cooling sensation on the palate.

As for peppermint in spirits: peppermint schnapps traces its roots back to 18th-century Germany, where artisan distillers were already crafting herb-infused spirits. The word “schnapps” itself comes from the Low German term “schnappen,” meaning to snap or gulp — a nod to how the spirit was traditionally consumed in quick, spirited shots.

But here is a truly delightful piece of cocktail history: after Prohibition ended in the United States in 1933, the newly legal whiskey was harsh and unaged. Clever bargoers in Minneapolis discovered that dissolving peppermint candies into their bitter whiskey made it far more palatable. A traveling candy salesman named Al Dorsch noticed this trend and brought the idea to Phillips and Sons distillery. By 1935, the company had created a dedicated peppermint-flavored liqueur — and the modern American peppermint schnapps was born. That original recipe remains largely unchanged today.

A few more fun facts worth knowing:

Peppermint schnapps typically contains between 15% and 50% ABV, making it one of the most variable spirits in terms of alcohol content.
The premium brand Rumple Minze launched at a bold 100 proof (50% ABV) — more than double many of its contemporaries at the time.
Peppermint is one of the most widely grown herbs in the world, with the United States (particularly the Pacific Northwest) producing a significant portion of global peppermint oil.
Cocktail historians note that mint has been used in mixed drinks since at least the early 1800s, with the Mint Julep appearing in American records as early as 1803.
Around the holiday season, peppermint-flavored products account for a multi-billion dollar segment of the global beverage and food industry — proving that our love for this flavor is anything but a passing trend.

What You Need in Your Peppermint Cocktail Toolkit

Before diving into the recipes, here are the key ingredients you will want to have on hand:

Spirits and Liqueurs

Peppermint schnapps (DeKuyper for everyday use; Rumple Minze for a more intense flavor)
White crème de menthe (smoother and slightly sweeter than schnapps — a great substitute too)
Vodka (vanilla vodka adds a gorgeous subtle sweetness)
Coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
White chocolate liqueur
Dark crème de cacao or chocolate liqueur
Champagne or prosecco

Mixers and Extras

Heavy cream or half-and-half
Ginger beer
Cranberry juice
Simple syrup

For Garnishing (the fun part!)

Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Fresh mint sprigs
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings
Marshmallows

The 20 Best Peppermint Cocktails You Must Try

Peppermint Candy Cane Martini

This is the queen of all peppermint cocktails. Crisp, slightly creamy, and beautifully garnished with a crushed candy cane rim, this martini looks like a winter dream come to life. The combination of vanilla vodka, white crème de menthe, and peppermint schnapps layers complexity into every single sip.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, cooling, faintly creamy, candy-cane forward Glassware: Chilled martini glass or coupe Serving Occasion: Holiday party, girls’ night, after-dinner treat

Ingredients (serves 1):

2 oz vanilla vodka
1 oz white crème de menthe
0.5 oz peppermint schnapps
Simple syrup (for the rim)
3 candy canes, finely crushed (for the rim)
Ice

Instructions:

Pour a small amount of simple syrup onto a flat plate. Place the crushed candy cane pieces on a separate flat plate.
Dip the rim of a chilled martini glass or coupe into the simple syrup, then immediately press it into the crushed candy cane. Set aside.
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
Add the vanilla vodka, white crème de menthe, and peppermint schnapps.
Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels icy cold.
Strain carefully into the prepared glass, keeping the candy cane rim intact.
Optional: Garnish with a small candy cane hooked over the rim.

Pink Peppermint Dream

This gorgeous pink cocktail is basically a candy cane in a glass — sweet, flirty, and completely impossible to resist. Candy cane vodka forms the base, paired with crème de cacao and the tiniest splash of cream for a dreamy, velvety texture.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, minty, lightly creamy, softly pink Glassware: Coupe or rocks glass Serving Occasion: Holiday brunch, girls’ gathering, festive party

Ingredients (serves 1):

2 oz candy cane vodka (steep 5–6 candy canes in regular vodka for 30 minutes, then strain)
1 oz white crème de cacao
0.5 oz vanilla simple syrup
1 tbsp half-and-half or heavy cream
Ice
Candy cane for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare candy cane vodka at least 30 minutes ahead: place 5–6 candy canes in a jar with 8 oz vodka. Let steep for exactly 30 minutes (no longer, or it becomes overly sweet). Strain through a fine mesh sieve.
Dip the rim of your glass in water, then in sparkling sugar or crushed candy cane pieces.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add the candy cane vodka, crème de cacao, vanilla simple syrup, and half-and-half.
Shake well for at least 30 seconds.
Strain into the prepared glass.
Garnish with a candy cane and serve immediately.

Peppermint White Russian

A festive, creamy twist on a timeless classic. The bold richness of coffee liqueur meets the cooling kick of peppermint schnapps, all softened with a dreamy layer of heavy cream. This one is pure indulgence.

Flavor Profile: Rich, coffee-forward, minty, deeply creamy Glassware: Rocks glass over ice Serving Occasion: After-dinner drink, cozy winter evening, holiday dessert cocktail

Ingredients (serves 1):

2 oz peppermint schnapps
1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
Splash of heavy whipping cream
Ice

Instructions:

Fill a rocks glass with ice.
Pour the peppermint schnapps directly over the ice.
Pour the coffee liqueur over the schnapps.
Slowly pour a splash of heavy whipping cream over the back of a spoon so it floats gently on top, creating a beautiful layered effect.
Stir lightly just before drinking to combine the layers.
Optional: Dust the cream layer with a tiny pinch of cocoa powder or shaved chocolate.

Chocolate Peppermint Martini

Bartenders often call this one “liquid dessert with a kick” — and they are absolutely right. Kahlúa, vodka, crème de menthe, and chocolate liqueur shake together into a smooth, frosty, mocha-mint masterpiece.

Flavor Profile: Deep chocolate, cool mint, slightly boozy, velvety Glassware: Chilled martini glass Serving Occasion: Dinner party dessert cocktail, Valentine’s Day, special occasion

Ingredients (serves 1):

1 oz Kahlúa
1 oz vodka
0.5 oz white crème de menthe or peppermint schnapps
0.5 oz chocolate liqueur
Chocolate syrup (for rim decoration)
Crushed candy cane (for rim)
Ice
Optional garnish: mini candy cane, shaved chocolate

Instructions:

Rim a chilled martini glass: dip the rim into chocolate syrup, then press into crushed candy cane pieces. Place in the freezer for 5 minutes to set.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add Kahlúa, vodka, crème de menthe, and chocolate liqueur.
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until frothy and well chilled.
Strain carefully into the prepared glass.
Garnish with shaved chocolate or a small peppermint stick.

Peppermint Moscow Mule

The best of both worlds: the zingy, gingery bite of a classic Moscow Mule elevated with a fresh peppermint twist. Light, refreshing, and wonderfully festive served in its iconic copper mug.

Flavor Profile: Spicy ginger, cool mint, bright citrus, refreshing Glassware: Copper mule mug Serving Occasion: Holiday party, festive brunch, casual gathering

Ingredients (serves 2):

3 oz vodka
1 oz peppermint syrup (or 0.5 oz peppermint schnapps)
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Ginger beer to top (approximately 8 oz)
Fresh mint sprigs and lime wedges for garnish
Ice

Instructions:

Fill two copper mugs generously with ice.
Divide the vodka between the two mugs.
Add the peppermint syrup and fresh lime juice to each mug.
Top each mug with ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge.
Serve immediately for best carbonation.

Peppermint Mimosa

Champagne bubbles meet the cool freshness of peppermint in this elegant, show-stopping brunch cocktail. Simple, sophisticated, and incredibly easy to scale up for a crowd.

Flavor Profile: Bubbly, bright, delicately minty, celebratory Glassware: Champagne flute Serving Occasion: Holiday brunch, New Year’s Day, celebration morning

Ingredients (serves 1):

1 oz peppermint syrup
4–5 oz chilled champagne or prosecco
Fresh mint leaf for garnish

Instructions:

Chill your champagne flute in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Pour the peppermint syrup into the bottom of the flute.
Slowly and gently pour the chilled champagne or prosecco over the syrup. Pour slowly to preserve the bubbles.
Do not stir — the syrup will naturally drift upward and blend.
Garnish with a single fresh mint leaf placed elegantly on the rim.
Serve immediately.

Peppermint Cranberry Cosmo

This stunning crimson cocktail brings together the festive tartness of cranberry juice with the cooling punch of peppermint schnapps. It looks absolutely breathtaking in a glass and tastes even better.

Flavor Profile: Tart cranberry, cool mint, slightly sweet, vibrant Glassware: Chilled martini glass Serving Occasion: Christmas party, New Year’s Eve, festive girls’ night

Ingredients (serves 1):

1.5 oz vodka
0.75 oz peppermint schnapps
1 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz fresh lime juice
Ice
Fresh cranberries and a lime twist for garnish

Instructions:

Chill a martini glass by filling it with ice water. Set aside.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add vodka, peppermint schnapps, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.
Shake vigorously for 20–25 seconds.
Discard the ice from your chilled martini glass.
Strain the cocktail into the glass.
Garnish with 3–4 fresh cranberries dropped into the drink and a lime twist spiraled over the top.

Hot Peppermint Patty

When the temperature drops and all you want is something warm, rich, and deeply comforting — this is the cocktail you reach for. Inspired by the beloved chocolate-mint candy, this layered hot drink is pure winter therapy.

Flavor Profile: Warm chocolate, soothing mint, creamy, deeply comforting Glassware: Heatproof glass mug or Irish coffee glass Serving Occasion: Cold winter evenings, après-ski, holiday fireside

Ingredients (serves 1):

1 oz peppermint schnapps
0.5 oz dark crème de cacao
0.5 oz crème de menthe (green)
6 oz hot chocolate (freshly made)
Whipped cream for topping
Chocolate shavings or mini marshmallows

Instructions:

Prepare your hot chocolate and pour it into a heatproof glass mug, leaving 2 inches of room at the top.
Add the peppermint schnapps, dark crème de cacao, and crème de menthe directly into the hot chocolate.
Stir gently to combine.
Top generously with freshly whipped cream — pile it high.
Sprinkle chocolate shavings (or mini marshmallows) over the whipped cream.
Serve immediately while warm. Sip slowly and enjoy every layer.

Peppermint Grasshopper

A vintage cocktail reborn for a new generation. The Grasshopper dates back to New Orleans in the early 20th century. This creamy, mint-green stunner is equal parts nostalgic and delicious — like a grown-up mint chip ice cream in cocktail form.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, creamy, mint-forward, lightly chocolatey Glassware: Coupe or chilled martini glass Serving Occasion: Dessert cocktail, retro-themed party, casual entertaining

Ingredients (serves 1):

1 oz green crème de menthe
1 oz white crème de cacao
1 oz heavy cream
Ice
Whipped cream and a mint sprig to garnish

Instructions:

Chill your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
Combine green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until frothy and very cold.
Strain into the chilled glass.
Garnish with a small dollop of whipped cream and a fresh mint sprig.
Optional: Sprinkle with a tiny dusting of cocoa powder.

Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini

For the woman who can never choose between coffee and cocktails — this drink was made specifically for you. Bold espresso, rich coffee liqueur, and a cool burst of peppermint schnapps unite in the most sophisticated caffeine-and-mint experience possible.

Flavor Profile: Intense espresso, rich coffee, cool peppermint, silky Glassware: Chilled coupe or martini glass Serving Occasion: After-dinner, evening entertaining, coffee lover’s cocktail hour

Ingredients (serves 1):

1.5 oz vodka
1 oz Kahlúa
1 oz freshly pulled espresso (cooled slightly)
0.5 oz peppermint schnapps
Ice
3 espresso beans and a candy cane sliver for garnish

Instructions:

Pull a shot of espresso and allow it to cool for 3–4 minutes. (Hot espresso will melt the ice and dilute your drink.)
Chill a coupe glass in the freezer.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add vodka, Kahlúa, cooled espresso, and peppermint schnapps.
Shake very vigorously for 30–40 seconds — this is what creates the gorgeous foam on top.
Strain immediately into the chilled coupe glass. The foam should rise naturally to the surface.
Float 3 espresso beans on the foam and add a small candy cane sliver.

Peppermint Snowflake Cocktail

Pure, white, whimsical, and as beautiful as the first snowfall of winter. White chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, and peppermint schnapps swirl together in a dreamy, pale cocktail that looks like it came straight from a fairytale.

Flavor Profile: White chocolate sweetness, subtle vanilla, cool mint, indulgent Glassware: Martini glass or coupe Serving Occasion: Winter parties, Christmas Eve, elegant holiday entertaining

Ingredients (serves 1):

1.5 oz vanilla vodka
1 oz white chocolate liqueur
0.5 oz peppermint schnapps
1 tbsp heavy cream
Ice
Whipped cream, white sugar pearls, and peppermint sprinkles to garnish

Instructions:

Rim a martini glass with white chocolate drizzle, then dip into white or silver sugar pearls.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Combine vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and heavy cream.
Shake well for 30 seconds until very cold and slightly frothy.
Strain into the prepared glass.
Top with a small crown of whipped cream.
Garnish with peppermint sprinkles or a tiny pinch of edible silver glitter.

Candy Cane Gin Fizz

Gin lovers, this one is yours. The botanical complexity of a quality gin pairs surprisingly beautifully with the cooling mint of peppermint syrup and a bright lemon fizz. Light, refreshing, and completely unexpected.

Flavor Profile: Botanical, floral, minty, citrus-bright, bubbly Glassware: Highball glass Serving Occasion: Festive aperitif, light holiday cocktail, gin enthusiast’s winter drink

Ingredients (serves 1):

1.5 oz London Dry gin
0.5 oz peppermint syrup
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
Club soda to top
Ice
Fresh mint, a lemon slice, and a mini candy cane for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add gin, peppermint syrup, and fresh lemon juice directly into the glass.
Stir briefly to combine.
Top with cold club soda — fill to about an inch below the rim.
Stir once more, very gently (you want to keep the bubbles!).
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint slapped lightly between your palms first (this releases the aroma), a lemon wheel, and a mini candy cane.

Peppermint Bourbon Bliss

A cocktail for the woman who loves her whiskey but also loves a little holiday magic. Bourbon’s deep caramel and vanilla notes are a surprisingly stunning partner to the cool freshness of peppermint.

Flavor Profile: Warm caramel-bourbon, cool mint, slightly smoky, complex Glassware: Rocks glass Serving Occasion: Cozy evenings, winter celebrations, sophisticated entertaining

Ingredients (serves 1):

2 oz bourbon
0.5 oz peppermint schnapps
0.25 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Large ice cube
Fresh mint and an orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

Place a large, clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, peppermint schnapps, honey syrup, and bitters.
Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir continuously for 30–45 seconds until well diluted and cold.
Strain over the large ice cube in the rocks glass.
Express an orange peel over the drink by twisting it firmly to release the citrus oils, then run it around the rim of the glass.
Drop the peel into the drink and garnish with a mint sprig.

Peppermint Paloma

A festive Mexican-inspired twist on the beloved Paloma cocktail. Tequila, fresh grapefruit, and peppermint schnapps come together for something bracingly refreshing and completely addictive.

Flavor Profile: Tart grapefruit, cool mint, tequila warmth, bright and lively Glassware: Highball or large rocks glass Serving Occasion: Year-round refreshment, tequila lovers’ holiday cocktail, outdoor parties

Ingredients (serves 1):

2 oz blanco tequila
0.5 oz peppermint schnapps
1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
0.5 oz fresh lime juice
Pinch of salt
Grapefruit soda or sparkling water to top
Ice
Grapefruit slice, mint sprig, and a salted rim for garnish

Instructions:

Run a grapefruit slice around the rim of a highball glass, then press into coarse sea salt mixed with a pinch of pink salt.
Fill the glass with ice.
Add tequila, peppermint schnapps, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and a small pinch of salt.
Stir gently to combine.
Top with grapefruit soda or sparkling water.
Garnish with a grapefruit half-wheel and a fresh mint sprig.

Frozen Peppermint White Chocolate Bliss

For the nights when you cannot decide between a cocktail and dessert, this luxurious blended drink answers the question definitively: it is both. Creamy, frozen, dreamy, and outrageously delicious.

Flavor Profile: White chocolate, creamy vanilla, cool mint, thick and indulgent Glassware: Chilled coupe or wide wine glass Serving Occasion: Summer entertaining, dessert cocktail, poolside luxury

Ingredients (serves 2):

2 oz vanilla vodka
2 oz white chocolate liqueur
1 oz peppermint schnapps
1.5 cups vanilla ice cream
0.5 cup milk
Whipped cream, crushed candy cane, and white chocolate shavings to garnish

Instructions:

Place two coupe glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
Add vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, vanilla ice cream, and milk into a blender.
Blend on high for 20–30 seconds until smooth and creamy. Adjust milk for desired thickness.
Pour evenly into the two chilled glasses.
Top with whipped cream, a generous pinch of crushed candy cane, and a few curls of white chocolate.
Serve immediately with a wide straw.

Peppermint Tequila Sunrise

A holiday makeover of a classic brunch cocktail. The vivid gradient of grenadine sunrise meets the festive cool of peppermint for a visual stunner as gorgeous to look at as it is to drink.

Flavor Profile: Tropical orange, grenadine sweetness, refreshing mint, layered Glassware: Tall highball glass Serving Occasion: Brunch, festive daytime gathering, colorful holiday party

Ingredients (serves 1):

1.5 oz blanco tequila
0.5 oz peppermint schnapps
3 oz fresh orange juice
0.5 oz grenadine
Ice
Orange slice and a mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a highball glass to the top with ice.
Combine tequila and peppermint schnapps, then pour over the ice.
Pour the fresh orange juice directly over the spirits.
Do not stir yet.
Slowly pour the grenadine down the side of the glass using the back of a spoon. Watch it sink to the bottom and then bleed upward, creating the signature sunrise gradient.
Do not stir — serve immediately with a garnish of an orange slice and mint sprig.

Peppermint Amaretto Sour

Almonds and mint sound like an unusual pairing, but one sip and you will be completely converted. The nutty sweetness of amaretto balances perfectly against the bright freshness of peppermint, with a touch of citrus tying it all together.

Flavor Profile: Nutty almond, cool mint, tart lemon, silky Glassware: Rocks glass Serving Occasion: Cocktail hour, dinner party aperitif, casual entertaining

Ingredients (serves 1):

1.5 oz amaretto
0.5 oz peppermint schnapps
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
1 egg white (optional, for silky foam)
Ice
Maraschino cherry and a mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

If using egg white: combine amaretto, peppermint schnapps, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker WITHOUT ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds (this is called a “dry shake” and creates the foam).
Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 20 seconds.
Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
The egg white foam should naturally form a silky layer on top.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a mint sprig.
Without egg white: simply shake all ingredients with ice and strain.

Chocolate Mint Pudding Shot

Technically a shot, spiritually a dessert — these adorable little treats are perfect for holiday parties where you want everyone to have a delightful, manageable sip of Christmas joy.

Flavor Profile: Thick chocolate pudding, cool mint, creamy, fun and festive Glassware: Shot glasses or mini plastic cups for parties Serving Occasion: Holiday parties, group celebrations, festive dessert stations

Ingredients (makes 12 shots):

1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
0.75 cup milk
0.75 cup peppermint schnapps
1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
Whipped cream and candy cane crumbles to top

Instructions:

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix, milk, and peppermint schnapps for 2 minutes until smooth and beginning to thicken.
Fold in the whipped topping gently with a spatula until fully combined and the mixture is airy and smooth.
Spoon or pipe the mixture into shot glasses or mini cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) until fully set.
When ready to serve, top each shot with a small swirl of whipped cream.
Garnish with a pinch of crushed candy cane on top.

Sparkling Peppermint Sangria

This show-stopping punch bowl cocktail brings together the elegance of white wine, the freshness of peppermint, and a sparkle of bubbles. Perfect for making a big, beautiful batch for a crowd.

Flavor Profile: Fruity white wine, cool mint, bubbly, crowd-pleasing Glassware: Wine glasses or a large punch bowl Serving Occasion: Holiday parties, large gatherings, New Year’s Eve, festive brunch

Ingredients (serves 8–10):

1 bottle dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
3 oz peppermint schnapps
2 oz elderflower liqueur
2 cups white grape juice
1 bottle prosecco or sparkling water (to add at serving time)
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 sliced green apple
Fresh mint sprigs
Ice

Instructions:

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the white wine, peppermint schnapps, elderflower liqueur, and white grape juice.
Add the cranberries, sliced green apple, and several sprigs of fresh mint.
Stir gently to combine.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Just before serving, pour in the chilled prosecco or sparkling water. Do not stir vigorously — fold in gently.
Ladle into ice-filled wine glasses, making sure each glass gets a bit of the fruit.
Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig.

Peppermint Hot Toddy

The ultimate cold-weather comfort drink, reimagined with a minty twist. Whiskey, honey, lemon, and peppermint create a warm, soothing, aromatic hug in a glass.

Flavor Profile: Warm whiskey, floral honey, bright lemon, cooling mint, deeply soothing Glassware: Heatproof glass mug Serving Occasion: Cold evenings, when you feel under the weather, après-ski, fireside

Ingredients (serves 1):

1.5 oz whiskey or bourbon
0.5 oz peppermint schnapps
1 tbsp honey
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
6 oz hot water (just below boiling)
Lemon slice, cinnamon stick, and a mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

Warm a heatproof glass mug by filling it with hot water for 1 minute. Discard.
Add honey to the warmed mug and pour in the hot water. Stir until the honey dissolves completely.
Add whiskey, peppermint schnapps, and fresh lemon juice.
Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a lemon slice pressed against the inside of the glass, a cinnamon stick, and a fresh mint sprig.
Sip slowly and breathe in the aromatic steam.

Tips for Making the Perfect Peppermint Cocktail

Start with quality schnapps. The quality of your peppermint schnapps matters more than you think. For sipping drinks and martinis, invest in Rumple Minze or Dr. McGillicuddy’s. For punch-style cocktails, a mid-range option like DeKuyper works perfectly.

Do not over-mint. Peppermint is powerful. A little goes a long way. Start on the lower end of the recipe measurement and adjust to your personal taste.

Chill everything. Cold glasses, cold shakers, cold spirits. Temperature is everything in peppermint cocktails. The cool of the glass amplifies the mint sensation beautifully.

Balance sweetness with acid. Many peppermint drinks lean sweet. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice adds brightness and prevents the drink from feeling cloying.

Garnish with intention. The garnish is not just decoration — a fresh mint sprig adds real aroma to the first sip. A candy cane rim creates a textural experience. These details transform a good drink into a memorable one.

Make It Mocktail

Every single recipe on this list can be made without alcohol. Simply substitute peppermint schnapps with peppermint syrup (1 tsp peppermint extract + 1 cup simple syrup), replace vodka/gin/tequila with sparkling water, coconut water, or white grape juice, and swap coffee liqueur with cold brew coffee concentrate. The result is beautiful, festive, and completely inclusive for all your guests.

Final Sip

Peppermint cocktails are more than just holiday drinks — they are an experience. They are the glass you wrap both hands around on a cold evening. They are the beautiful centerpiece of your holiday table. They are the drink you make when you want to feel a little special.

Whether you choose the elegant simplicity of a Peppermint Martini, the cozy warmth of a Hot Peppermint Toddy, or the show-stopping beauty of a Sparkling Peppermint Sangria, you cannot go wrong with any of these 20 peppermint cocktails. Save this list, pin it, share it, and most importantly — enjoy every single sip.

Cheers to cool, minty, perfectly crafted cocktails!

Enjoyed this guide? Save it to your Pinterest boards and share it with the cocktail lover in your life. Try one recipe each week and tag your creations — we would love to see your gorgeous glasses!

Sources: https://chesbrewco.com
Category: Cocktails

20 Stunning Peppermint Cocktails You Absolutely Must Try (Plus Easy Recipes!) Updated 04/2026

A Brief (and Fascinating) History of Peppermint in Cocktails

What You Need in Your Peppermint Cocktail Toolkit

The 20 Best Peppermint Cocktails You Must Try

Peppermint Candy Cane Martini

Pink Peppermint Dream

Peppermint White Russian

Chocolate Peppermint Martini

Peppermint Moscow Mule

Peppermint Mimosa

Peppermint Cranberry Cosmo

Hot Peppermint Patty

Peppermint Grasshopper

Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini

Peppermint Snowflake Cocktail

Candy Cane Gin Fizz

Peppermint Bourbon Bliss

Peppermint Paloma

Frozen Peppermint White Chocolate Bliss

Peppermint Tequila Sunrise

Peppermint Amaretto Sour

Chocolate Mint Pudding Shot

Sparkling Peppermint Sangria

Peppermint Hot Toddy

Tips for Making the Perfect Peppermint Cocktail

Make It Mocktail

Final Sip

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