Chocolate Peppermint Vodka Cocktail Recipe

I’m always tinkering with new drink ideas, and honestly, this Chocolate Peppermint Vodka Cocktail is one I just keep coming back to.

It’s got that smooth, cool blend—rich chocolate, minty freshness, and a little vodka kick.

Super easy to make, too. Perfect for a holiday party, a quiet night in, or if you’re just someone who loves the chocolate-peppermint combo.

Whenever I serve this, my friends end up asking for the recipe.

The sweet chocolate with that fresh peppermint? Pretty hard to say no to.

If you want a fun, tasty drink that looks as good as it tastes, stick around for the recipe.

Chocolate Peppermint Vodka Cocktail Recipe

I tend to make this chocolate peppermint vodka cocktail when the holidays roll around, or really, whenever I want something cozy and sweet.

It’s creamy, has just enough peppermint to play off the chocolate, and kind of reminds me of mint chocolate desserts.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker (you pretty much need this for a good mix)
• Jigger or measuring shot glass
• Martini glass (pop it in the freezer if you want it extra-cold)
• Small plate or saucer (for rimming with chocolate syrup or crushed candy canes)
• Spoon or stir stick
• Fine mesh strainer (if you’re picky about a smooth pour)
• Optional: muddler, if you’re tossing in mint leaves

I always go for a good, solid shaker with plenty of ice—makes a difference.

Chilling the martini glass helps, too, and the strainer keeps things tidy in the glass.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka (peppermint vodka like Smirnoff Peppermint Twist is my top pick)
• 1 oz creme de cacao (for the chocolate hit)
• 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream (adds creaminess)
• 1 oz heavy cream (or half-and-half if that’s what you have)
• ½ oz chocolate liquor (Godiva’s nice, for more chocolate depth)
• ½ oz peppermint schnapps (if you want a stronger mint pop)
• Chocolate syrup (for rimming or swirling)
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint bark (garnish, obviously)
• Optional: 1 shot espresso (for a peppermint mocha twist)
• Optional: Cocoa powder, mint leaves, or chocolate shavings for garnish

I try to keep everything cold before starting.

Using decent vodka and fresh cream really does make a difference in the end.

Instructions

• Rim your martini glass with chocolate syrup, then dip it into crushed candy canes or cocoa powder.
• Fill your shaker halfway with ice.
• Add vodka, creme de cacao, Baileys, heavy cream, chocolate liquor, and peppermint schnapps to the shaker.
• If you’re feeling a peppermint mocha vibe, toss in a shot of espresso before shaking.
• Shake hard for about 15-20 seconds, until it’s nice and chilled, maybe a little frothy.
• Strain into your rimmed martini glass.
• Garnish with whatever you like—crushed candy canes, peppermint bark, mint, or chocolate shavings.
• Serve right away while it’s cold.

Getting a good shake in makes it smooth and a bit frothy.

I’ll sometimes top mine with more chocolate syrup or even whipped cream, just for fun.

Notes

Peppermint vodka is usually my go-to for a balanced minty flavor, but peppermint schnapps will definitely amp up the coolness.

If you need a non-dairy version, full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based creamer swaps in pretty well.

You can tweak the chocolate, too—creme de cacao and chocolate liquor both add sweetness, so if you don’t want it too sweet, just dial one back by half an ounce.

Rimming the glass with crushed candy cane is festive and gives a nice crunch.

Now and then, I’ll add espresso for a mint chocolate martini with a little extra energy.

If you’re making these for a crowd, just multiply the recipe and shake in batches.

It’s best served right away, since the cream can split if it sits too long.

A chilled martini glass really does make the whole thing feel special.

Tasting Notes

So, first sip—I’m hit with this creamy, chocolatey thing going on. Honestly, it’s like dessert in a glass, and that chocolate liqueur really doesn’t hold back.

If you’re into sweets, you’ll probably love it. Right after, there’s this cool peppermint that sneaks in and just kind of freshens everything up.

That minty kick? It totally gives me holiday vibes. I can’t help but think of Christmas, winter, maybe even a cozy night in.

Then there’s the vodka base, which is surprisingly smooth. It’s not overpowering at all—just sort of lets the other flavors do their thing.

The whole mix feels silky, not heavy or cloying. I like that it doesn’t weigh me down.

Here’s how I’d break it down, sip by sip:

• Chocolate: Sweet and creamy, almost like candy, but not too much.
• Peppermint: Refreshing, with just the right amount of mint to make it pop.
• Vodka: Clean, gentle warmth that quietly pulls it all together.

Honestly, I love making this for holiday get-togethers. The taste just feels festive—kind of comforting, really.