These Peppermint & Vodka Cocktails Distill Holiday Cheer
What happens when zesty peppermint leaves and neutral, clean vodka meet? Holiday cheer in the form of an incredible cocktail, of course! What makes peppermint and vodka cocktails perfect for this Christmas and festive season is not only the fact that peppermint-flavoured food and even chocolates are included in traditional feasts, but also because the combination of vodka with this herb can work wonders on your palate.
Vodkas like Smirnoff, Ketel One and Ciroc are known for their crisp neutrality, which provides peppermint’s green freshness and minty flavours the perfect canvas to shine through on. Cheerful, refreshing and festive, peppermint and vodka cocktails are bound to transform your simple Christmas cocktails into incredible parties with their harmonious blend and creativity.
Ready to delve into the world of peppermint and vodka cocktails? Here are some peppermint and vodka cocktails you must try this holiday season.
1. Peppermint Martini
A peppery twist on the classic vodka Martini, this one can benefit from the subtle, clean notes of Ketel One vodka. Don’t forget to play with some peppermint garnishes for this one!
Ingredients:
50ml Ketel One vodka
15ml peppermint liqueur
Crushed peppermint candy, for rimming
Peppermint candy, for garnish
Peppermint leaves, for garnish
Method:
Rim a chilled martini glass with crushed peppermint-flavoured candy.
In a shaker filled with ice, pour in Ketel One vodka and peppermint liqueur.
Shake well and strain into the prepared martini glass.
Garnish with peppermint candy and a bunch of peppermint leaves for a festive touch.
2. Frosty Peppermint Cosmopolitan
Vibrant red and offset perfectly by the addition of bright green peppermint leaves, this variation on the classic Cosmopolitan can brighten up your evenings this holiday season.
Ingredients:
40ml Smirnoff vodka
15ml triple sec
30ml cranberry juice
7.5ml peppermint syrup
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Method:
Fill a shaker with ice and add Smirnoff vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and peppermint syrup.
Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a dash of colour and freshness.
3. Ciroc Winter Wonderland
Crafted with incredible precision with Ciroc vodka and Bailey’s Irish Whisky Cream, this peppery cocktail captures the luxury of the holiday season like no other. Garnished with white chocolate shavings, this one is a true delight to have.
Ingredients:
40ml Ciroc vodka
15ml Bailey’s Irish Whisky Cream liqueur
7.5ml peppermint schnapps
Crushed ice
White chocolate shavings for garnish
Method:
Fill a shaker with crushed ice and add Ciroc vodka and Bailey’s Irish Whisky Cream liqueur.
Add in the peppermint schnapps and shake well. Use a spoon to give it a quick taste check for the minty flavour.
Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
4. Minty Moscow Mule
A beautiful twist of the classic Moscow Mule, this peppermint and vodka cocktail is even more zingy because of the addition of ginger beer. Try it out for a truly refreshing time.
Ingredients:
50ml Ketel One vodka
90ml ginger beer
7.5ml peppermint syrup
Fresh mint sprig for garnish
Lime wedge
Method:
Fill a mug (preferably one made of copper) with ice and add Ketel One vodka, ginger beer, and peppermint syrup.
Squeeze a lime wedge into the drink and stir gently.
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and serve quickly.
5. Peppermint Snowflake Mocktail
Now, if you are a teetotaler or abstaining from drinking this holiday season, worry not. We have the perfect peppermint-infused alcohol-free mocktail for your indulgence too. Check out this delicious mocktail recipe that infuses peppermint, cranberry and ginger flavours to create some holiday cheer for you.
Ingredients:
100ml ginger ale
50ml cranberry juice
15ml peppermint syrup
Ice cubes
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Cranberries for garnish (optional)
Method:
Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour in the ginger ale and cranberry juice.
Add the peppermint syrup and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a few cranberries for a festive touch. Serve up.
