Ingredients
- 3 Shot(s) Gin
- 1/2 Shot(s) Dry Vermouth
- 1 tsp Peppermint Schnapps
Instructions
Shake:
- In a cocktail shaker half-filled with cracked ice, combine 3 shots of gin, 1/2 shot of dry vermouth, and 1 tsp of peppermint schnapps. Shake well to mix and chill the ingredients.
Strain:
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with a peppermint stick, candy cane, or a twist of lemon for an extra festive touch. Serve immediately.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Martini itself is a cornerstone of cocktail history, with origins debated between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Christmas Martini, however, is a modern invention, a seasonal riff on that timeless classic. It doesn’t have a grand origin story or a specific inventor, but rather emerged as bartenders and home enthusiasts sought to infuse holiday flavors into familiar templates.
This drink firmly belongs to the Martini family, a direct descendant of the Gin Martini. It shares its structure with its relatives like the Vesper or the Reverse Martini, but the addition of peppermint schnapps immediately sets it apart. While a classic Martini relies on the interplay of gin and vermouth, this version introduces a distinct, cool minty sweetness that defines its holiday character.
You’ll find this drink gracing holiday parties, winter pop-up bars, or cozy home gatherings where festive cheer is on the menu. It’s not a year-round staple, but rather a seasonal indulgence, best enjoyed fireside or as a strong aperitif before a holiday meal.
What it tastes like
On the palate, the Christmas Martini leads with the juniper and botanical notes of the gin, providing a familiar backbone. This quickly transitions into the crisp, herbal character of the dry vermouth, which rounds out the spirit. The finish is where the peppermint schnapps makes its presence known, delivering a cool, refreshing minty sweetness that lingers without being cloying. It's a clean, sharp drink with a distinct holiday character.
This drink is no lightweight. Using standard 40% ABV gin, 18% dry vermouth, and 30% peppermint schnapps, a single Christmas Martini will clock in around 36% ABV. That puts it significantly stronger than a standard beer and on par with, or even stronger than, many classic cocktails. Treat it with respect, it's designed to warm you up.
The technique
Building this drink is simple enough. Combine your gin, dry vermouth, and peppermint schnapps in a shaker with plenty of cracked ice. The goal here is twofold: thorough chilling and slight dilution. Give it a good, hard shake for about 15 to 20 seconds. This ensures all the ingredients are well integrated and the drink is properly cold when it hits the glass.
The single most important technique tip for a Martini, especially one with a liqueur, is proper chilling. Shaking this particular Martini is ideal because the peppermint schnapps benefits from the aeration and dilution that shaking provides, helping its flavors integrate smoothly with the gin and vermouth. Skipping a good, hard shake means a less integrated, less refreshing drink that doesn’t quite hit the mark.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Gin
- Use
- A London Dry Gin like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Gordon’s works perfectly, providing a strong juniper backbone. For something softer, try Hendrick’s or The Botanist.
- Skip
- Highly floral or overly delicate gins might get lost against the peppermint. Avoid anything too experimental that could clash with the mint.
- Why
- Gin forms the primary spirit base of this Martini. Its botanical complexity, particularly juniper, provides the necessary structure and dryness to balance the sweet, minty schnapps.
Peppermint Schnapps
- Use
- DeKuyper Peppermint Schnapps or Bols Peppermint are widely available and provide a consistent, clear peppermint flavor. Look for a schnapps around 30% ABV.
- Skip
- Avoid overly sweet, syrupy mint liqueurs that might throw off the balance. Mint extracts or non-alcoholic mint syrups will lack the alcoholic kick and depth.
- Why
- This ingredient is the ‘Christmas’ in the Christmas Martini. It provides the signature mint flavor and a touch of sweetness, transforming a classic Martini into a festive sipper.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Dirty Christmas Martini
- A savory, minty twist
- Add 1/4 to 1/2 oz of olive brine to the shaker with the other ingredients. This introduces a salty, umami counterpoint to the mint and botanicals.
Sweet Christmas Martini
- For those with a sweet tooth
- Reduce the dry vermouth to a dash and add 1/2 oz of a sweet mint liqueur like green crème de menthe for a richer, sweeter, and visually distinct drink.
Vodka Christmas Martini
- A cleaner, smoother holiday option
- Substitute vodka for gin for a less botanical, more spirit-forward base that lets the peppermint shine through even more clearly.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Vodka can be used for a cleaner, less botanical profile. The drink will be less complex but still minty and strong.
A very small amount (1/4 tsp) of peppermint extract with 1/2 oz simple syrup can approximate the flavor and sweetness, but it won’t have the same alcoholic kick.
Lillet Blanc can work in a pinch, but it’s sweeter and more floral, changing the overall character. Or, just skip it and increase the gin slightly for a drier drink.
A large mason jar with a tight-fitting lid will work. Just ensure it’s sealed well before shaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Christmas Martini?
A Christmas Martini typically contains 3 shots of gin, 1/2 shot of dry vermouth, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint schnapps. It is often garnished with a peppermint stick or a lemon twist.
Is a Christmas Martini strong?
Yes, it is a strong cocktail. With gin as its primary spirit, it typically has an ABV comparable to or higher than many classic cocktails.
What kind of gin should I use?
A classic London Dry Gin like Beefeater or Tanqueray is a solid choice. Its juniper notes pair well with the peppermint. Feel free to experiment with your favorite gin.
Can I make a batch of Christmas Martinis?
You can pre-mix the gin, dry vermouth, and peppermint schnapps, then store it chilled. When ready to serve, pour over ice in a shaker, shake until very cold, and strain.
Should a Christmas Martini be shaken or stirred?
This recipe calls for shaking. Shaking helps thoroughly chill the drink and integrates the peppermint schnapps well, creating a crisp, refreshing texture.
What’s the best garnish for a Christmas Martini?
A peppermint stick or a mini candy cane is a classic festive garnish. A lemon twist also works well, adding a bright citrus aroma.
Can I make this drink sweeter?
To make it sweeter, you could slightly increase the amount of peppermint schnapps, or add a small dash of simple syrup. Be careful not to overpower the gin.
What’s the difference between peppermint schnapps and crème de menthe?
Peppermint schnapps is typically clear and has a drier, more intense peppermint flavor. Crème de menthe can be clear or green, and is often sweeter and more syrupy, with a softer mint profile.
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