Peppermint Bark Martini

There is something magical about holiday cocktails, especially the ones that make the whole room stop and say, “Wait, what is that?” The Peppermint Bark Martini is one of those drinks. It is creamy, minty, chocolatey, and festive from the first sip to the last swirl of whipped cream on top. I first made this for a Christmas movie night, and it instantly became the drink everyone asked for at the next get-together. The peppermint aroma filled the room, and the crushed candy on top melted slightly into the drink. It became the little moment of holiday joy we did not know we needed.

If you love dessert cocktails or those cozy Christmas recipes that double as a treat, this martini belongs in your holiday rotation. It tastes like peppermint bark in a glass, but the Weber Ranch Vodka gives it smoothness and body that sets it apart from similar seasonal drinks. It is rich without being too heavy. It is sweet but not overwhelming. It is basically the cocktail version of wrapping up in a warm blanket while holiday lights glow in the corner.

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Why You Will Love This

The Peppermint Bark Martini has that perfect mix of comfort and celebration. It tastes like the holidays, looks festive on any table, and the combination of mint and chocolate never fails to make people smile. It is a great pick if you want something that feels like dessert without committing to an actual slice of cake.

• Quick to Prepare: All the ingredients go straight into a shaker, and the drink comes together in minutes.
• Holiday Crowd Pleaser: Peppermint and chocolate are classic Christmas flavors that appeal to both cocktail lovers and dessert lovers.
• Great Texture: The half and half makes it creamy, and the chocolate liqueur adds richness.
• Eye Catching: The whipped cream and peppermint bark topping make it look like a holiday treat.
• Brand Friendly: Weber Ranch Vodka gives the cocktail a smooth, clean foundation.

This is the kind of cocktail that fits anywhere, from an ugly sweater party to a quiet evening wrapping gifts. Once you make it, you will see how easily it becomes a holiday favorite.

Ingredients

This Peppermint Bark Martini brings together rich chocolate liqueur, cooling mint, and the silky touch of half and half. Using Weber Ranch Vodka gives spirit-forward structure without overshadowing the sweeter elements. Each ingredient plays a key role, so the final flavor feels layered instead of one note.

For one serving:

• 1.5 oz Weber Ranch Vodka
• .5 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1.5 half and half
• 1.5 chocolate liqueur
• .25 oz simple syrup, adjust for sweetness
• mini candy canes for garnish
• peppermint bark for garnish

The Weber Ranch Vodka is the key base. Its smooth profile balances the sweetness and helps everything blend. Peppermint schnapps gives the cocktail that holiday flavor people recognize right away. The half and half creates a creamy body that pairs naturally with chocolate liqueur. The simple syrup lets you control sweetness, which is helpful since chocolate liqueurs vary. The crushed peppermint bark adds flavor and texture once it hits the whipped cream. If you want a stronger mint scent, you can also add a tiny extra sprinkle of chopped candy on top.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

This Peppermint Bark Martini is built to highlight Weber Ranch Vodka, and it mixes beautifully with traditional holiday liqueurs. These recommended brands keep the drink smooth and balanced with no bitterness.

• Weber Ranch Vodka: The featured spirit, known for its clean, crisp finish that keeps the cocktail from feeling too sweet.
• RumChata Peppermint Bark Liqueur: A fun seasonal addition if you want to replace part of the chocolate liqueur with something creamier.
• Godiva Chocolate Liqueur: Rich and silky, ideal for a more luxurious chocolate flavor.
• Baileys Chocolate Mint: Works if you prefer a softer chocolate taste with a creamy texture.
• Creme de Cacao: A simple and reliable chocolate liqueur when you want something light.

If you cannot find peppermint schnapps, you can use a few drops of peppermint extract, but use it sparingly. If you want a dairy free version, substitute half and half with oat milk creamer. A splash of vanilla syrup also works if you want a slightly sweeter, rounder flavor.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need basic bar tools, but the right glass helps the presentation shine. Dessert cocktails look best when served in something elegant and chilled.

• Martini Glass
• Cocktail Shaker
• Strainer
• Jigger
• Small knife  for chopping peppermint bark

A martini glass is ideal because it showcases the creamy white color and whipped cream topping. Chill your glass for a few minutes before pouring to keep the drink cold and smooth.

How to Make It

This Peppermint Bark Martini is easy to shake and serve. The key is chilling it well so the texture stays velvety and the flavors stay blended. Follow these steps for the best result.

1. Add Weber Ranch Vodka, peppermint schnapps, half and half, chocolate liqueur, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice, then shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until everything is well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Finely chop the peppermint bark into small shavings.
5. Top the martini with whipped cream and sprinkle the chopped peppermint bark on top.
6. Hang a mini candy cane on the rim of the glass and enjoy your Peppermint Bark Martini.

If you want a slightly thicker drink, shake it a little longer. For a sweeter flavor, add a little more simple syrup. For a stronger mint scent, add a tiny extra sprinkle of peppermint.

Pro Tips

Small adjustments can help elevate the final drink, especially for holiday hosting. These tips come from testing this recipe multiple times at gatherings.

• Chill everything first for the best texture.
• Use fresh peppermint bark so the pieces melt slightly into the whipped cream.
• Shake well so the half and half blends smoothly with the vodka and chocolate.
• Do not skip the garnish because it adds both flavor and aroma.
• Taste as you go if you want a sweeter or stronger mint profile.
• Crush candy canes ahead of time if you plan to serve several drinks.
• Serve immediately so the whipped cream stays fluffy.

Once you get the hang of it, it is fun to play around with the garnish and sweetness level.

Variations

There are endless ways to customize this Christmas cocktail while keeping that signature peppermint bark flavor.

• Frozen Peppermint Bark Martini: Blend ingredients with ice instead of shaking.
• White Chocolate Version: Swap chocolate liqueur for white chocolate liqueur.
• Extra Minty: Add a few drops of pure peppermint extract.
• Mocha Twist: Add a small splash of chilled espresso.
• Non Alcoholic Version: Use white hot chocolate, peppermint syrup, and a splash of milk.

These variations let you tailor the drink to your mood or to what you have in your kitchen.

When to Serve and Pairings

This martini fits perfectly into holiday celebrations. It is sweet enough for dessert but light enough to enjoy during festive gatherings.

Pair with these options for a complete holiday spread:

• Cheesecake bites
• Sugar cookies
• Chocolate brownies
• Peppermint bark plates
• Holiday cheese boards

It also pairs nicely with other Christmas cocktails if you want a themed drink lineup.

Storage and Serving Notes

This Peppermint Bark Martini does not store well once shaken, but you can prepare the base mix in advance.

• Mix all ingredients except whipped cream and candy garnish up to one day ahead.
• Store in the fridge and shake with ice right before serving.
• Do not add ice early because it dilutes the drink.

If serving several people, prep your glasses and garnishes in advance to keep things smooth.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the liquid ingredients and refrigerate, then shake with ice before serving.

What can I use instead of peppermint schnapps?
Use a tiny bit of peppermint extract, but go slow because it is strong.

Can I make it dairy free?
Yes. Use oat milk creamer or dairy free half and half.

Is it very sweet?
It is lightly sweet. Adjust the simple syrup up or down based on taste.

Can I serve it warm?
This recipe is best cold, but you can warm the chocolate liqueur and half and half for a holiday hot chocolate variation.

More Cocktails to Try

If you love this Peppermint Bark Martini, try these other seasonal drinks:

• White Clausmopolitan for a bright and bubbly holiday sip.
• Red Hot Santa Tini for a richer dessert cocktail.
• Campfire Old Fashioned for a warm and spiced holiday twist.
• Raspberry Chocolate Truffle Cocktail for another creamy Christmas treat.
• Eggnog if you want a traditional holiday flavor.