Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place your martini glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes before you start mixing. A cold glass keeps the cocktail cold longer and prevents it from diluting too quickly once you pour it in.
- Fill your cocktail shaker about three-quarters full with ice. You want enough ice to chill the drink thoroughly while leaving room for the liquid ingredients.
- Using your jigger, measure out 2 ounces of vodka and pour it into the shaker with the ice. This amount balances the drink without overpowering the peppermint and cream.
- Measure 1/2 ounce of creme de menthe and pour it in next. This is where the peppermint flavor comes in, so don't skip it or go light on the measurement.
- Add 1/2 ounce of heavy cream to the shaker. The cream softens the alcohol bite and creates that dessert-like mouthfeel that makes this drink so craveable.
- Measure 1/4 ounce of chocolate liqueur and add it to the mix. This ingredient is optional, but it really does make the drink taste more complex and sophisticated.
- Close the shaker and shake hard for about 10 to 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty and cold. The vigorous shaking chills all the ingredients together and slightly thickens the drink from the cream.
- Using your Hawthorne strainer or fine mesh strainer, pour the cocktail into your pre-chilled martini glass. Strain smoothly in one continuous motion to avoid ice chips in your drink.
- Rest a candy cane across the rim of the glass or place it in the drink itself. The candy cane looks festive and adds a subtle sweetness if it stirs into the cocktail.
Notes
Use high-quality vodka for the smoothest taste. Shake with vigor rather than stirring to properly emulsify the cream. Serve immediately after straining and drink right away. If you like your martini less sweet, reduce the creme de menthe to 1/4 ounce and add 1/4 ounce of vodka instead.