Peppermint Patty Cocktail

Looking for a delicious warm drink to serve this winter? The Peppermint Patty Cocktail is it! Calling for just three ingredients, this simple hot cocoa cocktail is minty, sweet and perfect for all occasions, like hot chocolate met a peppermint pattie.

mug of peppermint patty cocktail with text overlay for facebook


 

There is something so comforting about a mug of cocoa, and it’s because it takes me back to the chilly days of my childhood, sipping cocoa and keeping warm after being outside in the snow.

This Peppermint Patty drink has the same sense memory… but is a little different because it involves adult beverages… and also peppermint.

Peppermint Patty Cocktail

The name of this drink is a reference to the famous chocolate-covered after-dinner mints that we all know and love. Why? It tastes like one—and it’s delightful!

Chocolate and peppermint go together so well, and this winter cocktail celebrates just that. 

It’s sweet—but not too sweet—and the perfect sipper to serve after dinner.

So whether you’re hosting family or guests for a holiday gathering or just want a nice post-dinner seasonal cocktail, this is an excellent choice.

angled shot of peppermint patty cocktails

Ingredients

This Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate recipe is perfect for wintertime occasions.

I will note that it requires some specialty ingredients that you will need to find at your local liquor store, but once you have them, you can mix one of these whenever the mood strikes. (You can also make a larger batch, if you’re serving lots of folks. More on that below.)

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Hot cocoa or hot chocolate—you need this to serve as the base of your peppermint patty cocktail. Feel free to make homemade hot cocoa or use your favorite store-bought mix to make this recipe easy as pie.
  • Peppermint schnapps—this is what is giving the peppermint flavor to the drink! A little goes a long way. Schnapps is a distilled spirit that can be flavored, which is why you’ll find various renditions of it. Peppermint schnapps obviously has peppermint flavoring added.
  • White chocolate liqueur—this adds extra chocolate flavor to our drink. While it does not have a high alcohol content, it provides subtle white chocolate flavor and vanilla, which infuses with the hot chocolate. 
peppermint patty cocktail in a measuring cup

Garnishes

Here are a few ideas of what you can use to garnish your peppermint patty cocktails:

  • Chocolate shavings
  • Chocolate chips
  • Sweetened whipped cream
  • A whole candy cane
  • Crushed candy canes 
  • Chocolate syrup
two mugs of peppermint patty cocktails

How to Make a Peppermint Patty Cocktail

Make the hot cocoa. In a microwave-safe glass, combine the ingredients to make a single 6 oz. serving of hot cocoa. Heat until warm.

It is important to note that you will heat the cocoa by itself. If you stir all the ingredients together and then heat them, some of the alcohol will cook off.

Pour in the peppermint schnapps and white chocolate liqueur. Stir to combine.

Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, etc.

Enjoy immediately!

overhead shot mug of peppermint patty cocktail

Making for a Crowd

If you don’t want to mix individual Peppermint Patty Cocktail drinks, make this for a crowd by mixing and keeping your hot cocoa warm in the slow cooker.

To make 8 drinks, pour 6 cups of milk into the slow cooker with the appropriate amount of hot cocoa mix. Let it warm.

Set out the peppermint schnapps and white chocolate liqueur. Print out how to make this cocktail below.

Let guests serve themselves individual portions in mugs, as well as garnish their own drinks.

straight on shot of mug of peppermint patty cocktail

Peppermint Patty Cocktail Variations

  • Use peppermint schnapps in other ways. Peppermint is an excellent addition to a cocktail. It’s delicious in a Peppermint White Russian, too.
  • Use creme de menthe. Peppermint schnapps has a stronger mint flavor than creme de menthe. Also, creme de menthe is sweeter and thicker than peppermint schnapps, but it would still taste great in this cocktail.
  • Chocolate liqueur instead. If you have that on hand, you can switch it up and use regular chocolate liqueur instead of the white chocolate.

More Winter Cocktails

cranberry punch overhead

Holiday Cranberry Punch

Holiday cocktails don't get any better than this Holiday Cranberry Punch! Garnished with rosemary sprigs and cranberries, it's super festive and fun.
See The Recipe!
cup of hot buttered rum

Hot Buttered Rum

Are you looking for a hot cocktail that’s perfect for the colder weather heading our way? Hot Buttered Rum can be prepared right in your own home with ingredients you can grab from the kitchen.
See The Recipe!
mug of peppermint patty cocktail with text overlay for pinterest
straight on shot of mug of peppermint patty cocktail

Peppermint Patty Cocktail

4.86 from 7 votes
Need a delicious warm drink this winter? This Peppermint Patty Cocktail needs just 3 ingredients, is minty, sweet & great for all occasions!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 6 oz. hot chocolate
  • 1 ½ oz. peppermint schnapps
  • 1 oz. white chocolate liqueur

Garnishes

  • Sweetened whipped cream
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Heat the hot chocolate in a microwave-safe mug until warmed through.
  • Measure in the peppermint schnapps and the white chocolate liqueur.
  • Stir vigorously to combine.
  • Garnished with whipped cream and crushed candy canes (or any other garnishes of your choosing.)
  • Enjoy immediately!
  • If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!

Nutrition

Calories: 186 kcal, Carbohydrates: 27 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 5 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3 g, Trans Fat: 0.2 g, Cholesterol: 0.01 mg, Sodium: 124 mg, Potassium: 168 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 21 g, Vitamin A: 2 IU, Calcium: 36 mg, Iron: 0.3 mg
Author: Erin Parker
Calories: 186
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: peppermint patty cocktail
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
collage of peppermint patty cocktail for pinterest
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.86 from 7 votes (4 ratings without comment)

Join The Discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    This is one seriously dangerous cocktail. I could drink one (2) of these every day during the colder months.