If you love the refreshing taste of peppermint combined with the rich sweetness of chocolate, the Peppermint Patty Shot is a delicious little indulgence worth trying. Inspired by the classic chocolate-covered peppermint candy, this dessert-inspired alcoholic shot brings together two flavors that complement each other perfectly.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, celebrating the holidays, entertaining friends, or simply looking for a sweet after-dinner drink, the Peppermint Patty Shot is an easy recipe that delivers plenty of flavor in a small glass.

With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, this creamy chocolate-mint combination can become a favorite addition to your collection of homemade party shots.

What Is a Peppermint Patty Shot?

A Peppermint Patty Shot is a sweet alcoholic drink that combines peppermint schnapps with chocolate liqueur or crème de cacao. Some versions include Irish cream for a smoother, creamier texture.

The result is a refreshing combination of cool peppermint and rich chocolate that tastes remarkably similar to a chocolate-covered peppermint candy.

Unlike stronger shots that emphasize the taste of alcohol, this recipe focuses on balancing sweetness, mint, and chocolate.

The Peppermint Patty Shot is especially popular as a winter-inspired party drink, although its refreshing flavor makes it enjoyable throughout the year.

Peppermint Patty Shot Recipe

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 shot
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• ½ oz peppermint schnapps
• ½ oz chocolate liqueur or dark crème de cacao
• ½ oz Irish cream liqueur
• Ice cubes
• Chocolate syrup for garnish (optional)
• Crushed peppermint candy for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shot Glass

For an extra-special presentation, drizzle a little chocolate syrup around the inside of a chilled shot glass.

If desired, dip the rim in chocolate syrup and then into finely crushed peppermint candy.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

Pour in the peppermint schnapps, chocolate liqueur, and Irish cream.

Step 3: Shake Until Chilled

Shake vigorously for approximately 10–15 seconds until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and cold.

This creates a smooth, creamy consistency while blending the chocolate and peppermint flavors.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

Strain the mixture into your prepared shot glass.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Add a light sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy or a small drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Serve immediately while chilled.

What Does a Peppermint Patty Shot Taste Like?

The Peppermint Patty Shot delivers a delicious combination of three complementary flavors.

Cool Peppermint: Peppermint schnapps provides a refreshing mint flavor that gives the shot its signature character.

Rich Chocolate: Chocolate liqueur contributes a sweet, dessert-like richness that balances the intensity of the peppermint.

Smooth Creaminess: Irish cream softens the stronger flavors and gives the drink a silky finish.

Together, these ingredients create a shot reminiscent of a peppermint patty candy, with a creamy texture and a refreshing finish.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Patty Shot

There are plenty of reasons this simple recipe deserves a place in your homemade cocktail collection.

1. Only Three Main Ingredients

You don’t need a fully stocked bar or complicated ingredients to prepare this delicious shot.

2. Ready in Five Minutes

The entire recipe takes only a few minutes, making it convenient when entertaining guests.

3. Perfect for Holiday Parties

Chocolate and peppermint are classic holiday flavors, making this shot a natural addition to Christmas gatherings and winter celebrations.

4. Easy to Customize

You can adjust the peppermint intensity, chocolate sweetness, and creaminess to suit your preferences.

5. Delicious Dessert Flavor

The combination of chocolate and mint makes this shot an appealing after-dinner treat for adults who enjoy dessert cocktails.

Five Delicious Peppermint Patty Shot Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can change the flavor.

1. Classic Peppermint Patty Shot

For a more traditional, less creamy version, combine equal parts peppermint schnapps and chocolate liqueur.

Shake with ice and strain into a shot glass.

This variation provides a stronger chocolate-and-mint flavor without the addition of Irish cream.

2. White Chocolate Peppermint Patty Shot

Replace the regular chocolate liqueur with white chocolate liqueur.

The result is a sweeter, creamier shot with a delicate white chocolate flavor.

Garnish with white chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.

3. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Patty Shot

Use dark chocolate liqueur and reduce the Irish cream slightly.

This creates a richer chocolate flavor with less sweetness.

A small dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder makes an excellent garnish.

4. Frozen Peppermint Patty Shot

Blend the ingredients with a small amount of crushed ice until smooth.

Serve in a chilled shot glass for a refreshing frozen dessert-style drink.

This version is especially enjoyable during warmer weather.

5. Peppermint Mocha Shot

Add ¼ ounce of chilled espresso to the original recipe.

The coffee complements the chocolate while adding a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet peppermint.

This variation is perfect for coffee lovers.

Tips for Making the Best Peppermint Patty Shot

A few simple techniques can make a noticeable difference in the final result.

Use quality chocolate liqueur. Because chocolate is one of the primary flavors, choosing a chocolate liqueur you enjoy will improve the drink.

Chill your shot glasses. Place the glasses in the freezer for approximately 10 minutes before serving.

Adjust the peppermint carefully. Peppermint schnapps can have a powerful flavor. Start with the recommended amount and adjust according to taste.

Shake with ice. Proper chilling helps blend the ingredients and creates a smoother texture.

Avoid excessive garnish. A small amount of crushed peppermint or chocolate syrup is enough to enhance the presentation without overwhelming the drink.

Serve immediately. This shot tastes best when freshly prepared and cold.

How to Make Peppermint Patty Shots for a Party

Preparing these shots for a group is simple because the ingredients can be multiplied.

For approximately eight servings, combine:

• 4 oz peppermint schnapps
• 4 oz chocolate liqueur
• 4 oz Irish cream liqueur

Mix the ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve.

When guests arrive, shake smaller portions with ice and strain into individual shot glasses.

The mixture makes approximately 12 fluid ounces before dilution, enough for eight 1½-ounce shots.

For an attractive holiday presentation, arrange the shot glasses on a serving tray decorated with candy canes, chocolate shavings, and festive napkins.

Keep the mixture refrigerated until serving, especially when using cream-based liqueurs.

Best Occasions to Serve Peppermint Patty Shots

The Peppermint Patty Shot works particularly well for celebrations featuring desserts, chocolate, and seasonal flavors.

Christmas Parties: The peppermint flavor fits naturally with traditional holiday treats.

New Year’s Eve: Serve these chocolate-mint shots as a festive dessert-inspired option.

Winter Gatherings: Their rich chocolate flavor makes them a cozy choice for cold-weather entertaining.

Birthday Celebrations: Chocolate lovers may appreciate this sweet alternative to traditional party shots.

Dessert Nights: Pair them with brownies, chocolate cookies, or other rich desserts.

Holiday Cocktail Tastings: Include them alongside other seasonal shots for a chocolate-and-mint-themed tasting.

What to Serve With Peppermint Patty Shots

These shots pair especially well with desserts that complement chocolate and peppermint.

Chocolate brownies provide a rich contrast to the refreshing mint flavor.

Sugar cookies offer a lighter, buttery pairing that doesn’t overpower the drink.

Chocolate-covered strawberries create an elegant dessert combination.

Vanilla cheesecake balances the peppermint with a smooth, creamy sweetness.

Peppermint bark reinforces the classic holiday flavors.

For an especially festive presentation, create a small dessert station featuring chocolate treats and miniature peppermint candies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a Peppermint Patty Shot without Irish cream?

Yes. Combine equal parts peppermint schnapps and chocolate liqueur for a simpler version with a stronger mint-and-chocolate flavor.

Can I use crème de cacao instead of chocolate liqueur?

Absolutely. Both dark and white crème de cacao work well in this recipe. Dark crème de cacao generally gives the drink a deeper color.

Is a Peppermint Patty Shot strong?

Its alcohol content depends on the brands and proportions used. Peppermint schnapps, chocolate liqueur, and Irish cream can vary considerably in alcohol strength. The sweet flavor can also make the alcohol less noticeable.

Can I prepare these shots ahead of time?

Yes. You can mix the ingredients in advance and store the mixture covered in the refrigerator. Shake with fresh ice immediately before serving for the best texture and temperature.

Can I make a nonalcoholic version?

Yes. Combine chocolate milk, peppermint syrup, and a splash of cream. Shake with ice and strain into a shot glass for a dessert-style peppermint chocolate treat without alcohol.

Final Thoughts

The Peppermint Patty Shot proves that a delicious party drink doesn’t need to be complicated.

With its combination of refreshing peppermint, rich chocolate, and smooth Irish cream, this simple recipe delivers the familiar flavor of a chocolate-covered peppermint candy in a fun, dessert-inspired shot.

It’s easy to prepare, simple to customize, and particularly well suited to Christmas parties, winter gatherings, and special celebrations.

Whether you prefer the classic chocolate-and-mint combination or want to experiment with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or coffee-inspired variations, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own.

As with any alcoholic drink, enjoy responsibly and serve only to adults of legal drinking age.

Have you ever tried a Peppermint Patty Shot, or would you prefer the classic chocolate version or the creamy white chocolate variation?