If you’re on the hunt for a festive and indulgent treat that packs a punch of flavor and holiday cheer, the Baileys Peppermint Mocha Shots Recipe is your new best friend. These little marvels blend smooth Baileys Irish Cream with invigorating peppermint, rich chocolate syrup, and bold espresso, finished off with fluffy whipped cream and a crunchy peppermint topping. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy winter nights, this recipe is both a breeze to make and a delight to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating these luscious Baileys Peppermint Mocha Shots. Each component plays a vital role: from the creamy Baileys providing warmth to the peppermint extract adding that refreshing zing, all combining beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Baileys Irish Cream: The star of the show, delivering a creamy, slightly boozy base that’s smooth and rich.
- Peppermint extract: Adds a cool, minty infusion essential for that signature holiday vibe—just a little goes a long way!
- Chocolate syrup: Brings luscious sweetness and depth, marrying well with the espresso for a mocha twist.
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled: Provides that bold coffee kick and balances out the sweetness with a rich, roasted note.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to perfection, it creates a dreamy, fluffy topping for the shots.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just enough without overpowering the other flavors.
- Crushed candy canes: Adds both crunch and a burst of peppermint candy goodness for that festive finish.
- Mini chocolate chips or shavings (optional): A little extra chocolate luxury that makes these shots visually stunning and even tastier.
How to Make Baileys Peppermint Mocha Shots Recipe
Step 1: Chill your shot glasses and mixing bowl
Pop your shot glasses and mixing bowl into the freezer for about 10 minutes. This step helps everything stay cold and ensures your whipped cream holds its fluffy texture when it’s time to assemble your shots.
Step 2: Combine the mocha mixture
In your chilled bowl, stir together the Baileys Irish Cream, peppermint extract, chocolate syrup, and cooled brewed espresso until the mixture is silky smooth. This blend delivers the rich, creamy, and minty mocha flavor base you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Prepare the whipped cream
Whip your heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Using a piping bag or a simple zip-top bag with a snipped corner makes topping the shots neat and pretty — plus, it’s so satisfying to decorate with precision!
Step 4: Fill the shot glasses
Pour the mocha mixture into each chilled shot glass, filling them about three-quarters full. This leaves room for the whipped cream topping without spilling over.
Step 5: Add the whipped cream topping
Pipe or spoon generous dollops of the whipped cream on top of each glass. The fluffy layer adds a creamy contrast and makes the shots look irresistible.
Step 6: Chill the assembled shots
Pop the completed shots into the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This chilling step enhances the flavors and ensures a refreshing, cool serving temperature.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle crushed candy canes and optional mini chocolate chips over the whipped cream for a cheerful pop of texture and holiday sparkle. Serve these festive Baileys Peppermint Mocha Shots immediately and enjoy every delightful sip.
How to Serve Baileys Peppermint Mocha Shots Recipe
Garnishes
The crushed candy canes are a classic choice, adding a bit of crunch and peppermint flavor that complements the drink perfectly. Mini chocolate chips or delicate chocolate shavings take the garnish to the next level, adding visual appeal and a touch of extra decadence that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
Pair these shots with simple holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, or chocolate truffles. Their sweet, rich flavors and different textures make for an exciting contrast that keeps the palate refreshed and entertained.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the shots on a festive platter lined with fresh pine needles or holly sprigs for a seasonal touch. For a fun twist, rim the shot glasses with crushed candy canes dipped in a bit of chocolate syrup before filling them. This adds an extra boost of flavor and a gorgeous presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Baileys Peppermint Mocha Shots, store them covered tightly in the refrigerator. Keep them chilled and consume within 24 hours to maintain the best texture and flavor, as the whipped cream topping is best fresh.
Freezing
Freezing assembled shots is not recommended due to the whipped cream topping, which can separate or become grainy when thawed. However, you can prepare the mocha mixture ahead and freeze it without the whipped cream for up to one month in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This drink is intended to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not advised. If you want a warm alternative, consider warming separate portions of the mocha mixture and topping with freshly whipped cream before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
Absolutely! Strong brewed coffee works perfectly if you don’t have espresso on hand. Just make sure it’s cooled before mixing to keep the shot chilled.
Is it possible to make the recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the heavy whipping cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for whipping, and choose a Baileys dairy-free version or a similar Irish cream liqueur made without dairy.
How much peppermint extract should I use if I want a milder mint flavor?
Start with 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract and adjust to taste. It’s easy to add more if needed, but peppermint extract is quite potent, so a little goes a long way.
Can this recipe be doubled or tripled for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and prepare in a larger bowl. Chilling the shot glasses and mixing bowl still makes a big difference, so try to do that before pouring the mixture into your serving glasses.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes for garnish?
Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This way you get a nice mix of small chunks and fine powder that adds both texture and sparkle to your shots.
Final Thoughts
Making the Baileys Peppermint Mocha Shots Recipe is like bringing a little celebration into your home with every sip. The creamy, minty, and chocolaty flavors work in perfect harmony to create an unforgettable indulgence that’s quick to make and sure to wow your guests. Dive in, experiment with your own festive twists, and enjoy this cozy treat whenever you need a dose of holiday magic.
Print
Baileys Peppermint Mocha Shots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baileys Peppermint Mocha Shots combine rich Baileys Irish Cream, peppermint, chocolate, and espresso to create a festive and indulgent cocktail. Topped with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and optional chocolate chips, these shots are perfect for holiday gatherings or a special treat. With a smooth mocha flavor and a refreshing peppermint twist, they’re a delightful way to enjoy the season in a quick and easy-to-make format.
Ingredients
Liquids and Flavors
- 1 cup Baileys Irish Cream
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
- 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips or shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Chill the glassware and bowl: Place your shot glasses and mixing bowl in the freezer for about 10 minutes to ensure everything is well chilled, helping the cream whip better and the drink stay cold.
- Mix the mocha base: In the chilled bowl, combine the Baileys Irish Cream, peppermint extract, chocolate syrup, and cooled brewed espresso. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Prepare whipped cream topping: Whip the heavy cream together with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off for easy and neat topping application.
- Fill shot glasses: Pour the mocha mixture into each chilled shot glass, filling them about three-quarters full. Then pipe or spoon the whipped cream neatly on top of each shot.
- Chill assembled shots: Place the assembled shots in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and keep them nicely chilled.
- Add garnish: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the whipped cream, and add optional mini chocolate chips or shavings to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the Baileys Peppermint Mocha Shots cold, enjoying immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Chilling the glasses and bowl helps the whipped cream hold its shape better and keeps the shots cold longer.
- Use freshly brewed espresso for a stronger coffee flavor, or substitute with strong brewed coffee if preferred.
- Adjust the peppermint extract to taste—start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more if a stronger mint flavor is desired.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute Baileys Irish Cream with a non-alcoholic Irish cream-flavored coffee creamer.
- The whipped cream piped topping can be replaced by simply spooning whipped cream on top if a piping bag is not available.
- These shots are best enjoyed the same day they are made for optimal freshness and texture.
