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Cocktail History
The Hot Peppermint Patty is a Christmas cocktail that was created by Sterling Archer, the main character from the hit animated show Archer, as a boozy take on hot cocoa. Bartenders all over the world have been trying to perfect the proportions of the drink ever since Archer rattled off the ingredients in season six of the show; this version published in the book Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter by Jassy Davis uses milk as its base and pairs it with peppermint, cacao, and whipped cream.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Milk: This is a liquid rich in calcium and protein that is produced by mammals. We used Prairie Farm Vitamin D Whole Milk. For a dairy-free version of this drink, try oat milk in place of the milk.
White Peppermint Schnapps: This is a liqueur made with peppermint, spearmint, sugar, and alcohol. We used DeKuyper Peppermint Schnapps Liqueur because it has a bright mint flavor. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Monin Non-Alcoholic Peppermint Syrup in place of the liqueur.
Dark Crème De Cacao: This is a liqueur made with dark chocolate, vanilla, sugar, and alcohol. We used DeKuyper Crème De Cacao Dark Liqueur because it’s flavorful and affordable. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Monin Non-Alcoholic Dark Chocolate Syrup in place of the liqueur.
White Crème De Menthe: This is a liqueur made with mint leaves, sugar, and alcohol. We used DeKuyper Crème De Menthe White Liqueur because it has a cool and refreshing taste. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Torani Non-Alcoholic Crème De Menthe Syrupin place of the liqueur.
Hot Cocoa Mix: This is a sweetened chocolate product made with ground cocoa beans and sugar. We used Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Premium Hot Cocoa Mix because it’s rich and chocolatey.
Whipped Cream: This is heavy cream that has been whipped and beaten until it is light and fluffy. We used Reddi-Wip Original Dairy Whipped Topping because it offers easier application than making whipped cream at home using an iSi Cream Whipper. For a dairy-free version of this drink, try Reddi-Wip Non-Dairy Coconut Milk Whipped Topping in place of the whipped cream.
Grated Chocolate: This is candy made with cocoa, sugar, and milk. We used a Divine Milk Chocolate Bar.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Saucepan: This is used to warm the ingredients. We used the Cuisinart 3-Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan with Cover.
Spoon: This is used to stir the ingredients. We used the OXO Good Grips Silicone Spoon.
Ladle: This is used to transfer the drink to cups. We used the OXO Good Grips Silicone Everyday Ladle.
Grater: This is used to grate spices or citrus peel. We used the OXO Good Grips Grater.
Tasting Notes
The Hot Peppermint Patty features the aroma of chocolate and whipped cream and has the taste of deep chocolate with hints of peppermint.
Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: We thought this drink was simple but incredibly tasty, so much so that Kendall even asked for seconds the first time we tried the Hot Peppermint Patty. Next time you’re in the mood to cuddle up on the couch with Christmas movies and hot cocoa, skip the boxed kind, and go straight for this incredibly decadent recipe.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter by Jassy Davis.
Whisk hot cocoa mix into milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
Mix peppermint schnapps, crème de cacao, and crème de menthe in a mug.
When warm, pour hot cocoa into mug.
Stir for 5-10 seconds.
Garnish with whipped cream and grated chocolate.
Ingredients
Directions
Whisk hot cocoa mix into milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
Mix peppermint schnapps, crème de cacao, and crème de menthe in a mug.
When warm, pour hot cocoa into mug.
Stir for 5-10 seconds.
Garnish with whipped cream and grated chocolate.
Make It a Mocktail: Use Monin Non-Alcoholic Peppermint Syrup in place of the peppermint liqueur, Monin Non-Alcoholic Dark Chocolate Syrup in place of the dark chocolate liqueur, and Torani Non-Alcoholic Crème De Menthe Syrup in place of the liqueur to try a booze-free version of this drink.
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More Christmas Cocktails
If you like this Christmas cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
Kohler Mint Cocoa: A chocolate mint brandy cocktail made with milk, white peppermint schnapps, dark crème de cacao, cocoa powder, whipped cream, and grated chocolate
Cranberry Cobbler: A sherry cocktail made with cranberry syrup, orange slices, an orange wedge, mint, and cranberries
Chestnut Hot Chocolate: A brandy cocktail made with milk, frangelico liqueur, chestnut spread, saline solution, cocoa powder, cinnamon, whipped cream, and a chestnut
Candy Cane Martini: A vodka cocktail made with white crème de cacao, white crème de menthe, simple syrup, and crushed candy cane
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