Peppermint Espresso Martini Pudding Shots

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These Peppermint Espresso Martini Pudding Shots are ready for your next holiday party! Topped with peppermint whipped cream and a piece of peppermint bark, these are a seriously delicious boozy treat, with just the right amount of coffee kick.

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Peppermint Espresso martini pudding shots with whipped cream and christmas tree in background.

Who doesn't love a fun, festive pudding shot at a holiday party?! We think these are far more delicious than jello shots, and they're easier to eat!

This recipe is part of our 2024 Recipe Advent Calendar, a series where we're sharing a brand new, festive recipe every day from December 1-25! If you've missed the first few, check out our Bourbon Pecan Christmas Crack, Grinch Cocktail, or Edible Coal Candy.

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Peppermint Espresso Martini Pudding Shot Ingredients
How to Make this Peppermint Espresso Martini Pudding Shots Recipe
Equipment
Storage
Tips and FAQ
Top tip
More holiday cocktail recipes
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Peppermint Espresso Martini Pudding Shot Ingredients

Overhead view of ingredients for espresso peppermint martini pudding shots.

Chocolate Pudding Mix: Any chocolate pudding mix should work perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure to check the quantity on the box – ours was 3.9oz.
Whole milk: Make sure your milk is cold (straight from the fridge) so the pudding mix dissolves. To make this dairy free, use a nondairy alternative like oat milk.
Vodka: If you like stronger peppermint flavor, you can change up the ratio of vodka: peppermint schnapps.
Peppermint Schnapps: Peppermint schnapps is a peppermint liqueur that tastes like a liquid candy cane. If you're not a fan of peppermint, feel free to use all vodka instead. Just note that the shots may not set quite as firmly.
Instant espresso powder: Use as much or as little as you would like for flavor, but keep in mind that these will contain a good amount of caffeine, so warn your guests!
Heavy whipping cream: Make sure it's very cold before whipping. To make this recipe vegan, substitute with a nondairy alternative.
Peppermint extract: If you don't have any or don't like peppermint, leave this out and use vanilla extract instead.
Peppermint bark: A small piece makes for a super festive garnish! Alternatively, top with some sprinkles or chocolate shavings. An espresso bean would also help indicate to guests that this contains caffeine.

How to Make this Peppermint Espresso Martini Pudding Shots Recipe

STEP 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, milk, vodka, peppermint schnapps and espresso powder until smooth.

Chocolate pudding mixture in a bowl with whisk.

STEP 2: Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract to a separate bowl and use an electric mixer to beat until soft peaks form (this will take a few minutes).

Overhead view of whipped cream in a bowl.

STEP 3: Add 1 ½ cups of the peppermint whipped cream to the pudding mixture and whisk until smooth. Reserve the rest of the whipped cream for topping (refrigerate until ready to use).

Overhead view of Peppermint Espresso martini pudding shot mixture in bowl.

STEP 4: Pour the pudding mix into 2 ounce shot glasses, filling it about ¾ of the way. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes, until mostly set. The mixture will still be somewhat soft, but should not be liquidy.

Peppermint Espresso martini pudding shots before adding whipped cream.

STEP 6: Pipe the reserved whipped cream on top of each pudding shot. Optional: garnish with sprinkles and a piece of peppermint bark. Cheers!

Equipment

Electric Hand Mixer: We have this cordless hand mixer and absolutely love it!
2 oz plastic shot glasses
Instant Espresso Powder

Storage

If you need to store these for overnight or longer, we suggest buying plastic containers that come with a lid. Pour the pudding shot mixture into the containers, then place the lids on top. Store the whipped cream topping in a closed container in the refrigerator.

The day you plan to consume them, pipe the whipped cream on top, add the garnishes and return to the refrigerator until ready to serve.

These pudding shots will last for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Tips and FAQ

Top tip

Let the pudding shots set before piping the whipped cream on top, otherwise it might start to sink in to the pudding.

More tips

Caffeine content: Please be aware that if you use the full 3 tablespoon of instant espresso powder, each shot will contain anywhere from 25-35mg of caffeine.
Make it dairy free: Most instant pudding mixes are dairy free (and vegan!) so you'll just need to substitute whole milk with a nondairy alternative like oat milk. You'll also need to use vegan whipped cream for topping, and vegan peppermint bark.
No peppermint: If you're not a fan of peppermint and just want the chocolate espresso martini part, substitute the peppermint schnapps with more vodka, and use vanilla extract instead of peppermint extract in the whipped cream. Top with chocolate shavings and an espresso bean!
Make it caffeine free: Just leave out the espresso powder. It will just be chocolate peppermint flavored, but still totally delicious!

How do you eat a pudding shot?

This peppermint espresso martini pudding shot has a slightly pourable texture, so you can pour it right into your mouth. Alternatively, serve these with small spoons to contain the mess!

Why didn't my pudding shots set?

It may have to do with the pudding mix you used, or the proof of your vodka. If they're a bit too liquidy, just whisk in more of the whipped cream.

Peppermint Espresso martini pudding shots with whipped cream on a white marble serving tray.

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