Imagine dessert and cocktail hour all rolled into one blissfully creamy sip. That’s exactly what the Peanut Butter Cup Martini brings to your glass: a decadent blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and cream, shaken into a dreamy indulgence that tastes like your favorite candy with a grown-up twist. From its crushed peanut butter cup rim to its silky, chocolatey finish, this cocktail is romantic, playful, and a genuine showstopper for special nights, celebrations, or whenever you crave something delightfully unique.

Peanut Butter Cup Martini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient for the Peanut Butter Cup Martini plays an iconic role in creating the irresistible fusion of flavors and textures. You don’t need a crowded bar cart, just these thoughtfully chosen bottles and treats that come together for pure martini magic.

Chocolate liqueur: This forms the chocolatey, luscious foundation, making every sip rich and smooth.
Peanut butter whiskey: A splash of peanut butter whiskey (Skrewball works beautifully) infuses nutty warmth and unmistakable peanut butter essence.
Vodka: Classic vodka adds backbone and amplifies the creamy, sweet notes without overpowering them.
Heavy cream: Velvety heavy cream ensures a thick, dreamy texture and that gorgeous pale finish.
Chocolate syrup: Essential for rimming the glass, swirling inside, and adding extra chocolatey drama in every pour.
Crushed peanut butter cups: These add candy-shop crunch and nostalgic flair to the rim; save a few for finishing touches!
Ice: Don’t skimp—plenty of ice chills everything quickly and makes your martini frothy.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Martini

Step 1: Get Your Glass Ready

Start by turning a simple martini glass into a candy-lover’s dream. First, spread chocolate syrup on one small plate and some finely crushed peanut butter cups on another. Dip the rim of your glass into the chocolate syrup, ensuring a generous, even coating. Immediately press the syrup-coated rim into the crushed peanut butter cups so every inch gathers a delightful layer of candy. Set aside or pop the rimmed glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes to chill and firm up that delicious coating.

Step 2: Assemble the Cocktail

Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice—this makes sure your Peanut Butter Cup Martini gets icy cold and perfectly frothy. Pour in 2 ounces of chocolate liqueur, 1.5 ounces of peanut butter whiskey, 1 ounce of vodka, and 1 ounce of heavy cream. Each addition builds flavor; don’t rush this moment!

Step 3: Shake it Up

Now the fun part—put on the lid and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds. You want lots of motion here, breaking up the cream and chilling everything together until the cocktail feels frosty outside and there’s plenty of froth inside.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Swirls

Take your rimmed glass out of the freezer. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass, letting it swirl and stripe down the sides for gorgeous visual flair and extra chocolate flavor with every sip.

Step 5: Strain and Serve

Strain your creamy cocktail mixture into the prepared glass, watching as it settles and catches on the chocolate-drizzled sides. Top with a mini peanut butter cup or sprinkle more crushed candy over the top for the ultimate finishing touch. Grab your glass and sip away into dessert heaven!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Martini

Garnishes

The garnish is truly where the Peanut Butter Cup Martini shines! Beyond that irresistible rim, try topping with a whole mini peanut butter cup balanced on the edge, a sprinkling of extra crushed cups for crunch, or a gentle dusting of cocoa powder for drama. You can even cut a small peanut butter cup and hang it on the rim for a playful, over-the-top touch.

Side Dishes

While this martini is essentially dessert in a glass, it pairs surprisingly well with light, salty snacks like pretzel sticks or roasted nuts, balancing the richness. If you want to double down on the decadence, serve alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries or crisp shortbread cookies for pure indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, make a martini flight: serve mini versions in small glasses with different garnishes for a “choose your own adventure” treat. Alternatively, chill the mixture in pretty shot glasses and top each one with a skewer of peanut butter cups. Set out a platter of garnishes so friends can customize their own showstopping peanut butter cup martinis.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Martini, simply strain any ice out (to prevent dilution) and keep it in an airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for 24–48 hours—just give it a good shake before serving to restore its gorgeous creaminess.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t recommended for this cocktail due to the dairy, you can freeze the glass in advance to enhance that frosty, candy-coated rim. If you’re prepping for a party, mix the spirits together ahead of time (without the cream), store in the fridge or freezer, and add cream and ice only right before shaking and serving.

Reheating

This is one cocktail you’ll never want to heat up! Simply chill or shake again if it’s been in the fridge. If the texture separates slightly during storage, a brisk shake or quick blend will bring everything back together, maintaining that rich, frothy consistency.

FAQs

Can I make the Peanut Butter Cup Martini without peanut butter whiskey?

While peanut butter whiskey is what makes this martini sing, you can substitute with regular whiskey and a teaspoon of creamy peanut butter. Just shake a little longer to fully incorporate the peanut butter into the mix.

Is there a dairy-free version of this martini?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or any rich non-dairy milk of your choice. It’ll be just as smooth and dreamy, without the dairy.

Which chocolate liqueur works best?

Brands like Godiva or Mozart are fantastic, but any high-quality chocolate liqueur will deliver that luscious base. Go for something rich and not too sweet for perfect balance with the peanut butter whiskey.

Can I batch-make this cocktail for a party?

Yes! Multiply the ingredients by your number of guests, mix everything except the cream and ice, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, shake individual portions with cream and ice, then pour into prepped glasses for that just-shaken feel.

How can I make the rim stick better?

Make sure to press the glass into the chocolate syrup firmly to provide a good “glue,” then immediately press into the crushed candy. Chilling the glass afterward prevents the rim from getting too runny as you assemble the martini.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never turned your favorite chocolate and peanut butter treat into a chic sip, now’s the time. The Peanut Butter Cup Martini is pure liquid delight, guaranteed to bring a smile to every face. Try it for your next celebration or cozy night in—one taste, and you’ll want to share this sweet secret with all your friends!