When the team at Polar kindly offered to send over a sample of their Peppermint Ice Liqueur, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Peppermint spirits aren’t exactly common on the shelves here in the UK, and the ones that do pop up tend to be either syrupy sweet or a bit medicinal. But with its crisp, frosty branding and talk of natural peppermint oils, I was curious.
First Impressions
The bottle is undeniably sharp. Icy whites, a cracked-glass motif, and clear spirit inside—no neon green liqueur here, thankfully. It’s stylish without being gimmicky, and it stands out in the best way. Even before tasting, you get the feeling that this is a more grown-up take on mint liqueur.
It turns out the founder was inspired by Berlin’s peppermint schnapps culture and set out to make a British craft version. There’s a bit of that party spirit behind it, but with a cleaner, more refined finish.
Taste Test
Neat, Polar is surprisingly smooth. You get that instant peppermint hit—like liquid Polos—with a sweet, slightly cooling finish. There’s no harsh burn, and the sweetness doesn’t overpower the flavour. It’s balanced, and at 20% ABV, fairly easy-going.
That said, it is intense. The mint flavour is bold, and while I personally enjoyed it, I can see it being a bit much for someone who’s not a fan of strong herbal or menthol flavours.
Over ice, it mellows out nicely and makes for a great little after-dinner sip. Add it to hot chocolate, and you’ve got a winter warmer that tastes like dessert in a mug. I wouldn’t go splashing it into every drink, though—it’s a strong profile and needs the right partner.
Cocktail Play
Polar really shines in dessert-style cocktails—anything with chocolate or coffee is fair game.
For something lighter, try topping it with soda water over ice. You’ll get a crisp, cooling spritz that feels almost summery—though admittedly, the flavour still leans more après-ski than BBQ.
I also gave it a go in a Paloma twist with tequila, grapefruit and lime — the minty freshness adds a cool edge that really works with the citrus. You can check out the full Peppermint Paloma recipe here.
Worth noting: this isn’t the most versatile bottle on the bar. You’re probably not going to be mixing it into your Negronis or Margaritas on the regular. It’s more of a specialist spirit—fun to have, but probably not your daily driver.
So Who’s It For?
Mint lovers, first and foremost. If you like things fresh, cool, and a bit different, Polar’s got you covered. It’s a great one to bring out at parties, especially around Christmas or after a big dinner. That cooling menthol finish works a treat.
If you’re not big on mint, though, I’m not sure this will convert you. It’s well-made, no doubt, but the flavour is punchy and unapologetically peppermint.
The Verdict
Polar Peppermint Ice Liqueur feels like a breath of fresh air—literally. It’s clean, bold, and clearly crafted with care. The bottle looks great, the flavour holds up, and it’s fun to mix with (in the right drinks).
My only real gripe is that it is a bit niche, and at £32 a bottle, it’s not exactly an impulse buy. It’s one of those “glad I have it, don’t need to replace it every month” kind of bottles. But as a seasonal sipper or an occasional cocktail hero, it earns its place.
All in all, if you’re after something cool, crisp and a little bit different, Polar’s well worth a shot!
Photo courtesy of Polar Spirits.
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