If you’re looking for a festive and fun way to wow your guests this holiday season, this Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe is an absolute game-changer. I first tried this years ago at a friend’s party and was instantly hooked—it’s sweet, minty, and has just the right kick. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is super simple but delivers big on flavor. Trust me, once you make these, your family and friends will be asking for the recipe too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy Prep: Just two ingredients and a bit of patience, no complicated steps needed.
- Festive Flavor: The peppermint candy melts into the vodka to create a perfect holiday treat.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare these shots in advance and have a ready-to-serve cocktail for your party.
- Great for Gifting: These shots packaged in mason jars make charming homemade gifts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about the Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe is how few ingredients you need, but each one plays a crucial role. The peppermint disks give that iconic candy cane freshness, while the unflavored vodka lets the mint shine without any distractions.
- Peppermint disks: Look for classic peppermint hard candies; avoid flavored ones so the mint taste stays clean and crisp.
- Unflavored vodka: Choose a smooth brand since this vodka is the base—better quality means better shots.
Variations
I love customizing this Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe to fit different party vibes or tastes. Whether you want to make it a bit creamier or add a hint of chocolate, tweaking it is half the fun.
- Chocolate Peppermint Shots: I once added a splash of crème de cacao to the mix, and it transformed these shots into a delightful mint-chocolate surprise.
- Spicy Twist: Adding a tiny pinch of cayenne powder gives a warming contrast that’s unexpected but delicious.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Use peppermint extract and sparkling water for a fun mocktail version that kids can enjoy.
How to Make Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Peppermint and Mason Jars
Start by unwrapping your peppermint disks—this is the only tedious part. I usually use about 20 pieces, splitting them evenly between two mason jars. Using mason jars is perfect because the lids seal tightly, helping the peppermint dissolve evenly without spills.
Step 2: Pour the Vodka and Shake
Divide your vodka equally between the jars, making sure the peppermint is fully submerged. Screw on the lids tightly and give each jar a gentle shake, flipping it upside down a few times. This gets the peppermint swirling and helps it dissolve more quickly.
Step 3: Let It Chill and Infuse
Pop the jars into the fridge for about five days. Patience is key here—the peppermint slowly dissolves, and this is what infuses the vodka with that wonderful mint flavor. I know the waiting feels long, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Step 4: Mix and Enjoy
After five days, you’ll notice a white layer settled at the bottom. I discovered that turning the jars upside down for an hour and then shaking them really helps to mix everything evenly. Once you do this, your peppermint candy cane shots are ready to pour and enjoy. Easy peasy!
Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe
- Candy Choice Matters: I once tried using mini candy canes instead of disks, but they took forever to dissolve and gave a slightly waxy taste—stick to disks for best results.
- Shake Gently: Vigorous shaking can cause the vodka to foam and cloud; a gentle inversion is enough to mix the ingredients well.
- Use Clear, Unflavored Vodka: Using flavored vodka can sometimes clash with the peppermint; plain vodka creates the cleanest, freshest flavor.
- Be Patient: The magic happens over those five days, so don’t rush the process or you’ll end up with grainy candy bits.
How to Serve Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe
Garnishes
I love rimmed glasses sprinkled with crushed peppermint candy or a tiny candy cane hooked on the rim for that extra festive flair. It makes each shot feel like a special holiday treat and adds crunch and color that your guests will adore.
Side Dishes
These shots pair perfectly with cozy holiday bites like chocolate-dipped pretzels, gingerbread cookies, or even a savory cheese platter that balances the sweetness. When my family comes over, I always set out a mix of sweet and salty to complement the mint flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve tried serving the shots in festive glassware placed on a bed of crushed ice with scattered candy cane pieces. Sometimes, I even freeze small mint leaves in ice cubes to drop in the shots—looks fancy and packs extra mint aroma. Presentation makes all the difference in impressing guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover peppermint candy cane shots in the same mason jars with lids screwed tight, keeping them refrigerated. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks—though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!
Freezing
I haven’t had much luck freezing these shots because the vodka content prevents them from freezing solid, and it can slightly dull the peppermint flavor. So I recommend chilling them in the fridge instead for best taste and texture.
Reheating
These are meant to be served cold, so reheating isn’t typical. But if you’d like a warm peppermint twist, try gently warming a small amount on the stove with a splash of cream to make a cozy peppermint hot toddy. Just don’t heat straight vodka shots or you’ll overpower that fresh mint flavor.
FAQs
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How long does it take to make Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe?
While the active prep is under 10 minutes, you need to let the vodka infuse with the peppermint disks in the fridge for 5 days. This waiting time is essential for the candy to fully dissolve and impart that rich mint flavor.
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Can I use flavored vodka instead of unflavored?
You can, but I find that unflavored vodka lets the peppermint flavor shine without competing tastes. Flavored vodkas might clash or overpower the mint and throw off the balance of the shots.
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What if my peppermint doesn’t fully dissolve?
If your peppermint disks aren’t dissolving completely after five days, try gently shaking the jars once a day and make sure they’re fully submerged in vodka. If there are still chunks, removing them before serving will improve the texture.
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Are these shots very strong?
Yes, the shots are made with straight vodka, so they have a definite kick. However, the peppermint sweetness softens the bite, making them smooth and enjoyable. If you want something lighter, try mixing with some cream or soda.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe turns a simple vodka infusion into a festive, party-ready drink that’s both fun and flavorful. When I first tried it, I never imagined how perfectly the peppermint would meld with the vodka to create that classic holiday cheer in a glass. I really encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s low fuss, makes an impressive statement, and you’ll enjoy sharing it with everyone on your holiday list. Here’s to festive sips and good times!
Print
Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 days
- Total Time: 5 days 1 hour 5 mins
- Yield: Approximately 20 shots
- Category: Beverages
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candy Cane Shots are a festive and easy-to-make holiday treat that infuses vodka with peppermint flavor. This simple recipe combines peppermint disks and unflavored vodka, creating a refreshing, minty shot perfect for holiday parties and celebrations.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 20 peppermint disks
- 1 bottle unflavored vodka (750ml)
Instructions
- Prepare Peppermints: Unwrap all 20 peppermint disks and divide them evenly, placing 10 peppermint disks into each mason jar.
- Add Vodka: Pour the entire 750ml bottle of unflavored vodka evenly between the two mason jars, making sure each jar has an equal amount of vodka to peppermint disks.
- Shake Jars: Seal the jars tightly with their lids, give each a slight shake, then turn them upside down to mix thoroughly.
- Refrigerate: Place the jars in the refrigerator and let them sit for 5 days or until the peppermint disks have completely dissolved.
- Mix Layers: After 5 days, a white layer may form at the bottom of the jars. Turn the jars upside down for about an hour to redistribute this layer, then shake the jars well to combine everything.
- Serve: Pour the peppermint-infused vodka into shot glasses and enjoy your Candy Cane Shots responsibly!
Notes
- Use unflavored vodka to ensure the peppermint flavor stands out.
- Allowing the peppermint disks to dissolve fully in the fridge helps create a smooth, sweet flavor.
- Shaking the jars periodically after inversion helps mix the dissolved candies evenly.
- Store shots in the refrigerator for best flavor and chill before serving.
- This recipe yields approximately 20 servings based on standard shot sizes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shot (1.5 oz)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
