If you’re on the hunt for a festive and fun drink to wow your guests this holiday season, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Peppermint Candy Cane Shot Recipe is not just easy to make, but absolutely magical to sip on. I promise, once you try this, you’ll have a new favorite party trick that everyone will be asking about again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need peppermint candies and vodka for a deliciously festive shot.
- No Cooking Required: Just a few days in the fridge, and you get this perfect peppermint infusion.
- Great for Parties: Your guests will be impressed by how refreshing and smooth these shots taste.
- Easy to Customize: You can tweak the amounts or add a splash of cream for a fun twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When I first started making this Peppermint Candy Cane Shot Recipe, I was amazed how just two simple ingredients could transform into something so festive and delicious. It’s all about quality here, so pick your favorite vodka and peppermint candies to make it truly shine.
- Peppermint Disks: Look for classic peppermint candy disks or candy canes crushed – they dissolve beautifully and give that authentic candy cane flavor.
- Unflavored Vodka: A smooth, neutral vodka works best so the peppermint flavor can take center stage.
Variations
I like to keep this Peppermint Candy Cane Shot Recipe super simple, but once you get comfortable with the basics, try adding your own flair! Small changes can turn this festive shot into something uniquely yours.
- With Cream: I once stirred in a splash of Irish cream to make a creamy peppermint shot that my family adored.
- Using Flavored Vodka: If you want an extra pop, try vanilla or chocolate vodka for a dessert-style shot perfect for after-dinner sipping.
- Sugar Rim: Dipping the glass rims in crushed candy canes or colored sugar adds a pretty, crunchy finish that’s always a hit at parties.
- Alcohol-Free: Replace vodka with peppermint extract and club soda for a kid-friendly holiday mocktail that’s just as festive.
How to Make Peppermint Candy Cane Shot Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Peppermints and Mason Jars
Start by unwrapping your peppermint disks – I like to set up a little candy assembly line to speed this up. Then split them evenly between two clean mason jars. Using mason jars is my favorite because they seal tight and are perfect for shaking and storing the shots while the candy dissolves.
Step 2: Add Vodka and Mix
Pour your unflavored vodka evenly into each mason jar with the peppermints. Once sealed, give the jars a gentle shake, then flip them upside down briefly to help the candy start melting. I discovered this trick after my first batch didn’t dissolve quite right—it really speeds up the infusion process!
Step 3: Let It Sit and Stir
Place your jars in the refrigerator for 5 full days. This patiently infusing step is the key to that smooth peppermint flavor coming through. Don’t forget to check at the end—you might see a white layer settling at the bottom; just flip the jars upside down for about an hour, then shake well before serving.
Step 4: Pour, Serve, and Enjoy!
After the infusion is complete and the peppermint has fully melted, it’s time to pour your shots. Pour carefully to avoid any candy sediment, and get ready to wow your guests with this festive treat. I often make a double batch so there’s enough to go around—and trust me, it disappears fast!
Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Candy Cane Shot Recipe
- Use Glass Jars: Mason jars seal tightly and make shaking easy—plastic containers won’t give you the same results.
- Be Patient: Let those candies fully dissolve in the fridge to avoid grainy shots; the 5-day wait is worth it!
- Flipping the Jars: Don’t skip the upside-down rest at the end; it helps mix any settled candy bits for a smoother drink.
- Use Quality Vodka: A smoother vodka means a cleaner finish; cheap vodka can taste harsh, which masks the peppermint.
How to Serve Peppermint Candy Cane Shot Recipe
Garnishes
I love to rim my shot glasses with crushed peppermint candy or colored sugar crystals—it adds such a festive touch and a little crunchy contrast to the smooth shot. Sometimes I also float a mini candy cane on the rim for presentation. Feel free to get creative with sprigs of fresh mint or even edible glitter for holiday parties!
Side Dishes
I usually serve these alongside some rich chocolate truffles or salted caramel popcorn. The sweetness and saltiness balance the minty shots perfectly. My family also likes pairing them with fresh fruit skewers for a lighter option.
Creative Ways to Present
One holiday season, I arranged the shots on a mirrored tray with fairy lights underneath—the glow made the peppermint shine, and everyone kept grabbing their phones to snap pics. Another time, I used mini shot glasses with peppermint-themed stirrers glued to wooden picks for a fun interactive element. It’s such a crowd-pleaser, especially for parties where festive details count.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra peppermint shots (though it’s rare!), store them in airtight glass bottles or jars in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to two weeks without losing that vibrant flavor. I gently swirl the bottles before pouring if they’ve been sitting for a while.
Freezing
Freezing this shot isn’t something I recommend since the texture can be affected, and the peppermint flavor dulls. But, if you’re in a pinch, freezing in ice cube trays and adding those cubes to sparkling water or soda makes a fun peppermint refresher.
Reheating
Since these are cold shots, reheating isn’t really needed or recommended. Just give your bottle a shake or swirl to redistribute ingredients before serving again cold. Warm peppermint vodka tends to lose its charm and crispness, in my experience.
FAQs
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Can I use candy canes instead of peppermint disks in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can crush candy canes into small pieces and use them just like peppermint disks. Just be sure they’re fully dissolved in the vodka by the end of the infusion period.
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How long does the peppermint flavor infuse into the vodka?
I’ve found 5 days in the fridge to be perfect for full infusion. Less time and you might get a weaker flavor; longer usually doesn’t hurt, but watch for crystallization.
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What type of vodka works best for peppermint candy cane shots?
Go for a smooth, unflavored vodka—something clean and neutral so the peppermint really shines. Mid-range brands often work well without breaking the bank.
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Can I make these shots ahead for a party?
Yes! Making them ahead is actually perfect—just prepare at least 5 days before your party so the peppermint has time to infuse fully.
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Is there a way to make these shots non-alcoholic?
You can substitute vodka with peppermint extract diluted in sparkling water or soda for a no-alcohol festive mocktail version that still tastes great.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Peppermint Candy Cane Shot Recipe turns out every single time—it’s simple, festive, and just a little magical. When I first tried it, I couldn’t believe how the peppermint and vodka melded into such a smooth, refreshing shot with zero fuss. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making (and sharing) this as much as I do. So grab those peppermints and vodka, get the jars ready, and let the holiday fun begin!
Print
Peppermint Candy Cane Shot Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 5 days 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: Approximately 32 shots
- Category: Beverages
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candy Cane Shots are a festive and fun peppermint-infused vodka treat perfect for holiday celebrations. This simple no-cook recipe uses peppermint disks steeped in vodka over several days to create a sweet, minty shot with a smooth finish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 20 peppermint disks
- 1 bottle unflavored vodka (750ml)
Instructions
- Prepare Peppermints: Unwrap all 20 peppermint disks and divide them evenly, placing 10 disks into each of two mason jars.
- Add Vodka: Pour the entire bottle of unflavored vodka (750 ml) evenly between the two mason jars, soaking the peppermint disks.
- Seal and Shake: Tightly secure the lids on both jars, give them a slight shake, and turn the jars upside down to mix the contents thoroughly.
- Refrigerate: Place the jars in the refrigerator and let them steep for 5 days, or until the peppermint disks are completely dissolved into the vodka.
- Mix Residue: After steeping, a white layer will form at the bottom of each jar. Turn the jars upside down for about one hour to help redistribute this layer, then shake the jars well before serving.
- Serve: Pour the peppermint-infused vodka shots into shot glasses and enjoy your festive Candy Cane Shots!
Notes
- Ensure the peppermint disks are fully dissolved for the best flavor infusion.
- Steeping time can be adjusted depending on your desired strength of peppermint flavor.
- This recipe uses unflavored vodka to let the peppermint shine through without additional flavor interference.
- Store the jars in the fridge to maintain freshness and optimal taste.
- Shake well before serving each time as sediment may settle at the bottom.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shot (45 ml)
- Calories: 97
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
