If you’re on the hunt for a festive, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as fun to make as it is to drink, you’re going to love my Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe. It’s the perfect holiday party starter or a cheeky way to celebrate any winter gathering. I absolutely love how these shots capture that classic peppermint candy cane flavor in a smooth, boozy sip — and I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your go-to for the holidays every year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at its best: With just two main ingredients, this recipe couldn’t be easier to pull off, even if you’re a beginner.
- Festive and flavorful: The peppermint flavor is perfectly infused, giving you that nostalgic candy cane taste in every shot.
- Make ahead friendly: Preparing these shots in advance means you can focus on fun, not fuss, when guests arrive.
- Impress your friends: Serve these at parties, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight – my family goes crazy for them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple by using unflavored vodka and peppermint disks — two ingredients that blend beautifully to give you that sweet, minty kick. When shopping, look for good-quality vodka for a smoother shot, and pick peppermint disks you enjoy eating on their own because their flavor really shines here.
- Peppermint disks: Choose classic peppermint candy disks that dissolve easily for a clean, crisp flavor.
- Unflavored vodka: A smooth, neutral vodka works best here so the peppermint really takes center stage.
Variations
I love switching things up depending on the occasion or my mood. Feel free to customize this Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe to your taste—it’s a great base for experimenting!
- Use flavored vodka: I once tried vanilla vodka instead of plain and it gave the shots a creamier, dessert-like vibe that was a hit at my friends’ holiday party.
- Extra minty twist: Add a drop or two of peppermint extract if you want the flavor to really pop without extra candy.
- Non-alcoholic version: Swap the vodka for sparkling water or a clear soda for a fun party drink everyone can enjoy.
- Festive rim: Dip the rim of your shot glasses in crushed peppermint candies or colored sugar for that added holiday flair.
How to Make Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Peppermints and Jars
Start by unwrapping your peppermint disks – I know this can be a little tedious, but trust me, every peppermint you add will make the shots taste amazing. Divide them evenly between two mason jars or similar airtight containers. This way, the vodka can soak up the peppermint flavor evenly.
Step 2: Pour the Vodka and Shake Gently
Next, pour the unflavored vodka evenly over the peppermint disks in each jar. Secure the lids tightly and give the jars a gentle shake — I like to turn them upside down a few times to make sure the peppermint starts dissolving all over. This is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Refrigerate and Wait Patiently
Place your jars in the fridge for about 5 days. I’ve learned not to rush this step: letting the peppermint fully dissolve is key to getting that smooth, well-infused flavor. You might notice a white layer forming at the bottom; don’t worry, that’s completely normal!
Step 4: Wake Up the Flavor
After 5 days, flip the jars upside down for about an hour to help redistribute those flavors, then give the jars a good shake. Your peppermint candy cane shots are now ready to pour and enjoy. Cheers!
Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe
- Choose quality peppermint disks: I learned the hard way that cheap candies can leave a powdery residue, so I always opt for well-known peppermint brands now.
- Use airtight jars: Mason jars work perfectly to keep your shots fresh and allow easy shaking and flipping.
- Don’t skip the refrigeration: Keeping the jars cold helps the peppermint dissolve cleanly and keeps flavors pure without any off notes.
- Shake before serving: You want to re-mix the layers for an even flavor — it’s a simple step that really makes a difference!
How to Serve Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe
Garnishes
I love rimmed glasses for a little extra festive sparkle—try dipping the rims in crushed candy canes or colored sugar crystals for that snowy, holiday vibe. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a mini candy cane as a stir stick. It’s such a cute finishing touch that always gets compliments.
Side Dishes
Since these shots are quite sweet and minty, I usually pair them with salty snacks like pretzels or a cheese board to balance the flavors. If you’re hosting a party, some savory finger foods or holiday cookies complement the shots beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
At last year’s Christmas bash, I set up a little candy cane cocktail station with different garnishes and themed straws. It was a blast for guests to personalize their shots before sipping. Another idea: color-coordinate your shot glasses or serve them with holiday cocktail picks to amp up the festive spirit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These shots keep really well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in airtight jars. I always store mine in the same mason jars I infuse them in—less mess and easy to shake up again before serving if anything settles.
Freezing
I haven’t tried freezing these shots because the peppermint infusion and alcohol don’t freeze well together, but cold shots straight from the fridge are just perfect, so freezing isn’t really necessary.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t ideal with these peppermint shots since they’re meant to be enjoyed chilled, but giving the jar a good shake before pouring will bring back that fresh, even flavor every time.
FAQs
-
How long do peppermint candy cane shots need to infuse?
Ideally, they need about 5 days in the fridge for the peppermint disks to completely dissolve and infuse their flavor into the vodka. Patience really pays off here for the best taste.
-
Can I use other types of candy instead of peppermint disks?
You can experiment with other candies, but peppermint disks are unique because they dissolve cleanly and provide that classic candy cane flavor. Other hard candies may not dissolve the same way or might leave residue.
-
What kind of vodka should I use for this recipe?
A smooth, unflavored vodka is best. I usually choose a mid-range brand with a clean taste so the peppermint really shines without unwanted alcohol harshness.
-
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s perfect to make up to a week ahead, so all the work is done before guests arrive. Just store your jars in the fridge and shake well before serving.
-
How do I serve peppermint candy cane shots?
Serve chilled in shot glasses, ideally with a peppermint or candy cane garnish. You can rim the glasses with crushed candy canes for a festive look that matches the flavor perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday traditions. It’s so easy, festive, and always a hit with friends and family — I love watching everyone’s faces light up with that first minty sip. Give it a try next time you’re hosting or just want to treat yourself to something special. I guarantee it’ll bring a little extra sparkle to your celebrations!
Print
Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 days
- Total Time: 5 days 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: Approximately 20 shots
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candy Cane Shots are a festive and fun holiday drink made by infusing unflavored vodka with peppermint disks. This simple recipe creates a sweet and minty vodka perfect for holiday parties and celebrations.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 20 peppermint disks
- 1 bottle unflavored vodka (750ml)
Instructions
- Prepare Peppermints: Unwrap your peppermints and place 10 in each of two mason jars. This will allow for even infusion in the vodka.
- Add Vodka: Evenly divide the entire 750ml bottle of unflavored vodka between the two mason jars containing the peppermint disks.
- Shake and Invert: Place the lid tightly on each jar, give them a slight shake, and then turn the jars upside down to start the infusion process.
- Refrigerate: Place the mason jars in the refrigerator for 5 days or until the peppermint disks are completely dissolved in the vodka.
- Mix the Layered Liquid: After infusion, a white layer will form at the bottom of the jars. Turn the jars upside down for about an hour, then shake them well to mix everything thoroughly.
- Serve: Pour the infused vodka into shot glasses and enjoy your festive candy cane shots!
Notes
- Make sure the peppermint disks are fully dissolved before serving for the best flavor.
- Store the infused vodka in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Use unflavored vodka to allow the peppermint flavor to shine through without interference.
- This recipe yields approximately 20 shots, depending on serving size.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shot (1.5 oz)
- Calories: 97
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
