If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays (or just impress your friends at your next party), this Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. I love how simple it is to make, and the cool thing is you only need two ingredients to whip this up. By the end, you’ll have minty, smooth shots that taste like a winter wonderland in a glass. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them every year!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: Only two ingredients and minimal prep time make it easy for anyone to make.
- Festive Flavor: The peppermint candy melts into vodka, creating a refreshing minty shot that screams holiday cheer.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it days in advance to let the flavors develop perfectly, giving you more time to enjoy the party.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The white peppermint residue adds a cool visual twist, sparking conversations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients combine beautifully to make the classic peppermint candy cane shots. You really don’t need much more—just a bit of patience while the magic happens in the fridge. I like to pick peppermint disks that are fresh and vibrant for the best flavor.
- Peppermint disks: The star ingredient that melts into the vodka, adding that unmistakable candy cane flavor; choose good-quality peppermint candies that dissolve easily.
- Unflavored vodka: A neutral base that lets the peppermint shine; you can upgrade with a smooth, mid-range vodka for a cleaner taste.
Variations
I love customizing this Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe to suit different tastes or occasions. Don’t hesitate to tweak it—you might find your favorite twist!
- Chocolate Peppermint: I once added a splash of chocolate liqueur for a mint-chocolate combo that was a huge hit at a holiday party.
- Sugar Rim: Dipping the shot glasses in water and then crushed candy canes before pouring the shots adds a fun crunchy texture and extra flair.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Swap vodka for sparkling water or club soda and infuse the peppermint candies longer for a kid-friendly festive drink.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a tiny pinch of cayenne or a drop of chili extract gives your shots a surprising heat that some friends really enjoyed.
How to Make Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Peppermints and Jars
Start by unwrapping 20 peppermint disks—yes, this can be a bit meditative but it’s totally worth it. Then place 10 in each clean mason jar. I like using mason jars because the lids seal tight and the vodka will soak up that peppermint flavor perfectly.
Step 2: Pour the Vodka and Mix
Measure out your bottle of unflavored vodka (750ml) and divide it evenly between the two jars. Screw the lids on tight, then give each jar a good gentle shake. Flip the jars upside down once or twice to help start the dissolving process. This step is key because it prevents the peppermints from just settling at the bottom.
Step 3: Let Time Do Its Thing in the Fridge
Now, this is where patience pays off. Pop your jars into the fridge for about 5 days. You’ll notice the peppermint disks slowly dissolve during this time. Don’t rush it—good things take time!
Step 4: Shake and Remix Before Serving
After five days, you’ll see a white layer at the bottom of each jar. Don’t worry—it’s totally normal. Flip the jars upside down to let that layer soften for about an hour, then shake vigorously. This ensures everything is mixed and your shots pour smoothly.
Step 5: Pour and Enjoy!
Finally, strain or just pour straight from the jar into shot glasses. I like to chill my shot glasses in the freezer beforehand for an extra icy sip. Cheers!
Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe
- Use Fresh Peppermints: Old or stale candies take longer to dissolve and can affect flavor, so pick a fresh pack for best results.
- Shake Occasionally: Giving your jars a gentle shake every day or two helps speed up dissolving and keeps flavors even.
- Don’t Skip the Inversion: Turning the jars upside down for an hour before shaking dissolves that stubborn white sediment, making pouring easier.
- Choose Quality Vodka: Because the vodka’s flavor is upfront, a smoother vodka creates a cleaner, more enjoyable shot.
How to Serve Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of crushed candy cane rims on the shot glasses—it adds that perfect crunch and extra peppermint punch. Sometimes, I toss a mini candy cane alongside each shot for a little festive flair and an edible stirrer.
Side Dishes
I like serving these shots alongside rich, chocolate desserts like brownies or chocolate-covered pretzels. The combo of mint and chocolate is a crowd-pleaser, and it balances the boozy peppermint kick perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve filled a festive wooden box with ice, nestled these shots inside, and scattered some crushed candy cane pieces and pine sprigs around. It’s always a showstopper and makes guests feel like they’re stepping into a winter wonderland.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store the jars tightly sealed in the fridge. They stay good for about two weeks, although I recommend enjoying them sooner for peak flavor.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t really ideal for this recipe because the peppermint texture and vodka consistency can get weird. I’ve tried it, and it doesn’t quite hold up, so I wouldn’t suggest it.
Reheating
Since these are shots best served cold, reheating isn’t necessary and actually takes away from their refreshing quality. Just give the jars a good shake before serving chilled again.
FAQs
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Can I use flavored vodka instead of unflavored vodka?
You can, but I recommend sticking to unflavored vodka to let the peppermint really shine. Using flavored vodka could clash or overpower the candy cane taste, though a subtle vanilla vodka might work if you enjoy that combo.
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How long does it take for the peppermints to dissolve completely?
About 5 days in the fridge does the trick. It may vary slightly depending on the candy brand and the vodka’s temperature, so keep an eye on the jars and give them a shake every day or two.
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Can I make this recipe vegan or allergy-friendly?
It depends on the peppermint disks you choose. Some candies contain dairy or other allergens. Look for vegan and allergen-free peppermint candies to keep it inclusive—always check labels before buying.
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Why is there a white sediment at the bottom of the jar?
The white layer is dissolved peppermint residue—it’s normal and tastes great. Flipping the jar upside down for an hour dissolves it evenly, so you get a smooth pour.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe is one of those simple yet magical treats that instantly lift the holiday spirit. I still remember the first time I made these—they were an instant hit with my friends, and honestly, made me the “cool host” that year! If you want to add a little sparkle and fun flavor to your celebrations, give this recipe a try. I promise it’s as delicious as it is easy, and once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated without it.
Print
Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 5 days 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: Approximately 30-32 shots
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candy Cane Shots are a festive, peppermint-infused vodka treat perfect for holiday gatherings. This easy no-cook recipe involves dissolving peppermint disks in vodka to create a sweet, minty shot that’s both fun and flavorful.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 20 peppermint disks
- 1 bottle unflavored vodka (750ml)
- 2 mason jars with lids
Instructions
- Prepare Peppermints: Unwrap your peppermint disks to ensure they can dissolve properly in the vodka.
- Divide Peppermints: Place 10 peppermint disks in each mason jar evenly.
- Add Vodka: Pour the unflavored vodka equally between the two mason jars over the peppermint disks.
- Shake and Store: Secure the lids tightly on each jar, give them a slight shake turning the jars upside down to mix, then store them in the fridge.
- Dissolve Peppermints: Leave the jars in the refrigerator for 5 days or until the peppermints have completely dissolved, creating a white layer at the bottom.
- Mix the Shots: Turn the jars upside down for about an hour to mix the white layer, then shake well to combine the contents.
- Serve: Pour the infused vodka into shot glasses and enjoy your festive Candy Cane Shots.
Notes
- Use good quality peppermint disks for better flavor.
- Ensure the jars are sealed tightly to prevent any spills while shaking.
- Strain the liquid if you want to remove any undissolved peppermint residue before serving.
- Store the infused vodka in the fridge to keep it fresh.
- Adjust the number of peppermint disks for a stronger or milder mint flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shot (approximately 1.5 oz)
- Calories: 97
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
