Candy Cane Shots
Candy Cane Shots are festive holiday shots made from a homemade peppermint flavored vodka. If you have ever stood in the liquor store aisle staring at flavored vodka bottles and their price tags, this recipe is for you.
It takes only two simple ingredients to make your own peppermint vodka at home, and the flavor tastes fresher and brighter than most store bought versions. This is a lovely little project for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, and quiet evenings by the tree.
Whip up a batch today, tuck it in the fridge, and let it work its magic while you finish your holiday shopping and wrap the last few gifts.
The drink itself is bold and cooling at the same time, and it takes almost no skill to make. If you can unwrap a candy and pour vodka, you can make this.
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This post is about how to make Candy Cane Shots for Christmas.
Everything you need is right here, from the short ingredient list to the five day infusion and the small details that keep the flavor smooth. I will walk you through the whole process step by step, so even your very first batch turns out beautifully.
Peppermint Shots
These Christmas shots are made with peppermint candy disks and unflavored vodka, and that is the entire magic. The candy cane vodka is easy to make and simple to share with party guests, and it looks lovely lined up on a holiday tray next to the cookies and the fudge.
The flavor comes through as strong peppermint with a bite from the vodka, rounded out with an icy cool finish, like a White Christmas in a bottle. Serve the peppermint vodka in your favorite shot glasses and watch them disappear.
I keep a jar in my own fridge all December long, so a festive little sip is always ready when friends stop by unannounced. It is one of those recipes that makes you look far more prepared than you actually are.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There is a lot to love here, and most of it comes down to how little effort it takes for such a big payoff.
- It uses only 2 ingredients to make peppermint flavored vodka, so there is nothing fussy to track down.
- It is made for holiday parties, from office gatherings to Christmas Eve with the family.
- The candy cane shots have a strong peppermint flavor that stands out even on a crowded dessert table.
- It is easy to serve a large crowd. Just pour the flavored vodka into favorite shot glasses and pass them around.
- You can make it days ahead, which means one less thing to do on party day.
- It doubles as a gift. A small jar with a ribbon tied around the lid makes a sweet hostess present.
When I bring these to a gathering, the jar is usually empty before the appetizers are gone. That is the kind of feedback a host loves to hear.
INGREDIENTS NOTES FOR CANDY CANE SHOTS
You need just 2 ingredients plus mason jars, which makes this one of the easiest holiday drink projects you can take on.
- 20 peppermint disks. The classic round peppermint candies, the kind you probably already have in the candy bowl.
- 1 bottle unflavored vodka, 750 ml. Plain vodka keeps the spotlight on the peppermint instead of competing with it.
- Two 16 ounce mason jars. These are equipment here, not an ingredient, and they make it simple to split the candy and vodka evenly.
That is the full shopping list. No syrups, no extracts, and no specialty liqueur required. If you already keep peppermints in the house for the holidays, you may only need to pick up the vodka.
HOW TO MAKE CANDY CANE SHOTS
The method is almost too simple. The only thing you really need is a little patience while the candy melts into the vodka.
- Unwrap your peppermints and place 10 in each mason jar.
- Evenly divide the vodka between both mason jars.
- Place the lid on each jar, tightly, and give a slight shake, turning the jar upside down.
- Place in the fridge for 5 days or until the peppermints are completely dissolved.
- There will be a white layer at the bottom of the mason jars. Simply turn the jars upside down for about an hour and then shake them well.
- Pour and enjoy!
After the first day you will notice the candies starting to soften and the vodka taking on a soft pink tint. By the end of the infusion the candies should be gone entirely, leaving you with a smooth peppermint vodka.
Give the jars a gentle turn every day or so if you remember, though the recipe works fine even if you forget for a day.
Once the candy has fully dissolved and you have turned and shaken the jars, the vodka is ready to pour straight from the fridge. Keep it cold, keep it sealed, and it stays fresh for the whole holiday season.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
These little details are what separate a good batch from a truly great one.
Store it in the fridge. In theory you can keep the shots in a cool pantry or a similar spot, but I find they last much longer and taste better in the fridge. Left somewhere warm, a bitter aftertaste starts to develop.
Keep them in the mason jars or another sealed drink container until they are used up, and they will hold for a long time when chilled.
Skip the soft peppermints. This recipe was not tested with soft peppermints. Their flavor is weaker and they turn grainy rather than smooth when they disintegrate, so I do not suggest them. If you decide to try anyway, consider it at your own risk.
Use a good vodka. A better bottle makes a better finished drink. Cheap vodka gives you a cheap peppermint vodka taste that no amount of candy can hide. I used Smirnoff, which is a decent price for a not so bad vodka, and it worked beautifully.
One jar works too. You can place all the ingredients in a single jar instead of two, but it will need to sit longer for the candies to dissolve completely.
Dress up the rims. For serving, crush some peppermint disks, dip the rims of the shot glasses in a little light corn syrup, then dip the tops into the crushed peppermint. It looks festive and adds a crunchy hit of mint with every sip.
Turn the jars upside down for about an hour after the infusion finishes. That white layer settles at the bottom, and turning and shaking brings everything back together.
CAN I ADD MORE PEPPERMINT DISKS?
Yes, you can add more peppermint disks. The candy cane to vodka ratio in this recipe already creates a strong hint of flavor, so if you want an even mintier result, simply add a few more candy canes. Taste the finished vodka once the candies have dissolved, then adjust your next batch to suit your crowd.
LOVE CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS RECIPES? YOU MAY LIKE THESE,
If peppermint vodka has earned a permanent spot in your holiday rotation, there is plenty more festive sipping to explore. These are a few Christmas drinks readers reach for again and again.
CANDY CANE MARTINI
A candy cane martini takes that same cool peppermint flavor and serves it in a chilled glass, which makes it a lovely option for a sit down holiday dinner or a New Year’s toast with friends.
CHRISTMAS SANGRIA
Christmas sangria brings fruit and wine together in a big pitcher, which makes it a great choice when you are hosting a crowd and want something guests can pour for themselves.
GRINCH JELLO SHOTS
Grinch jello shots add a playful green pop of color to the table and are always a hit at ugly sweater parties and gatherings full of kids at heart.
LOVED OUR CANDY CANE SHOTS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
Save this one so it is ready when the holidays roll around again. A quick pin now means you will not be hunting for the recipe in December when the candy aisle is already picked over.
Ingredients
- 20 peppermint disks
- 1 bottle unflavored vodka (750 ml)
You will also want two 16 ounce mason jars for the infusion, plus your favorite shot glasses for serving.
Recipe details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Infusion time | 5 days in the fridge |
| Additional time | About 1 hour to turn and shake the jars |
| Total time | 5 days, 1 hour, 5 minutes |
| Course | Drinks |
| Cuisine | American |
| Equipment | Two 16 ounce mason jars |
| Storage | Keep sealed and refrigerated |
Serve the peppermint vodka chilled in shot glasses, and keep the jar in the fridge between pours. It is the easiest way to keep the flavor bright from the first sip to the last.
FAQs
How do you make candy cane shots?
To make candy cane shots, place 10 peppermint disks in each of two 16-ounce mason jars. Divide one 750ml bottle of unflavored vodka evenly between the jars, seal them tightly, and give them a slight shake. Refrigerate for 5 days until the peppermints are completely dissolved, then invert the jars for about an hour and shake well before serving.
How long does it take to infuse peppermint vodka?
The recommended infusion time for peppermint vodka is 5 days, or until the peppermint disks are completely dissolved, when stored in the refrigerator. For a faster result, you can crush the candy before adding it to the vodka, which may yield a strong peppermint flavor in just 24 to 48 hours.
What is the white layer in candy cane shots?
The white layer that appears at the bottom of the jars is a normal result of the infusion process. It is caused by insoluble ingredients, such as titanium dioxide from the peppermint candy, settling out of the liquid. To reincorporate it, simply turn the jars upside down for about an hour and then shake them well before serving.
Can I use any vodka for candy cane shots?
You can use any unflavored vodka, but the final taste will reflect the quality of the spirit used. For the best results, a good quality vodka like Smirnoff is recommended, as very cheap vodka will result in a cheap-tasting final product. Mid-range options typically provide a smoother flavor for holiday shots.
Candy Cane Shots
- Total Time: 7265 min
Description
Candy Cane Shots Candy Cane Shots are festive holiday shots made from a homemade peppermint flavored vodka. If you have ever stood in the liquor store aisle staring at flavored vodka bottles and their price tags, this recipe is for you.
Ingredients
20 peppermint disks
1 bottle unflavored vodka
Instructions
1-Unwrap your peppermints and place 10 in: Unwrap your peppermints and place 10 in each mason jar.
2-Evenly divide the vodka between both mason: Evenly divide the vodka between both mason jars.
3-Place the lid on each jar, tightly,: Place the lid on each jar, tightly, and give a slight shake, turning the jar upside down.
4-Place in the fridge for 5 days: Place in the fridge for 5 days or until the peppermints are completely dissolved.
5-There will be a white layer at: There will be a white layer at the bottom of the mason jars. Simply turn the jars upside down for about an hour and then shake them well.
6-Pour and enjoy: Pour and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Method: mixed
Keywords: Candy Cane Shots