With the holiday season upon us, the spirit of celebration fills the air, and there’s nothing quite like a Candy Cane Shot to boost the festive cheer! Picture this: you gather with friends and family around a cozy fireplace, laughter echoing, and the sweet aroma of peppermint drifting through the room. This delightful drink, a tantalizing mix of smooth vodka infused with crushed peppermint, instantly transports you to a winter wonderland with each sip.
What I love most about these Candy Cane Shots is how effortlessly they come together. With just two ingredients, you’ll surprise your guests with a homemade treat that’s as flavorful as it is fun. Perfect for holiday parties or a cozy night in, these shots capture the essence of Christmas in a glass. So, grab your peppermint disks and let’s get started on creating this festive wonder that’s sure to jingle everyone’s spirits!
Why Are Candy Cane Shots a Must-Try?
Effortless Creation: With just two ingredients, these Candy Cane Shots are incredibly simple to make, even for novice bartenders.
Festive Flavor: The refreshing peppermint combined with smooth vodka creates a delightful burst of holiday flavor that everyone will love.
Charming Presentation: This vibrant, lightly tinted drink looks beautiful in any shot glass, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to customize them with flavored vodka or stunning garnishes like crushed candy canes for added flair.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep your infused vodka days in advance, allowing you to enjoy parties without the last-minute rush.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These shots are bound to be a hit, bringing smiles and joyous toasting to all your festive celebrations!
Candy Cane Shots Ingredients
For the Infusion
• Peppermint Disks – Use these for an intense peppermint flavor and sweetness; adding extra disks can amp up the minty punch.
• Unflavored Vodka (750ml) – This serves as the base spirit, allowing the candy cane essence to shine through; steer clear of flavored vodkas for an authentic taste.
For Garnishing
• Crushed Candy Canes – Sprinkle these on the rim of your shot glasses for a festive touch and added texture.
With these simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to crafting delightful Candy Cane Shots that will elevate your holiday cheer!
How to Make Candy Cane Shots
- Unwrap Peppermints: Start by unwrapping 20 peppermint disks, distributing them evenly between two 16 oz mason jars; that’s 10 disks per jar for optimal infusion.
- Pour Vodka: Gently pour 750ml of unflavored vodka into each jar, ensuring the peppermint disks are fully submerged. They will infuse beautifully!
- Seal and Shake: Tightly seal the jars and give them a gentle shake. Then, turn the jars upside down to mix the contents well.
- Refrigerate: Place the jars in the refrigerator for 5 days. This allows the peppermint disks to dissolve completely, creating a flavorful infusion.
- Final Mix: Once the disks are fully dissolved, turn the jars upside down for an hour and shake well to disperse any sediment that may have settled.
- Serve: Pour the infused liquid into shot glasses and enjoy your festive Candy Cane Shots with friends and family!
Optional: Garnish with crushed candy canes on the rim of each shot glass for a delightful crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Candy Cane Shots Variations
Explore the many delightful ways to customize your Candy Cane Shots for festive fun and creativity!
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Flavored Vodka: Swap unflavored vodka for peppermint, vanilla, or even chocolate vodka to add a unique twist to each sip.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate on the rims of the shot glasses for a rich chocolate-peppermint fusion, enhancing both taste and aesthetics.
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Crushed Candy Cane Rim: Take your presentation up a notch by coating the rims of your shot glasses with crushed candy canes for extra crunch and festive flair.
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Non-Alcoholic Version: For a family-friendly option, replace vodka with club soda or lemon-lime soda, keeping the peppermint disks for the same tasty essence.
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Minty Green Blend: Add a splash of green Crème de Menthe to the shots for a vibrant holiday look, capturing both color and flavor wonderfully.
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Spicy Peppermint: Infuse the vodka with a hint of spicy warmth by adding a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the jars.
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Sugary Sweet: Mix in a teaspoon of simple syrup after the infusion process to create an extra sweetened version that delights the taste buds.
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Herbal Infusion: Enhance the aroma and flavor by adding a few sprigs of fresh mint alongside the peppermint disks during the infusion.
With these exciting variations, you can easily put your personal spin on your Candy Cane Shots for an unforgettable holiday celebration!
How to Store and Freeze Candy Cane Shots
Fridge: Store any leftover Candy Cane Shots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: You can freeze the infused vodka for fun ice-cold shots, but it should be consumed within two months for optimal taste.
Make-Ahead: Prepare your Candy Cane Shots infusion up to a week in advance, making holiday hosting a breeze and letting you enjoy your celebrations without stress.
Reheating: Since these shots are served cold, there’s no need to reheat. Just pull them from the fridge or freezer before serving!
Expert Tips for Candy Cane Shots
- Minty Boost: Consider adding extra peppermint disks to the infusion for a more intense peppermint flavor. Just a few more can elevate your Candy Cane Shots!
- Seal Tight: Make sure to seal the jars tightly to avoid any spillage and maintain the freshness of your infusion during the 5-day wait.
- Gentle Shaking: Remember to shake the jars gently every couple of days to help the peppermint disks dissolve evenly, ensuring a smooth and delightful flavor.
- Chilling is Key: Store the infused vodka in the refrigerator. This not only keeps it cold for serving but enhances the refreshing appeal of your shots as well.
- Presentation Matters: For an extra festive touch, rim your shot glasses with crushed candy canes. This adds an appealing texture and visual delight to your Candy Cane Shots!
What to Serve with Candy Cane Shots?
The holiday spirit invites festive gatherings and cozy memories, so let’s create a delightful meal to complement those cheerful shots.
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Gingerbread Cookies: These sweet treats add a warm, spiced flavor that perfectly balances the cool peppermint of the shots, bringing the festive flavor profile full circle.
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Peppermint Bark: A crunchy, chocolatey delight, this classic holiday confection features layers of peppermint and dark chocolate, making it a fabulous pairing for your candy cane creation.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: This creamy dessert provides a lovely contrast to the strong peppermint flavor, creating a delightful combination when enjoyed alongside the shots.
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Chocolate Fondue: The warm, melted chocolate draws in everyone, and pairing strawberries or marshmallows with Candy Cane Shots creates a fun, interactive dessert moment.
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Hot Chocolate Bar: A DIY hot chocolate station gives guests room to customize. Offer peppermint syrup as a special add-in to tie the flavors together beautifully.
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Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider offers a cozy and nostalgic drink option that nicely balances the sweetness of the shots, perfect for sipping by the fire.
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Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: This moist cake adds a fruity twist and vibrant colors to your holiday spread. Its sweetness complements the refreshing peppermint shots perfectly.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: For a refreshing, palate-cleansing option, this bright drink offers a crisp contrast that revitalizes the taste buds amidst the sweetness of the shots.
Each of these pairings adds to the festive atmosphere, making your gatherings even more delightful!
Make Ahead Options
These Candy Cane Shots are fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy your holiday festivities without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the infused vodka up to 5 days ahead of time, giving ample time for the peppermint disks to fully dissolve and impart their flavor. To do this, simply follow the instructions to combine the peppermint disks and vodka, seal the jars tightly, and refrigerate them. For optimal quality, shake the jars gently every couple of days to ensure even infusion. When it’s time to serve, just pour the vibrant mixture into shot glasses and enjoy your deliciously festive Candy Cane Shots, crafted the easy way!
Candy Cane Shots Recipe FAQs
What type of peppermint disks should I use for the Candy Cane Shots?
It’s best to use standard peppermint disks to achieve that classic minty flavor and sweetness. I recommend sticking with well-known brands, as they generally provide a consistent taste. If you want a stronger peppermint punch, adding a few extra disks will do the trick!
How should I store leftover Candy Cane Shots?
Store any leftover Candy Cane Shots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to one week. Ensure your container is tightly sealed to prevent any air exposure, which could dull the flavor over time.
Can I freeze the Candy Cane Shots infusion?
Absolutely! You can freeze the infused vodka for fun, icy shots. Just pour the infusion into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. It’s best to consume within two months to ensure you enjoy the optimal taste. When ready to serve, simply take them out and let them chill for a few minutes before enjoying.
What should I do if my peppermint disks aren’t dissolving properly?
If your peppermint disks aren’t dissolving as expected, don’t worry! Ensure your jars are tightly sealed and give them a gentle shake every couple of days. If they still seem stuck, you can gently heat the entire jar in a warm water bath for a minute or two (make sure the lid is on tight!) to help the dissolution process.
Can pets consume candy canes or infused candy cane shots?
It’s best to keep both candy canes and candy cane shots away from pets. The sugar and certain flavorings can be harmful to animals, particularly dogs and cats, and alcohol is toxic to them. Always store beverages and candies out of reach of your furry friends!
Is there a way to make the Candy Cane Shots dairy-free?
While the main ingredients for Candy Cane Shots are naturally dairy-free, if you’re considering mixing them with cream or using creamy liqueurs for a variation, be sure to use dairy-free alternatives. Brands offer delicious coconut or almond-based cream that can retain the festive spirit without dairy.
Candy Cane Shots: Your Ultimate Festive Peppermint Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Unwrap 20 peppermint disks, distributing them evenly between two 16 oz mason jars; that’s 10 disks per jar for optimal infusion.
- Gently pour 750ml of unflavored vodka into each jar, ensuring the peppermint disks are fully submerged.
- Tightly seal the jars and give them a gentle shake. Turn the jars upside down to mix well.
- Place the jars in the refrigerator for 5 days to let the peppermint dissolve completely.
- Once the disks are fully dissolved, turn the jars upside down for an hour and shake well to disperse sediment.
- Pour the infused liquid into shot glasses and enjoy. Optionally garnish with crushed candy canes.