Candy Cane Martini Recipe

Sliding into the holiday spirit with a Candy Cane Martini in hand is like wrapping yourself in a cozy peppermint-infused blanket of festive vibes. 🎄✨ Let’s whip up this delightful concoction that marries the sweet allure of vanilla vodka with the refreshing zing of peppermint schnapps—get ready to meet your new holiday happy hour favorite!

Creating festive drinks that capture the spirit of the holidays is something I truly enjoy, and my Candy Cane Martini is a perfect example. With vanilla vodka, a creme de cacao that captures the essence of a fine, fancy, white chocolate, and just enough cranberry juice and peppermint schnapps to balance it out, this drink is not quite what I would call a martini, but it is a light, somewhat decadent, and oh-so-sippable cocktail.

Ingredients

• Vanilla Vodka: Adds smooth, sweet vanilla flavor and warmth.
• White Creme de Cacao: Offers creamy chocolate notes with a hint of sweetness.
• Peppermint Schnapps: Delivers a refreshing minty kick and a festive aroma.
• Cranberry Juice: Balances sweetness with tartness and adds a festive red hue.
• Crushed Candy Canes: Provides a crunchy, sweet, peppermint rim.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz white creme de cacao
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1/2 oz cranberry juice
• Crushed candy canes (for rimming the glass)
• Ice cubes
• Mini candy cane (for garnish)

How to Make this

1. Start by making the martini glass ready to receive the drink. On a small plate, place some crushed candy canes. With a little water or cranberry juice, moisten the rim of the glass and then lightly press the rim into the crushed candy canes, so that they stick and coat the rim evenly.

2. Halfway fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, making sure it is sufficiently filled to ensure that the drink, in this case, a well-chilled margarita, is sufficiently shaken and not stirred.

3. Combine 1 1/2 oz of vanilla vodka, 1 oz of white creme de cacao, 1 oz of peppermint schnapps, and 1/2 oz of cranberry juice in the shaker with ice.

4. Tighten the cap on the shaker and shake it hard for about 15-20 seconds to mix the liquids and chill them.

5. After shaking, take off the lid and pour the mixture into the prepared martini glass, taking care not to disturb the rim of crushed candy cane.

6. Insert a mini candy cane into the glass so that it can function as a holiday garnish.

7. Serve at once to savor the fresh, minty flavor that embodies the essence of the holiday season.

8. For an additional hint of holiday spirit, you might think about giving the drink a light spritz of peppermint extract just before serving.

9. Put the martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before preparing the drink. This is an optional step but helps keep the martini glass cold when serving.

10. Relax and enjoy your Candy Cane Martini in this wonderful holiday season!

Equipment Needed

1. Martini glass
2. Small plate
3. Cocktail shaker
4. Measuring jigger
5. Ice cube tray or container
6. Spoon or muddler (for crushing candy canes)
7. Freezer (optional, for chilling the glass)

FAQ

• What type of vodka should I use?For this recipe, using vanilla vodka is best because it provides a nice light sweetness that complements the peppermint flavor.

  You will need the following ingredients to make this delicious cocktail:

• Can I substitute the white creme de cacao?Certainly! If a sufficient quantity of clear creme de cacao can’t be found, a substitution of regular creme de cacao should be a workable solution for anyone mesmerized by the thought of this drink. There are, of course, alternatives within the base-spirits category. Vanilla vodka will yield a drink with a flavor profile completely different from what we began with here; however, it too will offer what might be considered a creme de cacao experience. The same goes for a flavorless vodka (or, similarly, gin) with vanilla extract. Again, you’ll want to keep in mind that these are not
• Is it necessary to use crushed candy canes to rim the glass?Although not required, adding crushed candy canes to the rim of your glass is a delightful way to bring in the holiday spirit.
• What can I use as a garnish if I don’t have mini candy canes?If mini candy canes are not available, you can either use a peppermint stick or just omit this garnish altogether.
• Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this drink?Certainly! You can replace the vodka and schnapps with peppermint syrup, and substitute the creme de cacao with white chocolate syrup, as well as using more cranberry juice.
• How many servings does this recipe make?This is a recipe for a single serving, so if you want more than one, be sure to increase the amounts.

Candy Cane Martini Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substituting vanilla vodka can be done with regular vodka and a dash of vanilla extract.
An equal amount of chocolate liqueur can replace white creme de cacao.
You can substitute peppermint schnapps with peppermint extract, but use it in lesser quantity, because extracts are more concentrated.
Pomegranate juice can serve as a delightful substitute for cranberry juice when you want a different twist.
If needed, crushed peppermint candies can be substituted for crushed candy canes.

Pro Tips

1. Crush Candy Canes Finely For a more even and professional look, make sure the candy canes are crushed into a fine powder rather than in larger chunks. This ensures a consistent and smooth coating on the rim of the glass.

2. Chill Your Ingredients Besides freezing the glass, consider chilling the vodka and liqueurs in advance. This makes the cocktail extra refreshing and keeps the drink cold for longer.

3. Double Strain for Clarity When pouring the mixture into the glass, use a fine-mesh strainer in addition to the shaker’s strainer. This helps catch any smaller ice shards or candy cane particles, leaving a clear and smooth drink.

4. Balance the Flavors If you find the peppermint schnapps to be too overpowering for your preference, reduce its quantity slightly and increase the white creme de cacao for a sweeter, creamier texture.

5. Try Different Garnishes Besides the mini candy cane, consider adding a fresh mint sprig or a few fresh cranberries for an additional decorative touch and a burst of fresh aroma that complements the cocktail’s flavors.