I love this cocktail because it perfectly balances a cool peppermint twist with rich, creamy decadence. The mix of vodka, peppermint schnapps, and both types of creme de cacao creates a lively vibe that feels indulgent yet refreshing. It’s the ultimate winter treat that instantly turns an ordinary night into something festive and fun.

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I’ve always been drawn to holiday drinks that pack a powerful punch of flavor and this Jack Frost Winter Cocktail really fits the bill. I start it off with 1 oz vodka and 1 oz peppermint schnapps to get a cool base and then add 1 oz each of white and dark creme de cacao.

This combo helps balance the creamy and chocolatey notes when I stir in 1 oz heavy cream. I use ice cubes to chill the mixture, then finish it off by garnishing with crushed candy canes.

Nutritionally, you should know that a drink like this is on the richer side given the heavy cream and liqueur content so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. I sometimes opt for a splash of simple syrup if I need extra sweetness.

This cocktail is one of my favorite Xmas drinks recipes that truly captures the magic of the holidays and winter.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this cocktail because the mix of peppermint schnapps and the two cremes de cacao gives it a fun blend of minty and chocolatey flavors that instantly remind me of the holidays. I also love how the heavy cream makes the whole drink super smooth and creamy, which is perfect for those cold winter days. The whole recipe is pretty easy to follow, even if sometimes I mess up by not shaking long enough, so it never feels intimidating. And honestly, the crushed candy cane garnish just makes it look festive and fun, like a little celebration in a glass every time.

Ingredients

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Vodka: a neutral spirit that builds the base without extra sugars or fats.
Peppermint Schnapps: delivers a minty, cool kick with a bit of sweetness.
White creme de cacao: adds a light, chocolate flavor with a smooth, sugary taste.
Dark creme de cacao: offers a richer chocolate note that deepens the overall flavor.
Heavy cream: makes the cocktail creamy and smooth while balancing the strong tastes.
Ice cubes: quickly chills the drink for a refreshing, satisfying sip.
Crushed candy canes: gives a fun, festive crunch and a burst of sugary flavor.
Simple syrup (optional): amps up the sweetness if you like it extra sweet.

Ingredient Quantities

1 oz vodka

1 oz peppermint schnapps

1 oz white creme de cacao

1 oz dark creme de cacao

1 oz heavy cream

Ice cubes

Crushed candy canes for garnish

Optional splash of simple syrup for extra sweetness

How to Make this

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1. Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with plenty of ice.

2. Pour 1 oz of vodka, 1 oz of peppermint schnapps, 1 oz of white creme de cacao, and 1 oz of dark creme de cacao into the shaker.

3. Add 1 oz of heavy cream and if you like it a bit sweeter, splash in a little simple syrup.

4. Put the lid on and shake it hard for about 15 seconds until it’s nice and chilled.

5. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.

6. Sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top for a festive garnish.

7. Serve immediately and enjoy this cool winter treat!

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker with a lid
2. Measuring jigger for the liquors and cream
3. Strainer to filter the ice from the drink
4. Chilled cocktail glass to serve the drink
5. Ice bucket or an ice tray to have plenty of ice ready

FAQ

Q: How do I prepare the Jack Frost Winter Cocktail?

First fill your shaker with ice cubes then add 1 oz each of vodka, peppermint schnapps, white and dark creme de cacao along with heavy cream. Shake it up good and strain into a chilled glass. Finally, top it off with crushed candy canes and if you like it sweeter, add a splash of simple syrup.

Q: Can I substitute heavy cream for something else?

Yeah, you can use half-and-half if you dont have heavy cream but keep in mind the texture might be a bit lighter and less rich.

Q: What kind of glass is best for serving this cocktail?

A chilled cocktail or coupe glass works really well for this drink since it helps keep the cocktail cold and gives it a fancy look.

Q: Is there any way to make the drink less sweet?

Sure, if you prefer a less sweet taste simply skip the optional splash of simple syrup and use less candy cane garnish so it doesnt overwhelm the flavor.

Q: Can I make this cocktail ahead of time for a party?

Its best to mix it right before serving because the heavy cream can sometimes separate if its left for too long, which might change the texture of the cocktail.

Jack Frost Winter Cocktail Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For vodka, you could use white rum if you wanna mix things up a bit.
Instead of peppermint schnapps, try using a few drops of peppermint extract (but be super careful with the amount) or even a mint flavored liqueur.
If you don’t have white creme de cacao, you can swap it with another light chocolate liqueur, and for dark creme de cacao, a richer chocolate liqueur with a bit of coffee flavor works pretty well.
Missing heavy cream? You could easily use half and half but keep in mind the texture might be a bit different.

Pro Tips

1. Try chillin your cocktail glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water for a few minutes before you pour the drink. It really helps keep everything extra cold and fresh.

2. When shakin the mixture, don’t just count seconds; feel it out. A longer, vigorous shake gets more air into the drink and helps blend flavors better, but be careful not to overdo it or you’ll end up with a watery cocktail.

3. If you like a sweeter taste, add the simple syrup little by little. Tasting as you go can really help you get the perfect balance without making it too cloying.

4. For the candy cane garnish, try crushin them yourself instead of buying pre-crushed ones. Freshly crushed candy can give a better crunch and flavor burst when you take a sip.