Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive, fun, and downright delicious way to bring some holiday cheer to your next gathering, this Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It’s super simple, requires just two ingredients, and results in these amazing minty shots that feel like a party in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again every holiday season (or even for those midwinter nights when you just need a little peppermint boost!).

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe is in its simplicity. It only calls for two main ingredients that work together beautifully. The peppermint disks melt into the vodka, creating this smooth, minty infusion that’s absolutely irresistible. I always recommend choosing a high-quality unflavored vodka since it carries the peppermint flavor without competing. And get your peppermint disks – candy canes would work too, but the disks dissolve faster!

• Peppermint Disks: They melt evenly and infuse a fresh mint flavor, and you want them to be pure peppermint for the best taste.
• Unflavored Vodka: A smooth, clean vodka lets the peppermint really shine; don’t use flavored vodka here, it can get too busy.

Variations

I love that you can make this recipe your own with just a few tweaks. While the classic peppermint flavor is a home run every time, I sometimes tweak the infusion or presentation to suit the occasion or guests. Feel free to get creative and experiment—you can’t really go wrong here!

• Mint Chocolate Twist: I’ve dipped the rims of the shot glasses in melted chocolate and crushed candy canes for an extra-special treat that my family goes crazy for.
• Spicy Peppermint: Adding a small pinch of cayenne can give a warming contrast that really wakes up your palate—perfect for winter parties.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Use peppermint extract mixed with simple syrup and soda water to keep everyone included without the alcohol.

How to Make Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Peppermints and Vodka

Start by unwrapping your peppermint disks—yes, the same ones you sneak from holiday jars—and dividing them evenly between two clean mason jars. This little trick of using jars with lids helps keep everything sealed tight during infusion. Pour half the bottle of vodka evenly into each jar. Give the jars a gentle shake so the peppermint begins to merge with the vodka right away. Don’t rush this part—patience is key to that perfect balance of flavor!

Step 2: Let the Magic Happen in the Fridge

Place both jars in the fridge and let your peppermint vodka infusion work its magic for about five days. I learned this the hard way when I tried to rush it—less time and your peppermint won’t fully dissolve, leaving a gritty texture that’s no fun. Check the jars occasionally, give them a gentle shake to encourage melting, and be patient while the peppermint disks disappear into that minty goodness.

Step 3: Final Shake and Enjoy

After five days, you’ll notice a white layer settled at the bottom. Don’t panic! Simply turn your jars upside down for about an hour and then give a hearty shake to mix everything back up. This step ensures that no peppermint sediment ruins the smoothness of your shots. Now you’re ready to pour into shot glasses and enjoy the coolest, most festive peppermint candy cane shots ever.

How to Serve Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe

Garnishes

I like keeping garnishes simple so the peppermint flavor stays front and center. A tiny candy cane hooked on the rim adds a festive touch plus an extra nibble. Crushed peppermint on the rim is another favorite—I swipe the glass rim with a little water or simple syrup, then dip it in crushed candies for sparkly, minty edges. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

Side Dishes

This recipe works beautifully alongside classic holiday cookies or chocolate truffles, which balance the minty sharpness with sweetness. My family loves pairing these shots with gingerbread, which brings out the warmth alongside the cool peppermint.

Creative Ways to Present

I once set up a mini “candy cane shot bar” with little chalkboard labels, colorful napkins, and a bundle of fresh candy canes in a glass jar for guests to grab and garnish their shots. Adding festive straws or mini edible glitter on top makes the experience feel extra special. Presentation really amps up the holiday fun and gets everyone chatting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you pour your shots, you can store the remaining infused vodka in the same mason jars, tightly sealed, right in the fridge. Just make sure you shake it well before serving again to mix the settled layers. From my experience, it stays fresh and minty for up to a month, so you can make this ahead for multiple celebrations.

Freezing

Freezing vodka shots isn’t really necessary for this recipe, but if you want to chill your shots extra fast, you can place them in the freezer about 30 minutes before serving. Just be careful not to freeze them completely solid as that dulls the flavors.

Reheating

This is one of those recipes you don’t really reheat – it’s best served chilled. If your vodka gets too cold, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to slightly soften the flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Candy Cane Shots Recipe has become my go-to for holiday parties because it’s effortless, festive, and always a hit. I love the way the peppermint infuses the vodka so naturally, creating a smooth and refreshing shot that feels like the holiday spirit in liquid form. Whether you’re hosting friends, surprising your family, or just treating yourself, I promise this recipe will make you smile—and maybe even start a new tradition. Grab a jar, unwrap those peppermint disks, and get ready to enjoy one of the simplest, most festive drinks you’ll make this season!

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