Candy Canes are the beloved confectionary embodiment of Christmastime, so why not make a cocktail that tastes just like one? Combining vanilla vodka, white creme de cacao and creme de menthe, plus some pulverized candy canes to dust the rim of your glass makes for one fancy-schmancy candy cane cocktail that is perfect for the holidays!
When the holidays roll around we all find ourselves craving peppermint flavored treats, especially candy canes!
This candy cane cocktail is a fun and festive drink to help embrace the holiday season and is equally great for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings in front of the tree.
Recipe ingredients
All ingredients for this recipe are shown in the pic below and special notes are made in this bulleted list to assist you.
- Creme de Menthe. This minty liqueur is what gives the drink its candy cane flavor.
- Creme de Cacao. For a clear drink, use white Creme de Cacao. Using the dark version will yield a brown drink.
- Vanilla vodka. We love the flavor vanilla vodka adds here, but you can use plain vodka as well.
- Candy canes. For a candy rim, pulverized candy canes are the way to go!
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make it
- Use a mallet to crush 3 small candy canes into a powder leaving a few pieces larger than others and place them in a small dish large enough to accommodate the rim of a coupe glass.
- Using water, vanilla vodka, or simple syrup, dampen the rim of the glass, dip it into the candy cane powder, and set aside.
- To a cocktail shaker, add 1 cup of ice, 1 1/4 ounces of vanilla vodka, 1 1/4 ounces of white Creme de Cacao, and 3/4 ounce of Creme de Menthe and shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Strain and pour the candy cane cocktail into the prepared coupe glass and serve immediately.
More Christmastime Cocktails
Here are a few more holiday-inspired cocktails you can add to your menu. There is something here for everyone!
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Candy Cane Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice
- 3 small candy canes
- 1 1/4 ounce vanilla vodka
- 1 1/4 ounce white creme de cacao
- 3/4 ounce creme de menthe
Instructions
- With a mallet, crush the candy canes into a powder leaving some pieces larger than others. Place in a small, flat dish large enough to accommodate the top of the martini or coupe glass.
- Moisten a paper towel with some vanilla vodka and run it along the rim of your martini or coupe glass.
- Dip the glass into the candy cane powder and set aside.
- To a cocktail shaker, add ice, vanilla vodka, white creme de cacao, and creme de menthe.
- Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Strain and pour into the garnished glass. Serve immediately!
Notes
- For a clear drink as shown here, use white creme de cacao. If you use the dark, the drink will be brown.
- Pulverize the candy canes as much or as little as you like! I like seeing some larger bits of candy cane on mine but do what works for you!
- Martini and coupe glasses look the best but if you don’t have those, a rocks glass can work well too.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
