Ready to add some festive cheer to your holiday parties? This Candy Cane Vodka Shots Recipe is an absolute game-changer — it’s simple, fun, and delivers that perfect minty kick that everyone loves. When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how just two ingredients could come together to create such a smooth, festive shot that has become a holiday staple in my home. Stick around, because I’m going to share all my tips and tricks so you can make this fan-freaking-tastic recipe flawlessly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You only need two things — peppermint disks and vodka — making it easy to prepare even last minute.
- Perfect Holiday Flavor: The peppermint adds that nostalgic candy cane touch that screams winter wonderland.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and let it sit in the fridge; it’s ready when you are!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Every holiday gathering I’ve brought these to, folks have gone crazy for them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Candy Cane Vodka Shots Recipe comes from the simplicity and the quality of each component. Choose good quality vodka and authentic peppermint disks to get that clean, bright flavor your guests will adore.
- Peppermint Disks: These are those round candy canes without sticks; make sure they’re pure peppermint for best taste.
- Unflavored Vodka: A neutral vodka is ideal here so the peppermint shines without any interference.
Variations
I’ve tried a few twists on the Candy Cane Vodka Shots Recipe, and honestly, you can tailor it pretty easily depending on your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment — that’s half the fun!
- Mint Chocolate Twist: Add a splash of chocolate liqueur for a peppermint patty vibe — my family went nuts over it!
- Spicy Kick: Drop in a small slice of fresh jalapeño for a surprising spicy-mint combo.
- Diet-Friendly: Use a low-calorie vodka to lighten the shots without losing that minty freshness.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Skip the vodka and steep the peppermint disks in sparkling water for a festive mocktail.
How to Make Candy Cane Vodka Shots Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Peppermint Disks and Jars
Start by unwrapping the peppermint disks — it’s a bit tedious but worth it! I like to have two clean mason jars ready, then divide 10 peppermint disks into each. You’ll want to use wide-mouth jars to make shaking and pouring easier later.
Step 2: Add the Vodka and Shake
Pour the vodka evenly between the two jars. Secure the lids tightly and give each jar a good shake — upside down and all — to start dissolving the candies into the vodka. This shaking gets the process going and spreads that peppermint goodness around.
Step 3: Chill and Wait Patiently
Pop your jars into the fridge and let them rest for 5 full days. Here’s the trick: the peppermints take time to completely dissolve and infuse that sweet mint flavor into your shots. It feels like forever, but trust me — the wait is absolutely worth it!
Step 4: Final Shake and Serve
After 5 days, you’ll notice a white layer settled at the bottom of the jars. Flip them upside down for about an hour—that’s a little trick I discovered to help everything mix back evenly. Give the jars one last vigorous shake, and you’re ready to pour and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Candy Cane Vodka Shots Recipe
- Use Glass Jars: Mason jars work perfectly — they’re easy to shake and won’t absorb flavors like plastic.
- Patience is Key: Don’t rush the dissolving process. The full 5 days create the best flavor and smoothest texture.
- Stir Before Shaking: If you notice chunks after 5 days, I gently stir with a spoon before shaking to help dissolve any stubborn pieces.
- Seal Tight: Always check the lids are on tight before shaking to avoid spills and messes!
How to Serve Candy Cane Vodka Shots Recipe
Garnishes
I often garnish my shots with a mini candy cane hooked on the glass rim. It’s festive and doubles as an extra peppermint treat! Fresh mint sprigs also add a nice pop of color and a subtle fresh aroma that complements the peppermint flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these shots alongside salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn to balance the sweetness. I also love pairing them with holiday cookies — gingerbread or chocolate chip work especially well.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I set up a little candy cane vodka shot station with fun glassware, festive napkins, and a bowl of crushed peppermint or colored sugar to rim the glasses. It’s easy but adds a festive flair that guests always comment on!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover candy cane vodka shots in the same sealed mason jars in the fridge. They’re good for up to 3 weeks, which means you can make them well ahead of your holiday gatherings without stress.
Freezing
I’ve never frozen this recipe because the candy tends to crystallize oddly, but if you’re curious, freezing in small batches might work — just be sure to thaw it completely and stir well before serving.
Reheating
Since these are meant to be served cold, reheating isn’t necessary. Just give the jar a good shake after pulling it from the fridge, and you’re good to pour!
FAQs
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How long does it take for the peppermint disks to dissolve in vodka?
It typically takes about 5 days in the fridge for the peppermint disks to completely dissolve and infuse the vodka. This slow infusion creates the smoothest, most flavorful shots.
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Can I use flavored vodka for this recipe?
You can, but I recommend sticking with unflavored vodka so the peppermint is the star. Flavored vodkas might clash or overpower the delicate mint notes.
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How should I store leftover candy cane vodka shots?
Leftovers keep best in sealed glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Just remember to shake before pouring to remix any settled layers.
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Is there a non-alcoholic version of Candy Cane Vodka Shots?
Yes! Instead of vodka, steep peppermint disks in sparkling water or a clear soda. Chill and serve for a festive mocktail version.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the Candy Cane Vodka Shots Recipe has become my go-to holiday treat because it’s easy, festive, and a total crowd-pleaser. I love how just a few simple ingredients transform into these crisp, refreshing shots that bring out the best in any party. If you’re looking to impress your friends without spending hours mixing cocktails, give this a try — I promise you’ll be hooked, and your guests will thank you!
Print
Candy Cane Vodka Shots Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 days
- Total Time: 5 days 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: Approximately 2 jars of candy cane infused vodka (about 750ml total)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candy Cane Shots are a festive and fun peppermint-infused vodka drink, perfect for holiday celebrations. This simple recipe combines peppermint disks with unflavored vodka, allowing the candy to dissolve over several days, resulting in a sweet, minty shot that’s sure to delight your guests.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 20 peppermint disks
- 1 bottle unflavored vodka (750ml)
Instructions
- Prepare Peppermints: Unwrap your peppermint disks and place 10 into each mason jar, ensuring they are evenly divided.
- Add Vodka: Pour the unflavored vodka evenly between both mason jars, filling them so each jar contains half the bottle.
- Seal and Shake: Tightly secure the lids on each jar, then give them a gentle shake, flipping the jars upside down once to help mix the ingredients.
- Refrigerate: Place the jars in the fridge for 5 days or until the peppermint disks have completely dissolved into the vodka.
- Mix the Settled Layer: After dissolution, a white layer may settle at the bottom. Turn the jars upside down for about an hour and shake well to redistribute this layer.
- Serve: Pour the candy cane infused vodka into shot glasses and enjoy your festive candy cane shots!
Notes
- Use unflavored vodka to let the peppermint flavor shine without additional taste interference.
- Ensure the peppermint disks are fully dissolved before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Store the mason jars in the refrigerator for optimal freshness and flavor development.
- Shake the jars periodically if possible to help the candies dissolve evenly.
- This recipe yields two jars of candy cane infused vodka, perfect for sharing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shot (30 ml)
- Calories: 64
- Sugar: 2.5g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3.5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
