Candy Cane Martini

The Candy Cane Martini is a festive, holiday-inspired cocktail that brings a touch of seasonal magic to any celebration.

With the refreshing, minty taste of candy canes blended into the smooth, classic martini, this drink is perfect for Christmas parties, holiday gatherings, or cozy winter nights by the fire.

It’s a simple yet eye-catching cocktail that’s sure to impress guests, combining fun, festive flavors with a stunning presentation that adds a little sparkle to your holiday drink menu.

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Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Martini

The Candy Cane Martini is the perfect blend of festive flavors and smooth elegance.

It features cool, refreshing peppermint that pairs beautifully with smooth vodka, balanced by sweet, creamy undertones for a well-rounded, delicious sip. This cocktail is both elegant and playful, making it a standout at any holiday gathering.

The festive look, complete with a red-and-white candy cane rim and a cute candy cane garnish, adds to its charm, bringing holiday cheer to every glass.

It’s a fun and stylish way to elevate your Christmas celebrations!

Ingredients for the Candy Cane Martini

To make a festive Candy Cane Martini, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka – The smooth, neutral base that balances the other flavors, creating a clean and crisp finish.
• 1 oz white crème de menthe – Adds a cool, refreshing minty flavor that replicates the taste of candy canes.
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps – Enhances the peppermint profile, giving the cocktail a stronger, bolder minty taste.
• 1 oz half and half or cream – Adds a touch of creaminess, balancing the sharpness of the mint and giving the drink a smooth texture.
• Crushed candy canes – For rimming the glass, adding a festive red-and-white touch and a bit of sweetness with every sip.
• Mini candy cane (optional) – Used as a garnish, adding a cute, decorative flair that makes the drink visually appealing for holiday gatherings.

How to Make the Candy Cane Martini

Follow these steps to craft the perfect Candy Cane Martini:

Prepare the glass:

Begin by rimming a martini glass with crushed candy canes.

To do this, moisten the rim with a bit of water, simple syrup, or even a splash of crème de menthe, then dip it into a plate of crushed candy canes. This creates a festive red-and-white border that adds sweetness and crunch with every sip.

Tip: For a smoother rim, crush the candy canes finely, and press gently to ensure they stick.

Mix the ingredients:

In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz vodka, 1 oz white crème de menthe, 1 oz peppermint schnapps, and 1 oz half and half (or cream).

Add a handful of ice to chill the drink.

Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring the mixture is well-chilled and creamy.

Recommendation: Use cold ingredients for a smoother, more balanced cocktail. Adjust the amount of schnapps if you prefer a stronger mint flavor.

Strain and serve:

Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass, letting the creamy, minty cocktail flow without disturbing the candy cane rim.

Garnish (optional):

Hang a mini candy cane on the rim, or drop one into the glass for a festive touch.

Tip: Chilling the glass beforehand will keep the drink colder and enhance the visual presentation.

This easy yet impressive cocktail is sure to bring holiday cheer to your celebrations!

Tips & Recipe Variations

You can easily customize the Candy Cane Martini to suit different tastes:

• Make it sweeter: Add a dash of simple syrup if you prefer a drink with extra sweetness. This can help balance out the minty flavor.
• Switch up the flavor: Use vanilla vodka for a smoother, sweeter base, or add a splash of chocolate liqueur for a delicious mint-chocolate twist reminiscent of peppermint bark.
• Non-alcoholic version: Combine peppermint syrup, milk (or a milk alternative), and crushed ice for a creamy, minty mocktail that’s festive and refreshing.
• Presentation tip: Chill the martini glass in the freezer before serving to keep the drink cold longer and enhance the festive look.

Candy Cane Martini Recipe