Candy Cane Shots
Creamy, minty, and undeniably festive — these Candy Cane Shots are everything you want in a holiday party drink and more. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve gathering or just want a fun, easy way to toast the season, these little shooters deliver big holiday flavor in a tiny, crowd-pleasing package.
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What Are Candy Cane Shots?
Candy Cane Shots are festive holiday shooters made with a blend of peppermint schnapps, white chocolate liqueur (or vanilla vodka), and cream, then rimmed with crushed candy canes for a bold peppermint kick. They’re smooth, sweet, and pack just enough punch to keep the party bright and merry.
Served chilled and beautifully garnished, these shots are a guaranteed showstopper at any Christmas or New Year’s gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Holiday-ready in minutes: Quick to prep and perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- Sweet and minty: Like a candy cane in cocktail form — but with a grown-up twist.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep a batch and chill until party time.
- Highly Instagrammable: They look as good as they taste!
What Do Candy Cane Shots Taste Like?
These shots are creamy and sweet with a cooling peppermint finish. The white chocolate or vanilla notes mellow out the schnapps for a smooth sip, while the crushed candy cane rim adds a fun crunch and festive flavor. Think peppermint bark in a shot glass.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Low-effort, high impact: Easy to make, but leaves a big impression.
- Customizable: Use different liqueurs or add a chocolate drizzle for extra flair.
- Scalable: Make just a few, or scale up for a full party tray.
Ingredients
You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to pull this off — most of which are pantry or bar cart staples during the holidays.
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur (or substitute vanilla vodka)
- 1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream
- Crushed candy canes, for rimming
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Mini candy canes or chocolate shavings, for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Shot glasses
- Small plate (for candy cane rimming)
- Strainer
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- No schnapps? Use crème de menthe for a more herbal mint flavor.
- Prefer dairy-free? Swap cream with coconut milk or almond creamer.
- Add chocolate: A swirl of chocolate syrup adds depth and visual drama.
- Make it non-alcoholic: Use peppermint syrup + cream + white hot chocolate.
How to Make Candy Cane Shots
Step 1: Prepare the Rim
Crush candy canes and spread them on a plate. Lightly wet the rim of each shot glass (with water or simple syrup) and dip into the crushed candy to coat.
Step 2: Shake the Shot
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the peppermint schnapps, white chocolate liqueur, and cream. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until chilled.
Step 3: Pour & Garnish
Strain the mixture into prepared shot glasses. Top with whipped cream and a mini candy cane, or sprinkle with chocolate shavings for extra holiday vibes.
What to Serve With Candy Cane Shots
Pair these festive shooters with:
- Christmas cookies – especially peppermint bark or sugar cookies
- Holiday appetizers – like cranberry brie bites or puff pastry twists
- Hot cocoa bar – serve shots as a boozy upgrade option
- Dessert buffet – they make a perfect sweet sipper alongside cakes and pies
Tips for the Best Candy Cane Shots
- Chill your shot glasses beforehand for an extra-frosty finish.
- Use a high-quality schnapps – cheap ones can be too sharp or artificial.
- Don’t skip the rim – the crushed candy cane really brings it all together.
- Double strain if needed to remove tiny ice shards for a cleaner finish.
Storage Instructions
Candy Cane Shots are best served fresh and cold, but you can:
- Mix ahead of time and store in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake well before serving.
- Rim glasses just before serving to keep the candy cane crunchy.
General Info
- Serving size: 1 shot (approx. 2–2.5 oz)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: None
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yields: 4 shots (scale as needed)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, just substitute the cream with a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut creamer.
What if I don’t have white chocolate liqueur?
You can use vanilla vodka or even a splash of Irish cream, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I turn this into a full-size cocktail?
Absolutely. Just triple the ingredients and serve over ice in a rocks glass.
Are these shots strong?
They’re on the mild side, thanks to the cream and liqueur. You can increase the schnapps if you want a stronger kick.
Conclusion
These Candy Cane Shots are a festive way to raise a glass this holiday season. Creamy, minty, and dressed to impress, they’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a fun after-dinner drink. Whether you’re hosting a full-blown holiday bash or just watching a Christmas movie with friends — this is the shot that brings the cheer.
More Holiday Favorites You’ll Love:
- Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels
- 42 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes
- Spooky Rib Cage Mac & Cheese
- Peppermint Bark Hot Cocoa Bombs
Tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest and show off your Candy Cane Shots! We’d love to see your festive flair and creative twists.
Nutritional Info (per shot, approx.):
- Calories: 145
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
- Alcohol content: ~12-15% ABV
