The Perfect Candy Cane Martini for Christmas

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Just the right amount of creme de menthe makes this creamy Candy Cane Martini a holiday favorite and a festive way to celebrate during this time of year. Serve them at your next Christmas party!

Glasses of candy cane martinis garnished with candy canes.

This candy cane martini recipe is the perfect festive drink for your holiday season. With the flavor of peppermint candy, it's my Christmas Eve drink - sipped after Santa's done and the house is quiet. When it's just you and the Christmas tree.

Or shake up this Christmas cocktail and curl up with your favorite holiday movies. It'll definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.

What's in a Candy Cane Martini?

Vanilla vodka - Choose your favorite brand.
White chocolate liqueur - This is adding cream and sweetness to your drink. Use your favorite brand.
White creme de menthe - White creme de menthe is actually clear. But it's not green, which is the other creme de menthe in stores. Both taste exactly the same, but you'll end up with a green drink if you don't use the clear "white" version.
Heavy cream - You can use half and half for a lighter option, but skip the milk.
Mini candy cane (garnish) - Use any size you want.
Red, green, and/or white sugar (garnish) - Use whatever you have on hand.

How to Make a Candy Cane Martini

Prepare your glass

Mix the sugars together on a small plate.

On a second plate, pour 2 tablespoons of cream.

A martini glass rim being dipped in heavy cream.

Dip the rim of a martini glass in the cream.

A glass rim being dipped in colored sugar.

Carefully roll the rim in the sugars until all of the rim is coated.

Set the glass aside.

Make your cocktail

Creme de menthe being poured into a cocktail shaker.

In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, creme de menthe, and cream.

Straining a candy cane martini into a glass.

Cover and shake well.
Strain into your prepared martini glass.

Garnish with a candy cane.

A hand garnishing a candy cane martini with a candy cane.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

I like the pure white color of the cocktail that you get with no fake color in the creme de menthe, but you can use green creme de menthe in this festive cocktail if you can't find white (clear) creme de menthe. The taste is the same. Your cocktail will just be light green instead of white.
While I recommend a high milk fat, whatever dairy milk you have on hand will work. Your cocktail won't be as creamy, but it will still be tasty.

Don’t Miss These Holiday Cocktails

I LOVE creamy holiday cocktails. Try my Peppermint Mocha Martini or Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail. Or shake up a Gingerbread Martini Recipe made with homemade Gingerbread Syrup, a Sugar Cookie Martini, or a Pumpkin Spice Martini made with homemade Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Can I use regular vodka?

Yes, but it will change the flavor of the drink. The vanilla vodka adds a sweetness to this cocktail that is lost when you use plain vodka.

What else can I use for garnish?

You can follow the same steps, using crushed candy cane instead of the sugar on the rim of the glass. I keep red and green sugar on hand for holiday baking and find that easier than unwrapping and crushing candy canes with a rolling pin, and just as festive.

Are creme de menthe and peppermint schnapps the same thing?

They are different liqueurs, but both will work well for this drink. Creme de menthe is easier for me to find in stores. Feel free to swap it out for peppermint schnapps if that’s what you have on hand.

How do I make this dairy-free?

You don't. This recipe doesn't work without cream and milk. If you don't, or can't, drink dairy, find a different holiday recipe to enjoy.