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This Candy Cane Martini is a creamy, peppermint-kissed cocktail that's the perfect blend of indulgence and nostalgia, capturing the essence of a classic Christmas candy in every sip. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this drink adds a touch of magic to any celebration.
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The holiday season is a time for cozy gatherings, twinkling lights, and festive treats—and what better way to toast the spirit of the season than with a Candy Cane Martini?
Crafted with vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, white crème de menthe, and a splash of cream, the Candy Cane Martini is as delightful to look at as it is to drink. The rim of the glass, dipped in cream and coated with red, green, and white sugar, adds a festive sparkle, while a mini candy cane garnish provides the perfect finishing touch. It's a cocktail that not only tastes like the holidays but also looks the part.
This recipe is a favorite for Christmas Eve, ideal for sipping once the hustle and bustle has settled and the house is aglow with holiday lights. It's also a hit at holiday parties, offering a sweet, minty treat that pairs wonderfully with seasonal desserts. For those who love creamy holiday cocktails, the Candy Cane Martini is a must-try addition to your festive drink repertoire.
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. 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.
Dip the rim of a martini glass in the cream.
Carefully roll the rim in the sugars until all of the rim is coated.
Set the glass aside.
Make your cocktail
In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, creme de menthe, and cream.
Cover and shake well.
Strain into your prepared martini glass.
Garnish 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Christmas Candy Cane Martini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vanilla vodka
- 1.5 oz white chocolate liqueur
- 0.75 oz white creme de menthe
- 2 oz heavy cream
- Mini candy cane garnish
- Colored sugar red, green, and white sugar for garnish
Instructions
Prepare your glass
- Mix the red, green, and white sugar on a small plate.Colored sugar
- On a second small plate, place two tablespoons of cream.
- Dip the rim of a martini glass in the cream.
- Carefully roll the rim of the glass in the sugars until all of the rim is coated.
- Set aside.
Make your cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker full of ice, combine vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, creme de menthe, and cream.1.5 oz vanilla vodka, 1.5 oz white chocolate liqueur, 0.75 oz white creme de menthe, 2 oz heavy cream
- Cover and shake well.
- Strain into your prepared martini glass.
- Garnish with mini candy cane.Mini candy cane
- Enjoy!
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