Ingredients
- 1 oz Peppermint Schnapps or Liqueur
- 1 oz White Chocolate Liqueur
- 2 oz Cream
- 1 Splash(s) Grenadine Syrup
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add Peppermint Schnapps, White Chocolate Liqueur, and Cream
- Shake well and strain into a martini glass.
- Add a dash of grenadine syrup for that vibrant color and a touch of sweetness.
Video
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
You won’t find the Candy Cane Cocktail in any old cocktail manual. This drink is a modern creation, born from the desire for seasonally themed cocktails. It’s a contemporary staple on winter drink menus, more about capturing a festive vibe than adhering to a long lineage of mixology.
This drink fits squarely into the dessert cocktail category, alongside classics like the Grasshopper or a Brandy Alexander. What sets the Candy Cane Cocktail apart is its specific pairing of peppermint and white chocolate, giving it a distinct holiday character that other cream drinks don’t quite hit.
This is a drink you’d find at a casual holiday party, a cozy winter bar, or perhaps as a special offering on a Christmas Eve menu. It’s not a serious cocktail bar staple, but it’s a solid choice for home entertaining during the colder months, especially if you’re looking to impress with something sweet and visually appealing.
What it tastes like
The first sip delivers a cool, vibrant burst of peppermint, quickly followed by the rich, smooth sweetness of white chocolate. The cream provides a luxurious body, softening the initial mint kick. The finish is a lingering, creamy sweetness with just a hint of fruit from the grenadine, leaving a pleasant, dessert-like impression on the palate.
With 1 oz of Peppermint Schnapps (around 30% ABV) and 1 oz of White Chocolate Liqueur (around 17% ABV) in about 4.5 oz total volume, this drink clocks in at roughly 10-11% ABV. That puts it in the realm of a strong beer or a light wine. It’s less boozy than your average Martini or Old Fashioned, making it a pleasant sipper rather than a knock-out.
The technique
Building this drink is straightforward. Combine the schnapps, white chocolate liqueur, and cream in a shaker filled with plenty of ice. Give it a good, hard shake until the shaker is frosty cold to the touch. Strain it into a chilled martini glass. The final touch is a gentle splash of grenadine, added last so it sinks and creates that striking red stripe effect.
The key technique for any cream-based cocktail is a hard, thorough shake. You’re not just chilling the drink; you’re emulsifying the cream with the liqueurs. A weak shake leaves you with a watery, separated drink that lacks the smooth, velvety texture you want. Shake it like you mean it, or your drink will fall flat.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Peppermint Schnapps
- Use
- Aim for a good quality peppermint schnapps or liqueur, typically around 15-30% ABV. Brands like Rumple Minze, DeKuyper, or Bols Peppermint Liqueur work well. The higher proof schnapps will give it more kick, while liqueurs tend to be sweeter and less potent.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with peppermint extract. It’s far too concentrated, lacks the alcoholic base, and will make your drink taste like toothpaste instead of a cocktail.
- Why
- This is the star of the show, delivering the signature candy cane mint flavor. It also contributes a significant portion of the alcohol, balancing the sweetness and creaminess.
White Chocolate Liqueur
- Use
- Brands like Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur or Mozart White Chocolate Vanilla Cream are solid choices. Look for something creamy and rich, around 15-20% ABV, to provide the necessary body and flavor.
- Skip
- Avoid using white chocolate syrup or melted white chocolate. Syrup lacks depth and alcohol, and melted chocolate will seize up and create an unappetizing texture when it hits the cold ingredients.
- Why
- This ingredient provides the creamy, sweet white chocolate backbone that complements the peppermint, giving the drink its dessert-like quality and smooth mouthfeel.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Chocolate Candy Cane
- Mint chocolate indulgence
- For a darker, richer flavor, add 0.5 oz of dark creme de cacao to the shaker. This introduces a chocolate mint profile, reminiscent of an Andes mint.
Vodka Candy Cane
- Drier, boozier mint
- Reduce the peppermint schnapps to 0.5 oz and add 0.5 oz of vodka. This will make the drink slightly less sweet and give it a bit more alcoholic punch without changing the overall mint profile too much.
Frozen Candy Cane
- Blended holiday treat
- Combine all ingredients with a scoop of ice in a blender and process until smooth. This creates a slushy, dessert-like version perfect for a hot climate holiday or a very festive mood.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use white creme de menthe for a similar mint flavor, though it might be slightly sweeter. Peppermint vodka could also work, but adjust for strength.
Try a vanilla liqueur or even Irish cream, though the flavor profile will shift. You could also try a touch of good quality white chocolate syrup, but expect a less complex, non-alcoholic base.
Whole milk or half and half can be used for a lighter version, but the texture won’t be as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut cream or a quality oat milk can work in a pinch.
A coupe glass is an excellent alternative. Failing that, a small wine glass or even a rocks glass with no ice will do the trick for presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Candy Cane Cocktail?
A Candy Cane Cocktail typically contains Peppermint Schnapps or Liqueur, White Chocolate Liqueur, Cream, and a splash of Grenadine syrup for color.
Is a Candy Cane Cocktail strong?
It’s a moderately boozy drink, usually around 10-11% ABV, which is comparable to a strong beer or a glass of wine. It’s not as strong as a typical spirit-forward cocktail.
What does a Candy Cane Cocktail taste like?
It tastes sweet, creamy, and distinctly minty, with rich notes of white chocolate. It’s essentially a boozy liquid dessert, reminiscent of a peppermint patty or a candy cane mocha.
Can I make the Candy Cane Cocktail dairy free?
Yes, you can substitute the dairy cream with full-fat coconut cream or a high-quality oat milk. Ensure your white chocolate liqueur is also dairy-free if that’s a strict requirement.
What’s the best occasion for a Candy Cane Cocktail?
This drink shines during the holiday season, making it perfect for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve gatherings, or as a festive after-dinner treat during winter.
Can I make a batch of Candy Cane Cocktails?
You can pre-batch the Peppermint Schnapps, White Chocolate Liqueur, and Cream. Store it chilled, then shake individual portions with ice and add the grenadine just before serving.
What garnish goes with a Candy Cane Cocktail?
A crushed candy cane rim is classic. A small candy cane hooked on the glass, a sprig of fresh mint, or a light dusting of cocoa powder also work well.
Is Peppermint Schnapps the same as Peppermint Liqueur?
They are similar and often used interchangeably. Schnapps can sometimes refer to a higher proof, typically clear spirit, while liqueur generally implies a sweeter, lower proof spirit. For cocktails, either will usually provide the desired peppermint flavor.
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