Ingredients
- .33 shot Grenadine Syrup
- .33 shot Creme De Menthe
- .33 shot Peppermint Schnapps
Instructions
Start with Grenadine:
- Pour grenadine into a shot glass until it fills about 1/3 of the glass.
Layer Crème de Menthe:
- Carefully layer crème de menthe on top of the grenadine by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon.
Top with Peppermint Schnapps:
- Finish by gently layering peppermint schnapps on top of the crème de menthe in the same way.
Serve Immediately:
- Serve and enjoy this festive, candy cane-flavoured shot!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This shot doesn’t have a centuries-old origin story or a specific bartender credited with its creation. It’s a modern, likely bar-born invention, designed for the holiday season. Its appeal lies in its festive colors and straightforward, sweet flavor profile, making it a popular choice for Christmas parties and seasonal bar menus.
The Santa Shot belongs to the family of layered shots, much like a Pousse-Cafe or a B-52. What sets it apart is its specific holiday color scheme and flavor profile. While a Pousse-Cafe often features many layers and a wider range of liqueurs, the Santa Shot keeps it simple with three distinct layers focused on mint and sweetness, specifically for the Christmas theme.
You’d typically find or serve a Santa Shot at a casual holiday gathering, a New Year’s Eve party, or bars running seasonal specials in December. It’s a crowd-plepleaser for a festive atmosphere, not something you’d expect to order at a high-end cocktail lounge, but perfect for a lively, celebratory setting.
What it tastes like
The initial taste is pure, sweet grenadine, a burst of cherry or pomegranate. This quickly transitions to the cool, slightly herbal mint of the creme de menthe, which provides the mid palate. The finish is dominated by the sharper, more alcoholic kick of peppermint schnapps, leaving a lingering, refreshing candy cane sensation that defines the shot.
With roughly .33 shot of Creme de Menthe (around 25% ABV) and .33 shot of Peppermint Schnapps (around 20% ABV), and .33 shot of non-alcoholic grenadine, a single Santa Shot clocks in at about 15% ABV. This makes it roughly half the strength of a standard strong cocktail, or about three times the alcohol content of a typical light beer, concentrated into a small serving.
The initial taste is pure, sweet grenadine, a burst of cherry or pomegranate. This quickly transitions to the cool, slightly herbal mint of the creme de menthe, which provides the mid palate. The finish is dominated by the sharper, more alcoholic kick of peppermint schnapps, leaving a lingering, refreshing candy cane sensation that defines the shot.
The technique
Building a Santa Shot is all about precision layering. Start with the densest liquid, grenadine, filling the bottom third of your shot glass. For the next two layers, you’ll need a bar spoon. Invert the spoon over the glass, touching the back of the bowl to the inside edge of the glass, just above the liquid. Slowly pour the creme de menthe over the spoon, letting it gently cascade onto the grenadine. Repeat this process for the peppermint schnapps, creating three distinct bands of color.
The single most important technique for this drink is the slow pour over the back of a spoon. Rushing this step or pouring directly will cause the liquids to mix, resulting in a muddy, unappealing color rather than the vibrant, distinct layers. Taking your time ensures the visual impact that makes this shot special.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Peppermint Schnapps
- Use
- Look for brands like Rumple Minze or DeKuyper Peppermint Schnapps. A higher proof schnapps will give it more punch. Typically 15-30% ABV.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with peppermint syrup, as it lacks the alcohol kick. Avoid clear peppermint liqueurs if you want to maintain the distinct color separation, though it’s less critical for the top layer.
- Why
- This is where the ‘candy cane’ flavor really comes from. It provides the strong, refreshing peppermint taste and the alcoholic backbone to the top layer.
Creme de Menthe
- Use
- Green creme de menthe is essential for the middle layer’s color. Brands like Bols, DeKuyper, or Giffard work well. Typically around 25% ABV.
- Skip
- Clear creme de menthe will not give you the iconic green layer. Mint syrup will also lack the necessary alcohol and texture for proper layering.
- Why
- Creme de Menthe is crucial for both the visual impact, providing the vibrant green, and the distinct minty flavor that complements the peppermint schnapps.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
The Grinch Shot
- A mean, green holiday machine.
- Skip the grenadine and go for a purely green experience. Layer 0.5 oz Creme de Menthe with 0.5 oz Peppermint Schnapps for a potent, minty shot.
Candy Cane Shot
- Straight up peppermint party.
- For a simpler, potent peppermint shot without the layering fuss, combine 0.5 oz peppermint schnapps with 0.5 oz vanilla vodka or white crème de cacao.
Santa’s Helper
- Santa’s slightly creamier sidekick.
- Add a top layer of Irish cream, like Baileys, for a richer, smoother finish. This will create a creamy white layer above the green, though it will obscure the green slightly.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use cherry syrup for similar sweetness and color, or cranberry juice cocktail for a less sweet, tart alternative. The layering might be slightly different depending on density.
If you only have clear mint liqueur, you can add a drop of green food coloring to achieve the visual effect, but the flavor profile might differ slightly. Or use a bit more peppermint schnapps, accepting the loss of the green layer.
A strong, clear mint liqueur or a peppermint-infused vodka could work, but check the ABV to ensure it’s comparable in strength.
A small cordial glass or even a small espresso cup can work. The layering might be trickier without the straight sides of a shot glass, but the flavors will still be there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Santa Shot?
A Santa Shot typically contains grenadine syrup, green creme de menthe, and peppermint schnapps, layered in that order.
Why is it called a Santa Shot?
It’s named for its festive red and green layers, which evoke the colors of Christmas and Santa Claus’s suit.
How do you layer a shot?
To layer a shot, pour the ingredients slowly over the back of a bar spoon, letting each layer settle gently on top of the previous one.
Can I make a Santa Shot without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute grenadine for red syrup, green mint syrup for creme de menthe, and peppermint syrup for schnapps for a non-alcoholic version.
Is the Santa Shot strong?
It’s moderately strong for a shot, typically around 15% ABV, making it less potent than many standard cocktails but stronger than a single beer.
What’s the best way to serve a Santa Shot?
Serve it chilled and immediately after layering to maintain the distinct color separation and crisp flavors.
Can I make Santa Shots ahead of time?
No, the layers will eventually start to bleed together. For the best visual appeal, make them right before serving.
What other holiday shots are there?
Other popular holiday shots include the Candy Cane Shot, the Grinch Shot, and various Gingerbread Man themed shots.
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