Candy Cane Martini Recipe
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Quick Prep Recipes may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
This candy cane martini is equal parts fancy, festive, and fabulous! It’s made with only 4 ingredients and takes only 5 minutes to whip up – it’s one of the easiest, yet most delicious Christmas cocktails you can add to your holiday spread. Enjoy this creamy, dreamy perfection of a cocktail that feels like a grown-up version of a happy Christmas morning.
It’s the season of holiday drinks yet again, my friends. I love the idea that I can start my day with a warm mug of peppermint hot chocolate, and unwind at night with an eggnog martini. This year, I wanted to try an equally delicious spin on the classic martini, so here we are.
As you can tell, I love creamy cocktails, and this candy cane martini hits the spot. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and minty, plus it looks gorgeous when served in peppermint candy-rimmed glasses.
This cocktail is perfect for your holiday celebrations, cocktail parties, or even as a fun treat to enjoy while wrapping gifts or decorating your tree. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and a surefire way to impress your guests. Plus, with its refreshing peppermint kick and creamy finish, it’s like dessert and a drink all in one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy recipe: Ready in 5 minutes or less – just mix and shake, garnish and serve! Perfect for last-minute parties or unexpected guests.
- Simple ingredients: You only need 3 main ingredients – vodka, creme de cacao, and creme de menthe, plus ice – and you’ve got a fun and festive cocktail to serve and enjoy.
- Peppermint perfection: The refreshing peppermint flavor and candy cane garnish make this cocktail a delight to drink and look at.
- Delicious dessert cocktail: With its smooth, creamy, and velvety base, this doubles as an indulgent treat, satisfying your cocktail and dessert cravings in one sip.
- Fun spin on a classic: Candy canes are a well-loved Christmas treat, and a candy cane martini is a new and exciting way to enjoy it!
- Customizable: Easily make this drink your own! Whether you want to tone down the sweetness, make it more minty, or even turn it into a mocktail, the options are endless.
How to Make Candy Cane Martini
Can I just say that I’ve never had a martini that is this good? This candy cane martini isn’t just a drink, it’s an experience, and it’ll quickly become a holiday tradition you’ll look forward to every year. Just mix, shake, and serve – no need to be a mixologist to make this fun cocktail for all your holiday parties.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Vodka: Provides the neutral base for the martini, allowing the sweet and minty flavors to shine. Choose your favorite brand of plain vodka.
- White creme de cacao: This liqueur adds a rich, creamy chocolate flavor that compliments the peppermint, making the martini taste like a liquid dessert.
- White creme de menthe: This mint liqueur is what gives the candy cane martini its signature peppermint flavor that we love from holiday candy canes.
- Ice
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making a delicious festive cocktail has never been this easy! Simply pour the ingredients into a shaker, shake it up, and pour the drink into serving glasses.
If you’ve got an extra minute or two, rim the glasses with crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch. Follow these 3 simple steps, and you’ll have a party-worthy drink in your hand after just a few minutes.
Step 1: Rim the glass (optional)
Add an optional candy cane rim to the glass by following the note from the expert tips section below.
Step 2: Mix and shake
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and pour in all the ingredients. Shake well for about 20 to 30 seconds.
Step 3: Serve
Divide and strain into two chilled martini glasses and serve immediately.
Substitutions
This recipe calls for ingredients that you can easily find in local grocery stores or liquor shops. Candy cane martini is incredibly versatile, so you can make it according to how you like it or what you have on hand. Try these ingredient substitutions in case you’re missing an ingredient or want to use an alternative.
- Vodka: If you prefer a sweeter drink, substitute plain vodka with vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon vodka. If you don’t have vodka on hand, use brandy, rum, or whiskey instead. You can also find vanilla-flavored versions of all three.
- White creme de cacao: Replace with chocolate liqueur or use chocolate syrup for a non-alcoholic alternative. You can also use dark creme de cacao if you prefer a bolder chocolate flavor.
- White creme de menthe: Green creme de menthe can be used for the same flavor with a slight color change. Use peppermint syrup or a few drops of peppermint extract diluted in water for a non-alcoholic option.
Expert Tips
- Use premium ingredients: The key to good cocktails is to use high-quality ingredients because you’ll be able to tell the difference in taste and texture in the final product. Use good quality liquor to get the best-tasting candy cane martini.
- Use a jar: If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, mix and shake your cocktail in a jar with a tight-sealing lid. Mason jars are ideal, but any medium-volume jar will work.
- Serve in chilled glasses: Chilled glasses are best, but it’s not a deal breaker to serve at room temperature. Place the empty glass in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving.
- Add a candy cane rim: You can add an optional candy cane rim by brushing simple syrup on the rim of the glass or dipping it in a circle of syrup on a plate. You can also use water in a pinch. Then, dip the edge in crushed candy canes. To crush the candy cane or hard peppermint candies, put the material in a plastic bag and pound it with a meat mallet or the back of a wooden spoon. Continue until it is a fine powder or textured to your liking.
- Garnish creatively: A mini candy cane hung on the rim or a fresh sprig of mint adds a festive touch to your drink presentation.
- Make a batch: Hosting a party? Multiply the ingredients and make a pitcher of the martini base ahead of time. Just shake individual servings with ice as needed.
How to Store This Recipe
With a candy cane martini, you mix the drink in a shaker and pour it straight into glasses right before serving, so I doubt there will be any that need to be stored. However, if you made a huge batch ahead, you can place the mixture in an airtight container or pitcher covered in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What to Serve with Candy Cane Martini
Candy cane martini is easy to pair with all your favorite holiday dishes and desserts. Enjoy it with chocolate truffles, peppermint bark, fudge, peanut butter fudge, shortbread cookies, cinnamon palmiers, or saltine toffee.
If you want a savory pairing, this cocktail is delicious with cranberry brie bites, stuffed dates, pineapple cheese ball, or alongside a Christmas tree cheese platter.
More Seasonal Drinks To Try
If you make this candy cane martini please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Creamy Candy Cane Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces white creme de cacao
- 2 ounces white creme de menthe
- 1 portion ice
Instructions
- Add an optional candy cane rim to the glass by following the note below.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and pour in all the ingredients.
- Shake well for about 20 to 30 seconds.
- Divide and strain into two chilled martini glasses and serve immediately.
Notes
- The key to good cocktails is to use high-quality ingredients because you’ll be able to tell the difference in taste and texture in the final product. Use good quality liquor to get the best-tasting candy cane martini.
- If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, mix and shake your cocktail in a jar with a tight-sealing lid.
- Chilled glasses are best, but it’s not a deal breaker to serve in a room temperature one. Place the empty glass in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving.
- Add a candy cane rim by brushing simple syrup on the rim of the glass or dipping it in a circle of syrup on a plate. Dip the edge in crushed candy canes. To crush the candy cane or hard peppermint candies, put the material in a plastic bag and pound it with a meat mallet or the back of a wooden spoon. Continue until it is a fine powder or textured to your liking.
- A mini candy cane hung on the rim or a fresh sprig of mint adds a festive touch to your drink presentation.
- Hosting a party? Multiply the ingredients and make a pitcher of the martini base ahead of time. Just shake individual servings with ice as needed.
