Candy Cane Martini Recipe: A Festive Holiday Treat

As the holiday season arrives, there's nothing better to celebrate Christmas than with a Candy Cane Martini! This martini blends the refreshing taste of peppermint with the rich flavors of spirits, offering both sweetness and a subtle coolness—making it the perfect drink to warm up those winter nights.

Its eye-catching appearance, with red and white candy cane decorations, adds a festive touch that’s sure to be the highlight of your holiday party. Whether enjoyed with friends or served as a post-dinner drink, it will bring a unique, cheerful vibe to your gathering.

Jump to:

• Introduction
• Tools Needed
• Ingredients
• Steps to Make
• Nutritional Information
• Notes

Introduction

The Candy Cane Martini is a beloved winter drink, combining rich vanilla and refreshing peppermint flavors to deliver a sweet and cool experience for your taste buds. Both its taste and appearance perfectly capture the warm, festive atmosphere, making it a must-have cocktail during the Christmas season. The creamy smoothness, candy-like freshness, and a hint of sweet alcohol create a drink that is both joyful and comforting.

Visually, it features a striking red and white color scheme, garnished with peppermint candies, offering an eye-catching presentation that’s full of holiday cheer. Perfect for adventurous drinkers, especially those who love cocktails that balance sweetness with a cool, refreshing twist.

Tools Needed

• Shaker: Used to thoroughly mix and chill all the liquid ingredients, ensuring an even flavor.
• Jigger: For measuring the quantities of different ingredients, ensuring a balanced ratio.
• Strainer: Helps strain out ice, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Glass: You can use a martini glass or any other preferred glassware.

Ingredients

• Vodka (2 oz): As the base spirit, it provides a clean and strong alcohol presence, blending perfectly with the sweetness of cream and peppermint.
• Vanilla Liqueur (1 oz): Adds a gentle sweetness and aroma, enhancing the drink's overall flavor.
• Cream (1 oz): Its smooth texture enhances the drink’s fullness and gives it a rich, creamy mouthfeel.
• Peppermint Syrup (1/2 oz): Brings a refreshing peppermint flavor, helping to highlight the holiday spirit.
• Pomegranate Syrup (1/4 oz): Primarily used for color, giving the drink a festive, visually appealing look.
• Candy Cane (1): For garnish, adding a charming and eye-catching touch to the cocktail's appearance.
• Ice (as needed): Used to chill the drink and slightly dilute it for a smoother texture.

Steps to Make

1. Add all the ingredients and ice into the shaker.

2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.

3. Strain the mixture into a glass using a strainer.

4. Garnish with a candy cane.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Vodka (2 oz)

• ABV: 40%
• Calories: 128 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Sugar: 0 g

Vanilla Liqueur (1 oz)

• ABV: 17%
• Calories: 104 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10.8 g
• Sugar: 10.8 g

Cream (1 oz)

• ABV: 0%
• Calories: 52 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1.6 g
• Sugar: 1.6 g

Peppermint Syrup (1/2 oz)

• ABV: 0%
• Calories: 40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Sugar: 10 g

Pomegranate Syrup (1/4 oz)

• ABV: 0%
• Calories: 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Sugar: 5 g

Total Nutritional Information (per serving)

• ABV: 20%
• Calories: 344 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27.4 g
• Sugar: 27.4 g

Notes

Cream Substitute: If you prefer a lighter version of this cocktail, you can swap the heavy cream for low-fat cream or non-dairy cream to maintain the smooth texture while cutting down on calories.

Food Pairing: This cocktail pairs beautifully with desserts like chocolate mousse, sugar cookies, or Christmas pudding, all of which complement the refreshing mint flavor perfectly.

Sweetness Adjustment: If you like your drinks sweeter, feel free to add more syrup, but do so in moderation to avoid overpowering the original flavors.

Other Recommended Recipes

Christmas Mojito

Peppermint Espresso Martini

Cinnamon Roll Cocktail