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    Home » Cocktails » Candy Cane Cocktail with Homemade Candy Cane Infused Vodka

    LAST UPDATED: December 16, 2019 • FIRST PUBLISHED: November 8, 2012 By Toni Dash 38 Comments

    Candy Cane Cocktail with Homemade Candy Cane Infused Vodka

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    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Candy Cane Cocktail title image

    Homemade Candy Cane Infused Vodka makes a great gift as well as a staple peppermint vodka for wintertime cocktails. The Candy Cane Cocktail will be the hit of your winter entertaining too!

    Candy Cane Cocktail title image
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    Candy Cane Cocktail title image

    Pulling off a seasonal cocktail to WOW doesn’t have to be hard.

    In fact you can infuse your own liquor to make it completely unique and special.

    Candy Cane Peppermint Vodka is the first easy step. It’s easy and fun to make, and delicious to drink.

    Candy Cane Cocktails are the star of holiday entertaining.

    Complete with a candy cane rim to the cocktail glass, it will be the star of your holiday parties.

    Candy Canes

     Nothing screams ‘Christmas’ more than candy canes.

    Dating back to the 1600’s, they were originally candy sticks fashioned into the shape of a shepherd’s crook, all white with no peppermint flavoring.

    In the early 1900’s candy canes took on the familiar peppermint flavoring and stripes, though the historical reasons for that change remain a bit of a mystery.

    Fast forward to today and we are iterating candy canes one more time: infusing them to make Peppermint Vodka.

    It’s very easy recipe that’s perfect for gifts and winter cocktails.

    vodka and candy canes in Mason jar

    Homemade Peppermint Vodka Made with Candy Canes

    My first attempt at making a candy-infused vodka with candy corn. It sounds like it might be disgusting but it turned out fantastic.

    It’s a buttery, orange vodka without the sickening sweetness normally found when eating candy corn.

    Candy canes and vodka are a match made in liquor heaven.

    Together they make a minty-fresh, light infused vodka without any heavy sugary flavor.

    I personally think sugary cocktails are a ticket to the Hangover Express.

    With this peppermint vodka it’s the Polar Express instead.

    pink candy canes in blue Mason jar infusing with vodka

    Candy Cane Vodka Ingredients

    There are only three ingredients in this DIY peppermint vodka:

    Vodka

    Choose a plain, unflavored vodka for this infusion.

    Vanilla Vodka

    Adding the vanilla vodka gives a warm balance to the minty flavor. Purchased vanilla vodka can be used or you can infuse your own too!

    Candy Canes

    Be sure to select a peppermint flavored candy canes for the best results.

    candy cane infused vodka in blue Mason jar

    Supplies for Making Candy Cane Infused Peppermint Vodka

    • 1-quart Mason Jar
    • Candy Canes
    • Cheesecloth

    What Type of Candy Canes to Use for Candy Cane Vodka?

    Our testing results say using classic red and white peppermint candy canes give the best flavor and color results.

    See the Pro Tips below for more notes.

    organic pink candy canes in a glass

    How to Make Candy Cane Peppermint Vodka – Step-by-Step

    For a detailed printable recipe refer to the recipe card at the end of the blog post.

    Making liquor infusions is very easy. This will take less than 5 minutes to put together.

    STEP 1: Pour the vodkas into a jar.

    STEP 2: Add broken up candy canes (the liquid should cover the candy canes).

    STEP 3: Place in a cool, dark location for 3-4 days. Shake periodically to mix any candy sediment into the liquid.

    STEP 4: When the vodka flavor is to your liking, strain through 2 layers of cheesecloth (removes any undissolved candy cane). Seal in a jar in a cool, dark location until using.

    broken candy canes in vintage blue Mason jar

    PRO TIPS for Making Candy Cane Infused Peppermint Vodka

    A few tips before grabbing your Mason jar.

    • The candy canes will dissolve in probably less than an hour. Allow the infusion sit undisturbed for about 4 days to let the flavors to fully develop.
    • Also these beautiful, all natural, organic candy canes lost the gorgeous pink luster when infused leaving a dingy, wash-water hue vodka. I added a few drops of natural pink coloring from India Tree Dyes (all vegetable based dyes; available at Whole Foods Markets) to perk it up.
    • If you use an artificially colored candy cane you will most likely find its color to remain in the infused vodka.
    • Do not use green and red striped candy canes. They will create a dingy colored vodka.

    CANDY CANE VODKA – PRINTABLE GIFT LABELS

    Download a sheet of FREE printable Candy Cane Vodka gift labels! It’s a great way to turn this easy liquor infusion recipe into a surprise holiday gift. 


    Candy Cane Cocktails on tray

    Candy Cane Cocktail

    Candy Cane peppermint vodka pairs perfectly with chocolate flavors for a candy cane martini you’ll love!

    This drinks like a martini, not a liquored-up milkshake.

    It’s fresh, with clean flavors, and no weighty presence like the beloved egg nog which coats your senses with a bit of a holiday film (I too have a festive recipe for Egg Nog but with the amount of spiking it bestows, it also is not heavy).

    Candy Cane Cocktail Ingredients

    This candy cane martini is a delicious peppermint-chocolate cocktail! Perfect for holiday sipping!

    • Candy Cane Vodka
    • Crème de Cacao, clear (no color)
    • Angostura Bitters
    • Candy Canes (to turn into cocktail glass rimming sugar)

    NOTE: do not select non-clear Crème de Cacao or you’ll have a brown cocktail.

    Candy Cane Rimming Sugar

    It’s very easy to make your own rimming sugar for the cocktail glasses:

    • Put candy canes into a blender or mini chopper.
    • Process the candy canes until making a granulated sugar.

    If you haven’t done it before, here is how to rim the cocktail glasses: How to Rim a Cocktail Glass.

    Supplies for Candy Cane Cocktail

    • Mini Chopper (to pulverize candy canes for the rim)
    • Cocktail Glasses 

    candy cane cocktails on silver tray

    More Infusions and Holiday Cocktails You’ll Love

    • Sparkling Vodka Cranberry Punch
    • Homemade Spiced Pear Vodka
    • Homemade Coffee Liqueur (Kahlua)
    • Homemade Crème de Menthe
    • Cherry Bounce Recipe – An Easy Homemade Cordial Recipe
    • Homemade Apple Spiced Vodka (with printable gift tags)
    • Homemade Lemon-Infused Vodka
    • DIY Pomegranate Lime Vodka & 17 Homemade Infusions and Liqueurs {DIY gift ideas}

    Try These Recipes Too

    • How to Make Simple Syrup: 8 Recipes and Suggested Uses
    • How to Make Orgeat Syrup + How to Use It
    • Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix (with printable gift tags)
    • Chocolate Martini on Fire!
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST !

    Recipe

    Homemade Candy Cane Vodka and Candy Cane Cocktail

    This simple, festive candy cane infused vodka has a surprisingly light, fresh result perfectly paired in the Candy Cane Cocktail with Creme de Cacao for a classic peppermint and chocolate libation.
    5 from 44 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Cocktails, Cocktail Syrup
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Infusing time: 4 days days
    Total Time: 4 days days
    Servings: 2 cocktails (makes 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) Candy Cane Vodka
    Calories: 200kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Ingredients

    For Candy Cane Infused Vodka:

    • 1 cup Vodka
    • ½ cup Vanilla Vodka , purchased or this DIY recipe
    • 6 6- inch Candy Canes

    For Candy Cane Cocktail:

    • 3 ounces Candy Cane Vodka
    • 2 ounces Crème de Cacao , clear (no color)
    • Dash Angostura Bitters
    • 2 6-inch Candy Canes

    Instructions

    To infuse the Candy Cane Vodka:

    • Pour plain vodka and vanilla vodka in a jar with a lid. Add 6 candy canes, broken up so the liquid covers them.
    • Allow to sit in a cool, dark location for 3-4 days, shaking periodically to mix any sediment into liquid.
    • When ready to use, strain through 2 layers of cheesecloth to trap any sediment. Seal in a jar, store in a cool, dark location until using.

    To make 2 Candy Cane Cocktails:

    • To make Candy Cane rimming sugar: place 2 candy canes in a chopper or blender and process into a granulated sugar. Rim cocktail glasses.
    • Add Candy Cane vodka, Crème de Cacao, Bitters and ice to a shaker; shake and strain into a rimmed cocktail glass

    Notes

    Candy cane types: I used the organic pink and white candy canes shown here. A reader cautioned against candy canes with green and red stripes as it created a dingy colored vodka. I suggest sticking with traditional red and white candy canes rather than alternative colored candy canes to keep the color festive and appetizing.
    Note on serving size: cocktail recipe makes 2 servings. Candy Cane Vodka makes 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces). 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 0mg | Sugar: 8g
    Candy Cane Cocktail title image
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    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally published: December 4, 2012

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Matt says

      November 08, 2019 at 9:09 am

      5 stars
      Very cool looking drink! So clever as well. I don’t drink alcohol myself, but I have friends that do, they will love this! Thanks!

      Reply
    2. lisa says

      November 08, 2019 at 7:54 am

      5 stars
      what a fun beverage for Christmas time! thanks for sharing

      Reply
    3. Iziar says

      December 13, 2017 at 8:12 am

      5 stars
      will you marry me?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:13 am

        LOL.

        Reply
    4. Adam says

      December 18, 2016 at 6:34 pm

      Just started this recipe. Important tip: do NOT use candy canes that have both red and green stripes. The result is muddy grey vodka.

      Oops. I should have thought of this, but it just didn’t cross my mind.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 18, 2016 at 9:02 pm

        Oh no! Fortunately it is a quick infusion so hopefully you can start again without losing too much time. I’ll note this in the recipe for others who try it. Thanks Adam!

        Reply
    5. Lynda S. says

      June 26, 2016 at 2:56 am

      So tasty even when it’s not Christmas time. Love the peppermint thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    6. Classique Elite Series says

      November 07, 2015 at 1:44 am

      Hi, I love how your recipes are all put together and they look so tasty! 😀

      Reply
    7. john@kitchenriffs says

      December 04, 2012 at 7:35 pm

      This looks totally fun! I rarely use vodka in drinks, but this looks so super! And I don’t think infusing gin with candy canes would work all that well. 😉 Really excellent drink – thanks.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 05, 2012 at 5:31 pm

        It’s definitely of the ‘novelty’ variety of infusing but a girl has to give in to holiday temptation every now and again. I really liked the result too. Heavily sweet drinks are not my thing. This is very fresh!

        Reply
    8. Brooks at Cakewalker says

      December 04, 2012 at 10:42 am

      My word, you are the Merry Mixologist! Spot on, my friend.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 04, 2012 at 12:53 pm

        I’ll bear the title with aplomb Brooks! This was fun and loved the way it turned out!

        Reply
    9. Dave says

      December 04, 2012 at 10:08 am

      Now this is a recipie I can relate to! Keep up the great research!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 04, 2012 at 12:52 pm

        Glad you liked it Dave! Easy, fun and festive.

        Reply
    10. Meeling says

      December 04, 2012 at 8:47 am

      Love the finished color and the sound of the cocktail. You are going to turn my pantry into a regular distillery with all your tempting concoctions!! 😉

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 04, 2012 at 12:51 pm

        I too loved the finished color! AND that the contents are natural. It’s always a gamble to me to try infusing something like this but really loved the fresh result. My pantry is overflowing with Mason jars Meeling; it’s a danger of curiosity I suppose!

        Reply
    Newer Comments »
    5 from 44 votes (26 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome! I’m Toni Dash. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. I’m so glad you are here!

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