Thank you so much for coming back for another holiday treat—seriously, it means the world. These festive recipes are some of my favorite to share, and this one… oh my goodness. It’s creamy, icy, pepperminty, and absolutely Christmas in a glass. I’m kicking myself for not having shot this one earlier because the sparkle from the crushed candy canes is GORGEOUS!!
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What Is a Candy Cane Martini?
This Candy Cane Martini is a creamy, peppermint-kissed cocktail with vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and peppermint schnapps—shaken icy cold and poured into a candy cane–rimmed glass. It’s festive, sweet, smooth, and basically tastes like an adult peppermint milkshake.
Perfect for Christmas Eve, holiday parties, or cozy nights by the tree.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 5 minutes
- Sweet, creamy, and perfectly pepperminty
- Stunning presentation for holiday parties
- Uses simple bar ingredients
- Feels like a dessert and a cocktail in one
- Anything but boring!!
What Does a Candy Cane Martini Taste Like?
Imagine peppermint bark melted into a chilled, silky cocktail.
The vanilla vodka adds warmth, the white chocolate liqueur gives it a luxurious creaminess, and the peppermint schnapps brings that festive mint snap.
The crushed candy cane rim adds sparkle, sweetness, and crunch.
It’s magical. Truly.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Easy to batch for parties
- Beginner-friendly holiday cocktail
- Highly customizable
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor
- No fancy equipment needed
- Pairs beautifully with cookies, desserts, and holiday snacks
Ingredients
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz Godiva white chocolate liqueur
- ½ oz white crème de cacao
- ½ oz peppermint schnapps
- Light corn syrup (for rimming)
- Crushed candy canes (for rimming)
Tools You’ll Need
- Martini glass
- Cocktail shaker
- Ice
- Strainer
- Small plate for rimming
Additions & Substitutions
Add-Ins
- A splash of heavy cream for a creamier texture
- A drop of vanilla extract
- A swirl of white chocolate sauce inside the glass
- A dollop of whipped cream on top
Substitutions
- Plain vodka + ¼ tsp vanilla syrup instead of vanilla vodka
- White chocolate syrup instead of Godiva liqueur
- Crushed peppermint candies instead of candy canes
- Simple syrup instead of corn syrup for the rim
How to Make a Candy Cane Martini (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Glass
Brush the rim of your martini glass with a thin layer of light corn syrup.
Dip into crushed candy canes until evenly coated.
Set aside to dry slightly.
2. Shake
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Pour in:
- Vanilla vodka
- White chocolate liqueur
- White crème de cacao
- Peppermint schnapps
Shake vigorously until the shaker is ice-cold.
3. Strain & Serve
Strain into your rimmed martini glass.
Serve immediately while frosty.
What to Serve With This Martini
- Chocolate truffles
- Peppermint bark
- Sugar cookies
- Shortbread
- White chocolate cheesecake bites
- Gingerbread cookies
The pairing possibilities are endless!
Tips for the Perfect Candy Cane Martini
- Use freshly crushed candy canes so they stick well.
- Shake until the shaker is painfully cold—it gives the drink its silky texture.
- Chill your glass ahead of time for extra frostiness.
- Want it sweeter? Add a touch more crème de cacao.
- Want it stronger? Add an extra splash of vodka.
Storage Instructions
This cocktail is best made fresh.
However, you can pre-mix the alcohol (without ice) up to 24 hours in advance and store it refrigerated.
Shake with ice just before serving.
General Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 martini
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes—mix peppermint syrup, vanilla cream soda, and a splash of white hot chocolate.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely! Multiply ingredients and shake in batches with ice when serving.
Can I serve it over ice instead?
Yes—use a rocks glass with crushed ice for a “Candy Cane White Russian” vibe.
Can I use regular vodka?
Yes! Add a dash of vanilla syrup or vanilla creamer.
Conclusion
This Candy Cane Martini is pure holiday magic—creamy, minty, and sparkling with crushed candy canes. It’s simple, festive, stunning, and perfect for every Christmas celebration.
If you’re loving these holiday drinks, you might also enjoy:
- Santa’s Reindeer Crumble
- Sugar Cookie Martini
- Baileys Peppermint Hot Cocoa
Share the Holiday Joy!
If you make this martini, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest—your creations truly make my day!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~260
- Carbs: 10g
- Sugar: 8g
- Alcohol content: ~25%
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