Candy Cane Christmas Shots | with homemade peppermint vodka!

These fun and easy candy cane shots call for just 2 ingredients and are perfect for the holiday season! This seasonal shot recipe is perfect for any Christmas party or holiday get-together. Plus I’ve included my quick and easy recipe for homemade peppermint-infused vodka! 

I love making festive cocktails and shots for any holiday. But I think Christmas is my favorite, and not just because of the fun colors and delicious flavors. But also because it’s my busiest time of the year, there seems to always be some party or event going on.

Which means the need for fun, flavorful, super easy, and super quick drinks and appetizers goes up, A LOT. And as someone who loves to cook, and loves a challenge, Christmas is more often than not my time to shine.  I love being able to toss together easy meals and mix up quick and simple drinks. That are not only sure to be a hit but are sure to impress the guests too! 

Whether you’re hosting this year, you’ve been asked to bring a drink to share, or you’re looking for some quick and simple recipes to help out a friend with their holiday party plans. This recipe has you covered!

These candy cane shots couldn’t be easier to make, plus they are loaded with peppermint flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness.

They are perfect for getting the party started this holiday season, and they make a lovely addition to any Christmas Eve or Christmas Day party. You can even serve these fun shots on New Year’s Eve!

Plus I’ve included my super easy recipe for making peppermint vodka at home! 

How to Make Peppermint infused vodka (candy cane vodka recipe) 

Before we get into this recipe, let me just say that you can totally use peppermint schnapps or any kind of peppermint or candy cane vodka you like for the candy cane shots below! But as someone who always seems to have an extra half a bottle of vodka in the cupboard, for seemingly unknown reasons. I enjoy making my own peppermint/candy cane vodka at home.  It’s a great way to use up extra vodka or candy canes, and the best part is it only takes 4 hours at the most to make!

Ingredients

• vodka
• mini candy canes

Directions

Place all 25 mini candy canes in a glass quart-sized container or mason jar. Fill the container or jar the rest of the way up with vodka, leaving roughly a 1/2-1 inch gap at the top. Cover and set in a cool dark place. 

Allow the vodka to sit until the candy canes are completely dissolved, about 2-4 hours. Once the candy canes are dissolved give the vodka a quick stir and you’re done.

Homemade candy cane-infused vodka can be stored in a cool dark place until you’ve used it all up!  And it can be used to make any of your favorite peppermint-flavored cocktails and shots. 

How to Make Candy Cane Shots

measurements for 1 shots

Ingredients

• peppermint/candy cane vodka, homemade or store-bought
• white chocolate liqueur. You can use a brand of white chocolate liqueur you like. I used an Irish cream white chocolate liqueur!
• Mini candy canes, to garnish, optional

Directions

Line up your shot glasses(as many as you want to make at a time) on the counter, pour in the candy cane vodka, followed by the white chocolate liqueur. Balance a mini candy over the top of each shot glass, or hang them on the edge of the glasses. 

Serve immediately and enjoy! 

Recipe Notes

For another quick garnish idea, rim your shot glasses in vanilla frosting then dip them in crushed candy canes, fill, and serve.

If you like you can also mix equal parts candy cane vodka and white chocolate liqueur in a cocktail shaker then pour the mixture into your prepared shot glasses. I find this works better if I am making a large batch of shots.

Be Sure to Check Out These Boozy Christmas Drinks Too!

The Best Homemade Eggnog 

Baileys Irish Cream Pudding Shots