Festive Peppermint Christmas Shots: Easy 2-Ingredient Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate holiday treat: Peppermint Christmas Shots! These vibrant, refreshing shots are the perfect way to infuse festive cheer into any gathering. With just two simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up these delightful drinks in a flash. Get ready to impress your guests with a truly unforgettable holiday sip.

Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Christmas Shots

You’ll adore these incredible Peppermint Christmas Shots for many reasons. They are perfect for both seasoned hosts and new mixologists.

• Ultimate Simplicity: This recipe requires only two main ingredients, making it incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need fancy skills to make these delicious festive drinks.
• Holiday Entertaining Dream: Elevate your holiday parties with a spirited and themed beverage. These peppermint shots will be the star of your festive spread.
• Quick Preparation: Last-minute guests are no problem with this super speedy recipe. You can mix up a batch in just minutes, ensuring fresh drinks for everyone.
• Refreshing Flavor: The cool burst of peppermint perfectly complements the creamy white chocolate. The versatile uses of mint in beverages and culinary creations are widely recognized. Learn more about the versatile uses of mint. It’s a delicious balance of sweet and minty, ideal for a holiday treat.
• Visually Festive: With their optional candy cane rim, these shots look as good as they taste. They instantly add a touch of sparkle to your holiday table.

Ingredients

To craft these delightful Peppermint Christmas Shots, you’ll need just a few key items. Quality ingredients make all the difference in the final taste of your festive drinks.

• ¾ ounce Smirnoff Peppermint Vodka: This delivers the signature cool mint flavor.
• ¾ ounce Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur: Adds a rich, creamy sweetness to balance the peppermint.
• Candy canes (for garnish): Essential for that iconic festive rim.

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with your ingredient choices for these delightful peppermint Christmas shots. Feel free to adjust based on availability or personal preference.

For the peppermint vodka, other brands like Rumple Minze Peppermint Schnapps or even a clear vodka infused with fresh mint and a touch of peppermint extract can work. When choosing white chocolate liqueur, alternatives such as RumChata Limón (if you prefer a hint of lemon) or other cream-based white chocolate liqueurs provide similar creamy texture and sweetness. You can also experiment with different garnishes; consider a sprinkle of edible glitter, chocolate shavings, or even a mini marshmallow for a cozy twist. High-quality liqueurs enhance the overall smoothness and flavor, so choose the best you can find for truly exceptional peppermint Christmas shots.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before you begin makes preparing these Peppermint Christmas Shots a breeze. Having the right barware ensures a smooth and efficient process.

• Cocktail Shaker: Essential for properly chilling and mixing your ingredients.
• Shot Glasses: The perfect vessels for serving your festive creations.
• Jigger: Accurately measures your liqueurs for balanced flavor.
• Small Plate: Handy for crushing candy canes and rimming glasses.

Instructions

Creating these delightful Peppermint Christmas Shots is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect festive treat every time. Your guests will love these quick and delicious holiday shooters.

1. Chill Your Ingredients: For the best possible Peppermint Christmas Shots, ensure both your peppermint vodka and white chocolate liqueur are well-chilled before you begin. You can place them in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps create a colder, more refreshing shot without over-diluting it with ice.
2. Prepare the Shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker two-thirds full with fresh ice cubes. Using good quality ice is crucial; avoid old or freezer-burned ice, which can impart unwanted flavors and melt too quickly.
3. Add the Liqueurs: Carefully measure ¾ ounce of Smirnoff Peppermint Vodka and ¾ ounce of Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur using your jigger. Pour both precisely measured ingredients into the prepared cocktail shaker over the ice.
4. Shake It Up: Secure the lid tightly on your cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You’ll know it’s sufficiently chilled when the outside of the shaker feels frosty and cold to the touch. This shaking action not only chills the liquid but also helps to perfectly combine the flavors of the Peppermint Christmas Shots.
5. Crush the Candy Canes: Unwrap several candy canes. Place them in a sturdy plastic bag and seal it. Using a rolling pin or the back of a heavy pan, gently but firmly crush the candy canes into fine pieces. Pour the crushed candy onto a small, flat plate, spreading it evenly.
6. Rim the Shot Glasses: Pour a small amount of corn syrup into a shallow dish or onto another small plate. Dip the rim of each empty shot glass into the corn syrup, ensuring an even coating. Immediately press the syrup-coated rim into the crushed candy canes, twisting gently to coat thoroughly. Set aside the rimmed glasses to allow the candy to adhere.
7. Pour and Serve: Once your shot glasses are beautifully rimmed, remove the shaker lid. Strain the chilled mixture directly into your prepared shot glasses. Fill each glass almost to the rim. Serve your festive Peppermint Christmas Shots immediately to enjoy their crisp, cold, and delicious flavor.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving perfect Peppermint Christmas Shots is easy with a few extra tricks. These tips ensure your festive drinks are always top-notch and help you avoid common pitfalls.

For perfectly chilled shots, store your shot glasses in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving; this creates a wonderfully frosty finish. When crushing candy canes, ensure they are finely crushed for better adhesion to the rim. To make the candy cane rim stick, corn syrup works best due to its sticky consistency, providing a durable base. For more in-depth techniques on how to create the perfect drink presentation, explore these professional cocktail garnishing tips. Alternatively, you can use melted white chocolate for an even richer rim, letting it set slightly before dipping in the candy. If your shots taste watery, reduce the amount of ice or shake for a shorter duration. For rimming problems, try chilling the glass after applying the corn syrup to help it firm up slightly before dipping.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These Peppermint Christmas Shots are incredibly versatile, perfect for various festive occasions. Get creative with how you serve and adapt them.

Serve these vibrant Peppermint Christmas Shots on a decorative tray alongside other holiday sweets for an impressive display. Garnish options extend beyond candy canes; consider a mini candy cane hooked on the rim, a sprig of fresh mint, or a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant touch. For make-ahead convenience, mix the liquids and store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add ice and shake just before serving. To create a delightful non-alcoholic version, mix peppermint syrup with white chocolate milk or cream, chilling well before serving. For other flavor twists, try swapping white chocolate liqueur for dark chocolate liqueur, or adding a dash of coffee liqueur for a “peppermint mocha” shot. These adjustments can completely change the profile of your festive peppermint Christmas shots.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Peppermint Christmas Shots. Please note that these values are approximations.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	122 kcal
Carbohydrates	10 g
Protein	0.02 g
Fat	0.1 g
Saturated Fat	0.02 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.02 g
Sodium	2 mg
Potassium	0.2 mg
Sugar	10 g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation. Exact values may vary. This is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice or a comprehensive nutritional analysis. Consult a healthcare professional for specific dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve got questions about these delicious Peppermint Christmas Shots, and we have answers! These insights will help you master this festive drink.

How do candy canes stick to the rim? Corn syrup or a thin layer of melted white chocolate acts as an adhesive, allowing the crushed candy canes to firmly attach to the glass rim. Simply dip the rim in the adhesive, then press into the crushed candy.

Can these shots be made ahead? Yes, you can pre-mix the liquid ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Prepare the rimmed glasses and shake with ice just before serving your Peppermint Christmas Shots.

What is the best peppermint vodka? Smirnoff Peppermint Twist is excellent for its clear peppermint flavor. Other great options include Three Olives Peppermint or even Dr. McGillicuddy’s Peppermint Schnapps for a stronger mint kick.

Are there non-dairy options? Absolutely! You can substitute the Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur with a dairy-free cream liqueur (like a coconut milk-based one) or a white chocolate syrup mixed with a splash of plant-based milk.

Can this be made into a full cocktail? Yes, easily! Simply double or triple the ingredients, pour into a larger glass with ice, and top with a splash of soda water or milk for a longer, sippable drink.

Conclusion

These delightful Peppermint Christmas Shots are truly a celebration in a glass. With their vibrant flavor, effortless preparation, and festive appearance, they are guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday season. We hope you’ll love making and sharing these easy two-ingredient wonders with all your friends and family. Give this recipe a try and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Happy holidays and happy sipping!