This festive Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is a fun and bubbly drink perfect for the holiday season. With refreshing mint and a hint of sweetness, it brightens any gathering!
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love something that sparkles? I especially enjoy serving it with a candy cane stirrer—such a cute touch! Sip and celebrate with joy! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Candy Canes: These are not just for decoration but add a lovely minty flavor. If you have dietary restrictions or are out of candy canes, you could use peppermint extract instead—just a drop or two will do!
Peppermint Schnapps: This is key for bringing the mint flavor. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, consider using a mint syrup to replicate the sweetness and flavor without the alcohol.
Vanilla Vodka: I enjoy the smoothness it adds. You can substitute it with regular vodka if that’s what you have, or use flavored vodka if you’re feeling adventurous, like whipped cream or cake vodka!
Club Soda/Sparkling Water: Both are great for fizz. You could swap it for lemon-lime soda for a sweeter version, or tonic water for a different twist. Just keep the bubbles alive!
How Do You Create a Balanced and Refreshing Drink?
The key to a great Candy Cane Spritzer is balancing the sweetness and the minty flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a 1:1 ratio of peppermint schnapps to vanilla vodka for the perfect kick, but adjust to your preference.
- Add ice cubes before pouring the sparkling water to keep it chilled and bubbly.
- Stir gently! You want to mix the flavors without losing the fizz.
- Garnish with a whole candy cane and crushed pieces. This adds visual appeal and enhances the mint flavor as it stirs!
Enjoy your festive cocktail and don’t forget to have fun with the presentation! A happy drink is a well-decorated drink!
How to Make a Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cocktail:
- 2 candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 4 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
For Garnish:
- Crushed candy cane pieces
- Whole candy canes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail takes about 5 minutes to prepare. Just gather your ingredients and get mixing, and you’ll have a festive drink ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Garnish:
Start by crushing one candy cane into small pieces. You can use a zip-lock bag and a rolling pin or a food processor—whatever works for you! Set these crushed pieces aside for later use in your drink.
2. Mix the Spirits:
In a glass, pour in the peppermint schnapps and vanilla vodka. If you want it a bit heavier on the peppermint, feel free to adjust the amounts to match your taste!
3. Ice It Up:
Add ice cubes to fill the glass about halfway. This will keep your cocktail nice and chilled.
4. Add the Fizz:
Slowly top up the glass with club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently to mix everything without losing the bubbles—this drink should have a nice fizzy kick!
5. Garnish with Style:
Now, take a whole candy cane and place it inside the glass. It’ll look beautiful and add a lovely minty flavor as you sip. Sprinkle the crushed candy cane pieces on top for that extra festive flair!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Candy Cane Spritzer immediately, and enjoy the refreshing, bubbly cocktail that’s perfect for the holiday season! Cheers!
Can I Use Regular Vodka Instead of Vanilla Vodka?
Absolutely! If you don’t have vanilla vodka on hand, regular vodka will work just fine. The peppermint schnapps will still give it that delicious minty flavor; the vanilla just adds a hint of sweetness.
What’s the Best Way to Crush Candy Canes?
You can crush candy canes easily by placing them in a zip-lock bag and using a rolling pin to crush them. Alternatively, a food processor works well for a finer texture. Just be careful not to crush them too finely, as you want some texture in your drink!
How Can I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
To turn this into a festive mocktail, simply omit the peppermint schnapps and vanilla vodka. Use a mint-flavored syrup or extract instead of schnapps, and you can up the sweetness with a splash of vanilla syrup if desired.
How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?
If you have leftover ingredients, store any unused candy canes in an airtight bag or container at room temperature. The schnapps and vodka can be kept in a cool, dry place. The open bottles should be good for quite a while as long as they’re sealed tightly!
