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    Home » Drink » Cocktails

    Published: Dec 22, 2021 by Slow The Cook Down

    Candy Cane Vodka (Peppermint Infused Vodka)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest graphic. Candy cane vodka with text overlay.
    Pinterest graphic. Candy cane vodka with text overlay.

    Make up a festive flavored vodka to enjoy this Christmas! This candy cane vodka recipe is so simple and easy to make. Serve it up as fun pink shots or use in your favorite holiday cocktails!

    A candy cane vodka shot next to a red bauble.

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my privacy policy here.

    If you are all about the mint during the holidays, then this simple candy cane infused vodka is a must make!

    Super easy to make with just a couple of ingredients, this flavored vodka is perfect to add to your favorite cocktails and delicious enjoyed as a shooter to get the festivities started!

    If peppermint is your thing, and you like a tipple, get stuck in!

    Be sure to try my Infused Apple Ginger Vodka too!

    Why you will love this recipe!

    • So easy! This takes minutes to make, then you just have to be a little patient to let the peppermint flavor infuse.
    • Two ingredients: If you've got vodka and candy canes then you are good to go!
    • Perfect for batch making: You can easily make larger quantities of this flavored vodka, it will last for years so you can enjoy it over a few holiday seasons!
    Four candy cane shots next to a jar of the infused vodka.

    Ingredients

    • Candy Canes: I used mini candy canes, but you can use regular sized. It's best to get red and white striped canes, not the ones with green, as this will give a murkier final color.
    • Vodka: You can use any clear vodka you like for this recipe, though I'd stay away from top shelf spirits. A Smirnoff will do the job nicely.

    How to make candy cane vodka

    Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!

    • Add the candy canes to a large jar (photo 1).
    • Pour in the vodka (photo 2).
    • Shake (photo 3).
    • Let sit until infused with peppermint flavor (photo 4).
    Four step by step photos to show how to make the recipe.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does it take to infuse vodka?

    I found that after around 4 to 6 hours there was a pretty good flavor to the vodka, so you can easily make it in the morning and enjoy later that day. It will take around 24 to 48 hours for the candy canes to fully dissolve.

    Can you make infused vodka with different candies?

    For sure! Skittles, Jolly Ranchers, Starburst and jelly beans are all excellent choices, just be sure to sperate the colors first or you'll end up with a murky colored vodka!

    Do you need to keep it refrigerated?

    This can be left to infuse in the fridge or at room temperature. Once full infused, again, you can store refrigerated or on a countertop, through I prefer to pop it in the freezer so that it's ice cold when you serve it. This will last for years whichever method of storing you use.

    Do you have to sterilize the jar you are using?

    The jar should definitely be clean and free from dust. You can run the jar in the dishwasher or swirl some boiling water in it to make sure that it's clean.

    A mini candy cane in a pink vodka shot.

    Serving

    I made these cute candy cane shots with my infused vodka. Rim the shot glasses with some granulated sugar, add the vodka and garnish with a candy cane. For an extra festive vibe, you can use a silver colored sugar for some added sparkle.

    You can also use this to make up a tasty cocktail - try it in any of these yummy looking recipes:

    • Peppermint Martini
    • Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate
    • Peppermint White Russian
    • Pink Peppermint Cocktail

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • If you are using larger candy canes, make sure that they are fully covered by the vodka by breaking them into smaller pieces.
    • Give the vodka a good shake before serving.
    • There may be a few bits of sediment from the candy canes in the vodka. You can drain it through some cheesecloth if you like, though I didn't and it was totally fine.
    • The ratio of candy canes and vodka in this recipe create a hint of flavor, if you prefer it more minty, simple add in a few more canes!
    Four pink vodka shots.

    This candy cane vodka is so crazy easy to make, but it's an easy way to get into the Christmas spirit. Infused with peppermint flavor, it's refreshing, festive, and sure to get the party started!

    More Christmas Drinks

    • Christmas Red Wine Sangria
    • Cranberry, Orange and Ginger Mocktail
    • Baileys Candy Cane Cocktail
    • Santa Shots

    I love hearing from you!! If you have tried this candy cane vodka recipe, be sure to scroll down, give it a star rating and let me know what you thought!

    For more tasty treats, food inspiration and fun, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest – come say hi!

    Be sure to keep in touch and sign up to Slow The Cook Down to grab your free e-book ‘Stress Free Recipes Made For Sharing’

    Candy cane vodka shot with a sugar rim.

    Candy Cane Vodka (Peppermint Infused Vodka)

    Make up a festive flavored vodka to enjoy this Christmas! This candy cane vodka recipe is so simple and easy to make. Serve it up as fun shots or use in your favorite holiday cocktails!
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 20 one ounce shots (2.5 cups)
    Calories: 85kcal
    Author: Slow The Cook Down

    Ingredients

    • 12 red and white mini candy canes
    • 2.5 cups vodka (600ml)

    Instructions

    • Add the candy canes to a large sealable jar.
    • Pour over the vodka, seal the jar and give it a shake.
    • Let sit for at least 4 hours before serving. Shake well before pouring.
    • Store at room temperature or in the fridge or freezer.

    Notes

    • If you are using larger candy canes, make sure that they are fully covered by the vodka by breaking them into smaller pieces.
    • Give the vodka a good shake before serving.
    • There may be a few bits of sediment from the candy canes in the vodka. You can drain it through some cheesecloth if you like, though I didn't and it was totally fine.
    • The ratio of candy canes and vodka in this recipe create a hint of flavor, if you prefer it more minty, simple add in a few more canes!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 3g | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Pin it today!Mention @SlowTheCookDown or tag #SlowTheCookDown!
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