Every year around Christmas, people start getting all ooey gooey about their traditions. I’ll admit- Ive always been someone who goes a bit soft at the knees when I think of the Christmas season- it is beautiful, everyone is happy, there is family, and festivities… and cocktail parties.

Sometimes finding the right cocktail to serve at a cocktail party can be a bit tricky. You want something with mass appeal- who wants to be mixing random drinks all night that require a ton of different ingredients– but you want to be sure it’s classy, innovative, and fun.

You want to get your guests into the mood- and this Candy Cane Martini recipe is the perfect way to get your guests feeling the Christmas spirit in no time!

 

This drink is sweet, without being too sweet, and has lovely hints of vanilla and peppermint. For having only a few ingredients it is deceptively complex and delicious. Oh- and really really strong. Don’t accidentally-forget-where-you-are-when-you-crank-up-your-favorite-tune-and-start-grooving strong.

 

Of course, if you’re having a more laid back holiday at home, this drink is the perfect treat for a night in as well.

 

Since this Candy Cane Martini is fairly uncomplicated and relies on just three liqueurs, you won’t have to go stocking your bar with random things you won’t ever use again just to make these. As an added bonus, you can toss this recipe into hot cocoa for the most epically amazing treat ever (more on this coming tomorrow).

 

One note- I am normally skittish about flavored vodkas. I find they are a bit overly flavored and fake tasting. I prefer to flavor my own- for this recipe I like to use a vodka I’ve soaked vanilla pods in. You can make your own vanilla vodka, use store bought flavored vodka- or skip the flavored kind and just use any well distilled vodka instead. It is pretty flexible. We’re getting drunk here people, not doing complex mathematics.

If you like your drinks a lot less sweet, you will definitely want to use an unflavored vodka. You’ll still get a hint of vanilla and plenty of peppermint flavor!

 

 

Candy Cane Martini

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Ingredients

• 1 1/4 ounces vanilla vodka
• 1 1/4 ounces white creme de cacao
• 3/4 ounce peppermint schnapps or liqueur
• Peppermint candies, crushed
• peppermint twist, to garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Finely crush peppermint candies.
2. Wet the rim of martini glass with a little water. Don't let it go all over- you just want the rim to be wet.
3. Dip glass into crushed candies, pressing them to rim.
4. Turn upright.
5. Mix ingredients and ice in a shaker.
6. Shake until well chilled.
7. Pour into glass and garnish with peppermint twist.