Is there any candy more iconically Christmas than the candy cane? We certainly can’t think of one! The Candy Cane Cocktail fashions the famous striped sweet into a more adult treat by transforming it into a happy holiday brew! Homemade candy cane-infused vodka combines with clear crème de cacao for a chocolate-peppermint flavor that’s wonderfully festive! With a couple drops of bitters for balance, this Candy Cane Cocktail is the type of drink St. Nick might even indulge in after a long night!
Ingredients
For the candy cane-infused vodka:
- 1 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup vanilla vodka
- 6 (6-inch) peppermint candy canes (do not use green and red striped candy canes)
For the cocktail:
- 2 (6-inch) peppermint candy canes
- water, to taste
- 3 ounces candy cane-infused vodka
- 2 ounces crème de cacao, preferably clear instead of white
- bitters, to taste
- ice, to taste
Directions
Step 1 –In a jar with a lid, add the vodka and the vanilla vodka.
Step 2 –Add 6 of the candy canes, breaking them up as needed so the liquid covers them completely.
Step 3 –Allow the vodka mixture to sit in a cool, dark place, giving the liquid a shake every so often, until the peppermint flavor infuses into the vodka, about 4 days.
Step 4 –Strain the candy cane-vodka through a cheesecloth into another jar.
Step 5 –Add the remaining candy canes to a food processor and process until they resemble coarse sea salt.
Step 6 –Place the candy cane sugar on a dish that will accommodate the rims of the serving glasses. Place a small amount of the water in another dish that will accommodate the rims of the glasses. Dip the rims of the glasses in the water and then in the candy cane sugar.
Step 7 –In a shaker, add 3 ounces of the candy cane-infused vodka, the crème de cacao, the bitters, and the ice and shake.
Step 8 –Strain the cocktail into the prepared cocktail glasses.
Step 9 –Serve.
