Candy Cane Shots

If you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family, you’ve come to the right place! These Candy Cane Shots are not only festive but also incredibly easy to make. Imagine sipping on a sweet, refreshing drink that captures the essence of peppermint in every sip. This recipe has been a favorite of mine during the holidays, bringing smiles and cheer at gatherings and cozy nights in alike.

What makes these Candy Cane Shots truly special is their simplicity and unique flavor. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fun to serve without all the fuss or for holiday parties where you want to impress your guests. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your holiday celebrations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just two ingredients and minimal prep time, these shots come together in a snap!
• Family-Friendly Fun: The peppermint flavor is loved by kids and adults alike, making it a great addition to any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare your peppermint white grape juice ahead of time and enjoy it whenever you’re ready.
• Festively Flavorful: The sweet, minty taste truly embodies the spirit of the season, making each shot so enjoyable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. You’ll love how straightforward it is to whip up this delightful treat!

For the Candy Cane Shots

• 20 peppermint disks
• 1 bottle unflavored white grape juice (750ml)

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! It’s flexible enough to adapt based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add a splash of lemon juice: For a zesty twist, mix in some fresh lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.
• Use flavored grape juice: Experiment with different flavors like raspberry or cranberry for a unique spin on the classic.
• Mix in sparkling water: For some fizz, add sparkling water just before serving for a refreshing bubbly treat.
• Try different candies: Swap out the peppermint disks for other candies like butterscotch or chocolate mints for varied flavors.

How to Make Candy Cane Shots

Step 1: Prepare Your Peppermints

Unwrap your peppermints and place 10 in each mason jar. This step is crucial because it allows the candy to infuse its delicious flavor into the juice.

Step 2: Add White Grape Juice

Evenly divide the white grape juice between both mason jars. The juice serves as a base that will soak up all that lovely peppermint goodness over time.

Step 3: Shake It Up!

Place the lid on each jar tightly and give them a slight shake while turning them upside down. This helps mix everything together nicely so that those peppermint flavors start blending into the juice right away.

Step 4: Let It Infuse

Place your jars in the fridge for about 5 days or until the peppermints are completely dissolved. Patience is key here! Allowing time for infusion means you’ll get maximum flavor from those little candies.

Step 5: Final Touches

You may notice a white layer at the bottom of your jars once they’re done infusing. Simply turn them upside down for about an hour and then shake them well again. This will help distribute everything evenly before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Pour into small glasses or shot glasses and enjoy! There’s nothing quite like sharing these festive Candy Cane Shots with loved ones during this joyful season. Cheers!

Pro Tips for Making Candy Cane Shots

These festive shots are a delightful treat for any holiday gathering, so let’s ensure they turn out perfectly!

• Use fresh peppermints – Fresh peppermints will provide the best flavor and ensure a vibrant color in your shots. Stale candies might not dissolve well and could affect the taste.
• Shake gently – When mixing the white grape juice and peppermints, shake gently to avoid creating too many bubbles. This helps maintain a smooth texture and keeps your shots looking pristine.
• Chill properly – Allowing the mixture to sit in the fridge for at least 5 days is crucial. This time lets the flavors meld beautifully, giving you that perfect peppermint punch.
• Store upside down briefly – By turning the jars upside down for an hour before shaking them again, you’ll help redistribute any settled peppermint residue, ensuring a more consistent flavor throughout.
• Serve cold – Chilling the shots before serving enhances their refreshing qualities, especially during festive gatherings when everyone is looking for something cool and delicious!

How to Serve Candy Cane Shots

Presenting your Candy Cane Shots with a bit of flair can elevate the entire experience. Here are some fun ways to serve them that will impress your guests!

Garnishes

• Crushed candy cane rim – Dip the rim of each shot glass in water and then into crushed candy canes for a sweet and festive touch.
• Mint leaves – A sprig of fresh mint adds a beautiful pop of color and an aromatic element that complements the peppermint flavor.
• Mini marshmallows – Skewer a few mini marshmallows on a toothpick as a fun garnish that adds extra sweetness to each sip!

Side Dishes

• Holiday cheese platter – A colorful selection of cheeses, fruits, and crackers pairs wonderfully with these shots, offering savory contrasts to the sweet flavor.
• Spiced nuts – A bowl of spiced nuts brings a crunchy texture and warm spices that balance out the refreshing peppermint notes in your shots.
• Chocolate-covered pretzels – The salty-sweet combination of chocolate-covered pretzels makes them an irresistible snack alongside your Candy Cane Shots.
• Fruit skewers – Bright fruit skewers featuring strawberries, grapes, and pineapple add freshness and color to your holiday spread while complementing the drink’s fruity undertones.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Candy Cane Shots will be both festive and delicious—perfect for sharing cheer this holiday season! Enjoy every sip!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Candy Cane Shots recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to have festive drinks ready for your holiday gatherings! You can make these delightful shots ahead of time and store them until you’re ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the prepared Candy Cane Shots in the mason jars with their lids tightly sealed.
• Keep them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.
• Always give the jars a gentle shake before serving to mix any settled ingredients.

Freezing

• Unfortunately, these shots are not suitable for freezing due to the nature of grape juice and dissolved peppermints.
• It’s best to prepare them fresh, but you can certainly stock up on peppermint disks and grape juice for quick assembly!

Reheating

• These shots are served cold and do not require reheating.
• Simply pour into your favorite shot glasses straight from the fridge when ready to enjoy!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about Candy Cane Shots!

Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint for Candy Cane Shots?

Absolutely! While peppermint gives that classic holiday flavor, feel free to experiment with other extracts or flavorings that suit your taste.

How long do Candy Cane Shots last in the fridge?

Candy Cane Shots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to give them a shake before serving!

Are Candy Cane Shots suitable for kids?

While these shots are non-alcoholic and made with white grape juice, they may contain high sugar content. Consider serving them as a fun holiday treat in smaller glasses!

What occasions are perfect for serving Candy Cane Shots?

Candy Cane Shots are ideal for Christmas parties, holiday gatherings, or even cozy nights at home when you’re feeling festive!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these whimsical Candy Cane Shots! They bring a wonderful touch of cheer to any holiday occasion and are sure to delight your friends and family. Remember, this recipe is all about having fun while celebrating the season. Enjoy creating these delightful drinks, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations! Happy holidays!