How to make a Candy Cane Martini
This Candy Cane Martini is what happens when a peppermint patty crashes your Christmas martini glass. We shake vodka, peppermint schnapps (or candy cane–infused vodka), and a splash of cream over ice, then pour it into a chocolate-drizzled, crushed candy cane rimmed glass. It’s rich, minty, and dangerously easy to sip.
We serve this cocktail at holiday parties when guests want something that looks over-the-top but is actually quick for the bartender or even the host: a simple shake, a pretty rim, and you’re done. Keep a tray of pre-rimmed glasses and a bowl of crushed candy canes on the bar and you can send out a round in under a minute.
Ingredients for a Candy Cane Martini
This recipe is written for one Candy Cane Martini. Multiply everything by the number of guests for easy batching.
Candy Cane Martini
- 2 oz vodka (plain or vanilla)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps or candy cane–infused vodka
- 1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1/2 oz white crème de cacao (optional, for more chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, for a sweeter martini)
- Ice
For the Rim & Garnish
- 1–2 tablespoons crushed candy canes
- Simple syrup, honey, or chocolate syrup (to stick the rim)
- Extra chocolate syrup, for drizzling inside the glass (optional)
- Whipped cream and a mini candy cane, for garnish (optional)
How to Make a Candy Cane Martini
- Prep the glass. Chill a martini or coupe glass. Pour the crushed candy canes onto a small plate. Lightly coat the rim of the glass with simple syrup, honey, or chocolate syrup, then roll it in the crushed candy canes until coated. For extra drama, drizzle chocolate syrup in swirls inside the glass.
- Build the cocktail. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, peppermint schnapps (or candy cane vodka), cream, and white crème de cacao. If you like a sweeter martini, add the simple syrup as well.
- Shake until frosty. Seal the shaker and shake hard for 15–20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is very cold and the mixture looks frothy.
- Strain and garnish. Strain the Candy Cane Martini into the prepared glass. Top with a small dollop of whipped cream, a mini candy cane on the rim, and a pinch of extra crushed candy cane if you’d like. Serve immediately.
Bartender Tips for the Best Candy Cane Martini
- Use very cold ingredients. Chill your vodka and cream so the martini pours ultra-smooth and frosty.
- Crush candy canes finely. Smaller pieces stick better to the rim and are easier to sip around.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. Peppermint schnapps and candy canes already add sugar. Start without simple syrup, then add 1/4–1/2 oz if you prefer a dessert-level martini.
- Batch the base. For parties, pre-mix vodka, peppermint schnapps, crème de cacao, and simple syrup in a pitcher. Shake each drink with ice and cream to order.
Candy Cane Martini Variations
Once you’ve nailed the classic candy cane cocktail, try these twists to match your guests and your bar setup.
- Chocolate Candy Cane Martini: Swap the white crème de cacao for dark crème de cacao and add a little extra chocolate syrup drizzled inside the glass. This leans into that peppermint bark chocolate vibe.
- Candy Cane Vodka Martini: Skip the peppermint schnapps and use homemade or store-bought candy cane–infused vodka instead. Use 2.5 oz candy cane vodka + 1 oz cream + 0.5 oz white crème de cacao.
- Peppermint White Russian: Serve the same flavor profile over ice in a rocks glass. Combine 2 oz vodka, 1 oz peppermint schnapps, and 1.5 oz cream over ice; garnish with crushed candy cane.
- Candy Cane Espresso Martini: Add 1 oz chilled espresso to the shaker and reduce the cream to 1/2 oz. You get a minty espresso martini that still feels festive.
- Lighter Candy Cane Spritz: Shake 1.5 oz vodka, 0.75 oz peppermint schnapps, and 0.5 oz cream, strain into a wine glass over ice, then top with club soda or prosecco for a bubbly version.
Candy Cane Martini FAQs
How do you make a candy cane cocktail?
A simple candy cane cocktail is usually a mix of vodka or gin, a peppermint or candy cane liqueur, something creamy or bubbly, and a crushed candy cane rim. This Candy Cane Martini uses vodka, peppermint schnapps, cream, and optional white crème de cacao, shaken with ice and served in a candy cane–rimmed glass.
What alcohol is in a Candy Cane Martini?
Most Candy Cane Martini recipes use vodka as the base spirit plus peppermint schnapps or candy cane–infused vodka for the mint flavor. Some versions add white or dark crème de cacao for a chocolate note.
Can I make a Candy Cane Martini with candy cane vodka?
Yes. If you have candy cane–infused vodka, you can swap it in for part or all of the peppermint schnapps. Try 2.5 oz candy cane vodka, 1 oz cream, and 0.5 oz white crème de cacao, then taste and adjust sweetness with simple syrup if needed.
How do I make a chocolate Candy Cane Martini?
For a chocolate peppermint martini, keep the base recipe but add more chocolate. Use dark crème de cacao instead of white, drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass, and finish with a crushed candy cane rim for a peppermint bark effect.
Can I turn this into a peppermint espresso martini?
Absolutely. To make a peppermint espresso martini, add 1 oz chilled espresso to the shaker, reduce the cream to 1/2 oz, and keep the vodka and peppermint schnapps the same. Shake hard and strain for a minty coffee cocktail that still feels like dessert.
More Christmas Cocktails to Try
- Peppermint Martini Recipe – a creamy, mint-forward Christmas martini with a crushed candy cane rim.
- Holiday Margarita – a cranberry-spiked Christmas margarita for tequila lovers.
- Cranberry Mimosa – the easiest Christmas brunch cocktail with bubbles.
- More Christmas Cocktail Recipes – explore our full holiday cocktail collection.
Planning a Holiday Party?
Use our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator to plan bottles, mixers, and garnishes for your guest count, or hire a holiday bartender so you can enjoy your Candy Cane Martinis instead of living behind the bar.
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