Looking for the perfect holiday drink to wow your guests? These Peppermint Christmas Shots are sweet, minty, and festive — ideal for getting the party started. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or setting up a full Christmas party drink bar, this creamy shot topped with crushed candy canes is sure to shine.
It’s the perfect companion to seasonal desserts like Halloween Brownies or Pumpkin Truffles. Simple to make and easy to scale for a crowd, these shots are a must-have for your holiday celebrations.
Table of Contents
What Are Peppermint Christmas Shots?
Peppermint Christmas Shots are festive mini-cocktails made with white chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and cream. They’re rimmed with crushed candy canes, creating a delightful blend of sweetness and minty freshness. Think of it as a candy cane in liquid form — smooth, creamy, and cool.
These cheerful shooters are ideal for winter parties and pair well with sweet treats like Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies. They’re more than just a drink — they’re a full sensory holiday experience.
Ingredients for Peppermint Christmas Shots
You’ll need just a few ingredients to create this wintertime favorite. These amounts yield two shots, but you can easily double or triple for parties.
- 1 oz. white chocolate liqueur
- 1 oz. peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz. half & half or cream
- Honey or corn syrup (for rimming)
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
- Mini candy canes (optional, for decoration)
Pro tip: Pair this with holiday snack recipes like Snake Charmers Pretzels for a playful themed spread.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make these festive shots in under 10 minutes.
- Crush your candy canes using a zip-lock bag and a rolling pin. Pour the crushed pieces onto a shallow plate.
- Dip the rims of your shot glasses in honey or corn syrup, then press into the crushed candy canes to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the white chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and cream.
- Shake well for 10–15 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into the rimmed shot glasses.
- Optional: hook a mini candy cane on the edge or sprinkle extra crushed peppermint on top.
These shots look gorgeous next to holiday treats like Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips or Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make these Peppermint Christmas Shots, you’ll need:
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Rolling pin
- Zip-lock bag
- Small plates
- Shot glasses (clear for better presentation)
Don’t forget festive serving items if you’re pairing with other treats like Crescent Roll Mummy Hot Dogs for a fun themed table.
Tips to Elevate Your Peppermint Christmas Shots
Want to go from great to unforgettable? Here are some pro-level tips:
- Chill your shot glasses in advance to keep the drinks extra cool.
- Use sweetened condensed milk instead of cream for a dessert-like twist.
- Add a drop of vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream.
Pair your elevated shots with indulgent sides like Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs for a balanced holiday menu.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even an easy recipe can go sideways. Avoid these:
- Over-crushing the candy canes into dust — they won’t stick well.
- Skipping the shake — the drink needs to be cold and frothy.
- Using warm ingredients — always start with chilled components.
- Overfilling the shot glasses — leave space for garnish.
Mistakes like these can be easily avoided with a little prep — just like when making Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Presentation is everything, especially during the holidays. Try these ideas:
- Serve shots on a mirrored tray for sparkle.
- Place them in a circle around a holiday centerpiece.
- Use red-and-white cocktail napkins to match the peppermint theme.
- Add a mini candy cane to each shot for decoration.
This recipe pairs perfectly with seasonal desserts like Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts or Pumpkin Twists.
Variations to Try
Change it up with these creative ideas:
- Add ½ oz of coffee liqueur for a Peppermint Mocha Shot
- Replace cream with chocolate milk for a sweeter twist
- Use almond or oat milk for a vegan option
- Try layering schnapps over liqueur for a two-tone effect
Want more festive twists? Try it alongside Pumpkin Fluff Dip for a dessert bar setup.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Hosting a big crowd? Prep ahead with ease:
- Mix the liqueurs and cream and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Rim your glasses up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate them.
- Store leftover crushed peppermint in an airtight container.
Keep everything chilled and ready to serve — just like you would with Make Ahead Breakfast Bowls.
Non-Alcoholic Alternative
Hosting kids or non-drinkers? Try this mocktail version:
- Use white chocolate syrup instead of liqueur
- Mix with peppermint extract and milk
- Rim with candy cane and top with whipped cream
This family-friendly option goes perfectly with Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles or Apple Crisp with Oatmeal.
Best Pairings with Peppermint Christmas Shots
Complete your holiday spread with these pairings:
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
- Mini Pancake Cereal for a morning-after treat
This pairing makes for a cohesive and delicious holiday menu that flows from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a cocktail shaker?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients in a jar with a tight lid — just be sure to shake well.
Can I make a large batch?
Absolutely. Mix in a large pitcher and shake individual servings with ice.
Do I need to use both schnapps and liqueur?
For the best flavor, yes. But you can adjust to suit your preferences.
Can I add toppings?
Try whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or crushed cookies for an extra festive touch.
Final Thoughts
These Peppermint Christmas Shots are festive, delicious, and super easy to make. With a minty chill and creamy texture, they’re a delightful addition to any winter celebration. They pair wonderfully with holiday treats, sweet and savory bites, and other Xmas-themed drinks. So if you’re looking for a drink that’s both classy and fun, this shot recipe is your go-to.
Looking for more cozy drink ideas? Check out Lavender Lemonade or Strawberry Cream Soda from Lyndy’s Kitchen!
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Irresistible Peppermint Christmas Shots to Elevate Your Holiday Party
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 shots 1x
Description
These Peppermint Christmas Shots are festive, creamy, sweet, and perfectly minty—an irresistible holiday party drink that dazzles every guest. Made with white chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and cream, then rimmed with crushed candy canes, these shots bring sparkle to any Christmas drink bar or cozy gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz half & half or cream
- Honey or corn syrup (for rimming)
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
- Mini candy canes (optional)
Instructions
- Crush candy canes in a zip-lock bag using a rolling pin and pour onto a shallow plate.
- Dip rims of shot glasses in honey or corn syrup, then press into crushed candy canes.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add white chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and cream.
- Shake well for 10–15 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into rimmed shot glasses.
- Optional: garnish with mini candy canes or extra crushed peppermint.
Notes
- Chill shot glasses in advance for extra frosty drinks.
- Use sweetened condensed milk instead of cream for a dessert-like version.
- Add a drop of vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- For dairy-free shots, use coconut cream or oat milk.
- Don’t over-crush candy canes—slightly chunky pieces stick better.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Holiday Drinks, Christmas Cocktails
- Method: No-Bake / Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peppermint christmas shots, holiday shots, christmas cocktails, candy cane shots, festive drink recipes
