Candy Cane Twist Cocktail

If you love candy canes and peppermint, this Candy Cane Twist Cocktail is for you! Prepared with peppermint schnapps, cranberry juice, and vodka, this drink is simply phenomenal!

I’ve heard it said a million times whenever someone is really stressed out that they need a drink. As much as I absolutely love and adore Christmas, I do know that for some people, it can be the most stressful time of year. With that said, a great-tasting cocktail you might consider trying is this Candy Cane Twist Cocktail.

My daughter is closing in on 24 years old now, but I remember the stress of finding the perfect toy. I remember waiting for her to finally go to sleep so that something she asked for could be assembled. And, I most certainly remember trying to get through Christmas Day without a nap, because she had us awake super early!

I’m most certainly not suggesting that you consume alcohol to get you through the holidays, but moderation is the key. Personally, I think a cocktail tastes better when you have someone you enjoy spending time with, drinking a cocktail too. So, when entertaining this season, consider preparing this cocktail. But, please, drink responsibly!

REMEMBER TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER!

Not everyone is fortunate enough to celebrate Christmas the way others might. So, if you know someone who might not be a parent, Christmastime can be just as stressful for them. There are many things that can cause a stressful holiday, not just super excited kids. It can be financially stressful for some people. It can be depressing or upsetting for others. And, in some cases, it can be lonely. Do your best to share some goodies or cheer with those who might be less fortunate. And, if you can, choose a local charity and make a donation. For some smaller charities, every dollar helps!

WELCOME TO A LORD BYRON CHRISTMAS!

I’m going to tell you all about this recipe and how you can make it in your home this holiday season, but first, I want to tell you about what you can expect from Lord Byron’s Kitchen this Christmas. I know we’re getting closer to the big day, so it’s time to get to the holiday-themed recipes! Over the past decade, I have built a reputation for sharing series-type recipes. The most popular would be my annual 24 Cookies of Christmas, which was fashioned after an advent calendar. But, I have others that are only 12 days, which were fashioned after the 12 Days of Christmas.

This particular recipe is a part of my third holiday series for this year. So, welcome, Dear Reader, to Lord Byron’s 12 Christmas Candy Cane Recipes Series. Just like every other series that I’ve shared over the years, this one will also see a new recipe shared each day for the next 12 days – even on Saturday and Sunday! You might be asking yourself, how many Christmas recipes could one possibly have or need? Well, I say you can never have too much of a good thing. And, I love having lots of choices. Who wants to prepare the same holiday recipes year after year?

SUBSCRIBE NOW AND NEVER MISS ANOTHER RECIPE!

Traditionally, every year I share a series of recipes that you might already be familiar with. For example, I’ve previously shared 12 Holiday Trifles, 12 Holiday Bars & Squares, and even these 12 Edible Holiday Wreath recipes! Also, some of my favourite recipe collections from previous years are my 75 Homemade Gifts from Your Kitchen, my 50 Make Ahead Freezer Friendly Christmas Recipes, and my 30 No-Bake Christmas Recipes post.

You really don’t want to miss one of these recipes, so if you have not yet subscribed to Lord Byron’s Kitchen, I encourage you to do so. That way, a new recipe will be emailed to you every day. You won’t have to bother to come looking for it! And, just in case you’re curious, you can see previous annual posts for my 24 Cookies of Christmas Series here!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE

The following is a list of the ingredients needed to prepare this recipe. For exact amounts and measurements, refer to the printable recipe card located near the bottom of this post.

• Vodka – Vodka is a clear, unaged spirit produced using any ingredient that has fermentable sugars such as rye, barley, or wheat.  It can also be made with potatoes, grapes, or beets too.  In its purest form, Vodka is colourless, odourless, and flavourless.  But, there are many variations, most commonly vodkas infused with citrus or berries.
• Peppermint Schnapps – This is a distilled spirit made by adding peppermint flavouring to a clear grain spirit. It tastes like a liquid candy cane, with an astringent, almost mouthwash-like finish.
• Cranberry Juice
• Ice
• Corn Syrup – This used to rim the glass which will allow the crushed candy canes to stick. I used melted white chocolate chips on the glass you see in the photos. You can use either one of those or you may decide to not rim the glass at all.
• Crushed Candy Canes – For garnish.

HOW TO MAKE A CANDY CANE TWIST COCKTAIL

If you plan to rim the glass, pour about two tablespoons of light corn syrup onto a small plate. Add a few tablespoons of crushed candy canes to another small plate. Dip the rim of the glass into the corn syrup and allow the excess to drip off. Dip the rim into the crushed candy canes and set the glass aside while you mix the cocktail. Alternatively, you can dip the rim of the glass into melted white chocolate which is what I did here.

Add about 1/2 cup of ice to a cocktail shaker, along with the vodka, peppermint schnapps, and cranberry juice. Place the lid onto the shaker and shake for 10-15 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a martini glass. Serve immediately.

MAKING YOUR OWN CRUSHED CANDY CANES

If you don’t want to use the red and white crushed candy canes that you can find just about anywhere this time of year, you can crush your own candy canes by placing unwrapped, broken candy canes into a sturdy bag and firmly rolling over them with a wooden rolling pin.

Either way you look at it, the candy canes should not be crushed too finely. Many times, you’ll find they have too much powder, meaning that they have been crushed too much. You want chunky pieces in order to get the red and white speckled pattern.

I’ve tried crushing them myself and have crushed them a little too much. Even the type you buy in the store can sometimes have too much candy cane dust. You can easily fix it by filtering out the dust. Working in small amounts, place a heaping spoonful of the crushed candy canes into a colander. Sift out the dust so that you are left with nice little pieces.

QUESTIONS?

If I have not answered all of your questions in the text above, don’t hesitate to reach out to me! You can contact me by sending me a message in the comments section further down the page. I will try my best to answer as soon as possible! You might reach me even faster by following me on Facebook and sending me a private message. Scroll down below the recipe card to find my Follow Me on Social Media box and never miss another recipe!

Finally, as I stated previously, every day I will be posting a new recipe. If you miss one, don’t fret. You can find my entire collection of Christmas Recipes right here! There are over 200 Christmas recipes and counting. There’s something for everyone! Cheers!