Christmas Peppermint Shots Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate festive treat to wow your guests this holiday season, look no further than this Christmas Peppermint Shots Recipe. It’s a dreamy blend of creamy white chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and just the right kick of vanilla vodka and schnapps—all wrapped up in a glass rimmed with crushed candy canes. Whether you’re holiday hosting or simply craving a joyful little pick-me-up, these shots bring the perfect balance of sweet, minty, and boozy vibes to every celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Christmas Peppermint Shots just right is all about a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role—from the smooth sweetness of white chocolate chips to the crisp peppermint punch from crushed candy canes—the ingredients come together to create a festive, flavorful experience that’s both fun to make and impossible to resist.
- White chocolate chips: These melt beautifully to create a luscious coating for the shot glass rims and add creamy sweetness.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Provide vibrant color, texture, and that unmistakable minty crunch.
- Peppermint schnapps: Brings a festive mint flavor and warming spirit perfect for holiday cheer.
- Vanilla vodka: Adds smooth vanilla notes and balances the sweetness with a subtle bite.
- Heavy cream: Offers richness and a silky texture that makes each shot luxuriously creamy.
- Whipped cream for topping: Adds a fluffy, indulgent finish that pairs perfectly with the mint.
- Additional crushed peppermint for garnish: Creates a festive final touch that’s as pretty as it is flavorful.
How to Make Christmas Peppermint Shots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glass Rims
Start by placing the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt them in short 20-second bursts, stirring in between until you have a smooth, glossy coating. Next, dip the rims of your shot glasses into the melted chocolate—this sticky layer is the perfect glue for your crushed peppermint candies. Immediately press each rim into the crushed peppermint for that sparkling, minty crust. Let the glasses set aside to harden while you mix the drink.
Step 2: Mix the Shots
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice to properly chill the ingredients. Pour in your peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka, and heavy cream. Seal the shaker tightly, then shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled and frothy. This step ensures every sip is smooth, creamy, and full of vibrant flavor.
Step 3: Pour and Top
Carefully pour the festive mixture into your prepared shot glasses, making sure not to disturb the peppermint-coated rims. Top each shot with a generous swirl of whipped cream, then sprinkle a little more crushed peppermint right over the top to add color, crunch, and an extra hit of mint sensation. Your Christmas Peppermint Shots are now ready to dazzle.
How to Serve Christmas Peppermint Shots Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the crushed peppermint rim and whipped cream topping, consider adding a small candy cane hanging on the side of each shot glass or a tiny sprig of fresh mint for an extra festive flourish. These little details not only enhance the look but also elevate the minty aroma before each sip.
Side Dishes
Pair these peppermint shots with classic holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, biscotti, or chocolate-dipped pretzels. The contrast between the creamy, minty shots and the crunchy, spiced snacks is pure holiday magic that keeps your guests coming back for more.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve the shots on a tray lined with fresh evergreen sprigs and twinkling fairy lights. You can also freeze the shot glasses beforehand; the cold glass adds an extra chill to each sip, making them feel even more refreshing and special. Adding festive cocktail napkins or personalized tags with holiday sayings adds a charming touch that your friends will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover peppermint shots, pour them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Because of the fresh whipped cream topping, it’s best to store the shot mixture separately and add whipped cream just before serving again to maintain that perfect texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the mixed peppermint shot mixture for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and give it a quick shake or stir before pouring into rims dipped freshly in white chocolate and crushed peppermint. This way, you can prep ahead and keep the celebration stress-free!
Reheating
These shots are best served cold or chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, simply give the shot mixture a good shake after refrigeration to bring back the frothy texture. Serve immediately garnished with fresh whipped cream and crushed peppermint for best results.
FAQs
Can I make a nonalcoholic version of the Christmas Peppermint Shots Recipe?
Absolutely! Swap out the peppermint schnapps and vanilla vodka for peppermint coffee creamer and sweetened milk for a festive, kid-friendly version that still captures all the minty magic without the alcohol.
What kind of peppermint candies work best for the crushed garnish?
Candy canes work beautifully thanks to their size and crunch, but any hard peppermint candy will do as long as it’s finely crushed enough to stick to the chocolate rim and provide that classic festive flavor.
How many shots does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes about 10 shots, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights when you want to share a festive treat with friends and family.
Can I prepare the rimmed glasses ahead of time?
Yes, you can dip the shot glass rims in white chocolate and crushed peppermint a few hours in advance. Just keep them in a cool place so the chocolate sets nicely without melting.
What should I do if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
No shaker? No problem! Use a mason jar with a tight lid or a sealed container and shake vigorously. It’s an easy hack that still results in light, frothy, and delicious peppermint shots.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Christmas Peppermint Shots Recipe enough. It’s simple to make, undeniably festive, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that adds a splash of holiday joy to any celebration. Whether you’re a peppermint lover or new to holiday cocktails, these shots will become a cherished staple in your seasonal entertaining. So grab your ingredients, gather your friends, and cheers to merry, minty memories!
Print
Christmas Peppermint Shots Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 shots 1x
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Peppermint Shots, featuring a creamy blend of peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka, and heavy cream, all served in peppermint-rimmed glasses and topped with whipped cream. Perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Rim and Garnish
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Additional crushed peppermint for garnish
Shot Mixture
- 1 cup peppermint schnapps
- 1/2 cup vanilla vodka
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Rim: Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Dip the rims of shot glasses into the melted white chocolate, then immediately dip into the crushed peppermint candies. Set the glasses aside to allow the chocolate to harden fully.
- Mix the Shots: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka, and heavy cream. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled and frothy.
- Serve: Pour the chilled mixture into the prepared shot glasses. Top each shot with a swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle with additional crushed peppermint candies for a festive garnish before serving.
Notes
- For a nonalcoholic version, replace the schnapps and vodka with peppermint coffee creamer and sweetened milk.
- Chill your shot glasses ahead of time to keep the shots extra cold and add a festive touch.
- Use high-quality vanilla vodka for the best flavor.
- Crushed peppermint candies can be made by placing candy canes in a sealed bag and crushing them gently with a rolling pin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
