Candy Cane Vodka Recipes

CANDY CANE COOLER

Steps:

• Place crushed candy cane bits into pint glass. Muddle the candy cane slightly, breaking up the bigger pieces. Do not over-muddle into a powder. Add vodka, brandy and half-and-half and stir. Pour into a shaker with ice. Shake lightly to chill and strain into old-fashioned glass full of ice. Add a peppermint stick and stir. Garnish with a mint sprig.
• Thoroughly wash mint leaves and place in a decanter or jar. Empty vodka into container and muddle slightly to release the essential oils. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 3 days - longer if you want a stronger taste.

CANDY CANE VODKA

Steps:

• Snap the candy canes into small pieces, about 2cm in length. Tip into a large jug or jar and pour over the vodka so they're covered.
• Cover and chill for at least 3-5 hrs, or until the sweets have dissolved (there may be a little bit of candy cane left, but most should have dissolved). Strain and pour into clean bottles through a strainer or sieve, using a funnel to help you. Will keep chilled for a week. Serve chilled as a liqueur or in a cocktail (see 'goes well with', below).

CANDY CANE COCKTAIL

Steps:

• Pour the gin, lemon juice, vodka or crème de menthe and Angostura bitters into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.
• Double-strain the drink into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a mini candy cane, if you like (see tip, below).

CANDY CANE COCKTAIL

Steps:

• To make infused vodka, pour vodka into airtight jar; add candy canes and seal jar. Let stand 10 to 12 hours to infuse the flavor, shaking periodically throughout the day.
• To decorate rim of glass, pour chocolate syrup on 1 plate; place crushed candy canes on second plate. Dip rim of glass into chocolate; dip immediately into candy.
• To make cocktail, in shaker full of ice, pour vodka and schnapps; shake. Pour into glass. If desired, squeeze some additional chocolate syrup into glass.