Candy Cane Christmas: Festive Drink Recipes to Sweeten the Holidays
Candy canes, with their iconic red and white stripes and refreshing peppermint flavor, are synonymous with Christmas. But these holiday treats are more than just decorations for your tree or a sweet snack. They can also be the star ingredient in a variety of festive and delicious drinks! This holiday season, ditch the same old beverages and embrace the magic of candy canes with these creative and easy-to-follow drink recipes. From warm and cozy cocktails to refreshing and kid-friendly mocktails, there’s a candy cane concoction for everyone to enjoy.
Why Candy Cane Drinks are Perfect for the Holidays
* **Festive and Fun:** Candy canes instantly evoke the spirit of Christmas, making any drink feel more special and celebratory.
* **Delicious Peppermint Flavor:** Peppermint is a classic holiday flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients, from chocolate and coffee to vodka and cream.
* **Versatile:** Candy canes can be used in many different ways, from garnishing drinks to infusing them with flavor.
* **Easy to Find:** Candy canes are readily available at most grocery stores and pharmacies during the holiday season.
* **Visually Appealing:** The red and white stripes of candy canes add a pop of color and visual interest to any drink.
Essential Tips for Making Candy Cane Drinks
Before we dive into the recipes, here are a few essential tips to ensure your candy cane drinks turn out perfectly:
* **Crushing Candy Canes:** The easiest way to crush candy canes is to place them in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them into small pieces. You can also use a food processor, but be careful not to over-process them into a powder.
* **Infusing Liquids with Candy Cane Flavor:** To infuse liquids with candy cane flavor, simply steep crushed candy canes in the liquid for a period of time. The longer you steep them, the stronger the flavor will be. You can steep candy canes in milk, cream, coffee, vodka, or any other liquid you like.
* **Garnishing with Candy Canes:** Candy canes make a beautiful and festive garnish for drinks. You can use whole candy canes, crushed candy canes, or even candy cane shards.
* **Adjusting Sweetness:** Candy canes are quite sweet, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in your drink recipes accordingly. Taste as you go and add more sugar if needed.
* **Using High-Quality Ingredients:** As with any recipe, using high-quality ingredients will result in a better-tasting drink. Use fresh milk, good-quality spirits, and real vanilla extract.
Candy Cane Drink Recipes
Now, let’s get to the fun part: the recipes! Here are some delicious and festive candy cane drink recipes to try this holiday season:
1. Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
This creamy and comforting hot chocolate is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day. The addition of crushed candy canes adds a festive touch and a delicious peppermint flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups milk
* 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup crushed candy canes, plus more for garnish
* Whipped cream (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cocoa powder, and sugar.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and crushed candy canes.
4. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and more crushed candy canes, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a richer hot chocolate, use whole milk or add a tablespoon of heavy cream.
* Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
* For a boozy version, add a shot of peppermint schnapps or vodka.
* Use white chocolate instead of cocoa powder for a white candy cane hot chocolate.
* Garnish with a candy cane stir stick.
2. Candy Cane Coffee
Give your morning coffee a festive twist with this candy cane-infused coffee recipe. It’s the perfect way to start your day with a little holiday cheer.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup brewed coffee
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 tablespoon crushed candy canes
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Whipped cream (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Brew your coffee as usual.
2. While the coffee is brewing, heat the milk in a saucepan or microwave until hot but not boiling.
3. Stir the crushed candy canes and vanilla extract into the hot milk until the candy canes are dissolved.
4. Pour the coffee into a mug and top with the candy cane-infused milk.
5. Top with whipped cream and more crushed candy canes, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use a flavored coffee creamer instead of milk for an even richer flavor.
* Add a shot of peppermint syrup for an extra boost of peppermint flavor.
* For an iced candy cane coffee, let the coffee cool completely before adding the candy cane-infused milk and ice.
* Use a candy cane-flavored coffee bean for an even stronger peppermint flavor.
3. Candy Cane Martini
This festive martini is the perfect cocktail for your holiday parties. The peppermint flavor of the candy canes pairs perfectly with the vodka and cranberry juice.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 ounces vodka
* 1 ounce cranberry juice
* 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps
* 1/2 ounce simple syrup
* Crushed candy canes for rimming the glass
* Candy cane for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Rim a martini glass with crushed candy canes. To do this, wet the rim of the glass with water or simple syrup and then dip it into the crushed candy canes.
2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, cranberry juice, peppermint schnapps, and simple syrup.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into the prepared martini glass.
5. Garnish with a candy cane.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use a flavored vodka, such as vanilla or citrus, for an extra layer of flavor.
* Add a splash of lime juice for a tart twist.
* Use white cranberry juice for a lighter-colored martini.
* Garnish with a sugared cranberry.
4. Candy Cane White Russian
A festive twist on a classic cocktail! The candy cane flavor adds a holiday flair to the creamy and comforting White Russian.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 ounces vodka
* 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
* 2 ounces heavy cream
* 1/2 ounce candy cane syrup (recipe below)
* Crushed candy canes, for garnish
**Candy Cane Syrup:**
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 6-8 candy canes, crushed
**Instructions:**
**For the Candy Cane Syrup:**
1. In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and crushed candy canes.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar and candy canes are dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain to remove any candy cane pieces.
**For the Cocktail:**
1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and candy cane syrup.
3. Top with heavy cream.
4. Garnish with crushed candy canes.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter drink.
* Add a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra warmth.
* Drizzle chocolate syrup on top for a decadent treat.
* Use a candy cane stir stick.
5. Candy Cane Milkshake
This creamy and decadent milkshake is the perfect treat for kids and adults alike. The peppermint flavor of the candy canes makes it extra festive and delicious.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups vanilla ice cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup crushed candy canes, plus more for garnish
* Whipped cream (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a blender, combine ice cream, milk, and crushed candy canes.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and more crushed candy canes, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use peppermint ice cream for an even stronger peppermint flavor.
* Add a few drops of red food coloring for a more festive look.
* Dip the rim of the glass in melted chocolate and then crushed candy canes.
* Add a shot of peppermint schnapps for an adult version.
6. Candy Cane Mocktail Sparkler
A non-alcoholic, bubbly delight that’s perfect for kids and adults who prefer a festive, alcohol-free option.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups sparkling water or club soda
* 1 cup white cranberry juice or apple juice
* 1/2 cup crushed candy canes, plus more for garnish
* Lime wedges, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pitcher, combine sparkling water and white cranberry juice.
2. Stir in crushed candy canes.
3. Pour into glasses and garnish with a lime wedge and more crushed candy canes, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use ginger ale or lemon-lime soda instead of sparkling water for a sweeter drink.
* Add a few drops of green food coloring for a more festive look.
* Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
* Rim the glasses with sugar before pouring in the drink.
7. Candy Cane Iced Mocha
Combining the refreshing coolness of iced coffee with the festive flavors of chocolate and peppermint, this is a perfect pick-me-up during the holiday season.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup strong brewed coffee, chilled
* 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
* 1/4 cup crushed candy canes, plus more for garnish
* Whipped cream (optional)
* Ice cubes
**Instructions:**
1. In a glass, combine chilled coffee, milk, chocolate syrup, and peppermint extract.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Add ice cubes to fill the glass.
4. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Adjust the amount of chocolate syrup and peppermint extract to your liking.
* Use a flavored coffee creamer instead of milk for an even richer flavor.
* Add a shot of espresso for a stronger coffee flavor.
* Garnish with a chocolate-covered candy cane.
8. Candy Cane Infused Vodka
This isn’t a drink in itself, but rather a base for creating incredible cocktails! Infusing vodka with candy cane flavor gives it a sweet peppermint kick that elevates mixed drinks.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (750ml) bottle of vodka
* 10-12 candy canes, crushed
**Instructions:**
1. Pour the vodka into a clean glass jar or container.
2. Add the crushed candy canes to the vodka.
3. Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 3-5 days, shaking the jar daily.
4. After 3-5 days, taste the vodka. If the peppermint flavor is strong enough, strain the vodka through a cheesecloth-lined sieve to remove the candy cane pieces.
5. Store the infused vodka in a clean bottle or jar.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use a good quality vodka for the best flavor.
* Adjust the number of candy canes based on your preference for peppermint intensity.
* Experiment with different infusion times. Taste the vodka daily to find the perfect balance of flavor.
* Use the infused vodka in any cocktail that calls for vodka and peppermint, like a Candy Cane Martini or a Peppermint White Russian.
9. Peppermint Bark Cream Liqueur
Similar to Baileys, this homemade cream liqueur gets an upgrade with the irresistible flavors of peppermint bark. Perfect for sipping or adding to coffee!
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
* 1 cup vodka
* 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
* 1/2 cup crushed candy canes, plus more for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, vodka, chocolate syrup, and peppermint extract.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Stir in the crushed candy canes.
4. Pour into a decorative bottle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with more crushed candy canes.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Adjust the amount of chocolate syrup and peppermint extract to your liking.
* Use a high-quality vodka for the best flavor.
* For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint oil.
* Serve over ice or add to coffee or hot chocolate.
10. Candy Cane Simple Syrup
As with the infused vodka, this isn’t a drink in itself, but a versatile ingredient! Candy cane simple syrup can be used to sweeten and flavor a variety of drinks, from cocktails and mocktails to coffee and tea.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup water
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 6-8 candy canes, crushed
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and crushed candy canes.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and candy canes are dissolved.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
5. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any candy cane pieces.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Adjust the amount of candy canes based on your preference for peppermint intensity.
* Add a few drops of red food coloring for a more festive look.
* Use the syrup to sweeten coffee, tea, cocktails, mocktails, or even pancakes and waffles.
Serving and Presentation
The presentation of your candy cane drinks is just as important as the taste. Here are a few tips for serving and presenting your drinks in a festive and appealing way:
* **Use festive glassware:** Use holiday-themed glasses or mugs to serve your drinks. Red and white striped glasses are perfect for candy cane drinks.
* **Garnish generously:** Garnish your drinks with plenty of crushed candy canes, whole candy canes, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or other festive toppings.
* **Rim the glasses:** Rim the glasses with crushed candy canes or sugar for a festive touch.
* **Use candy cane stir sticks:** Use candy cane stir sticks to add a touch of peppermint flavor and visual appeal.
* **Serve with holiday treats:** Serve your candy cane drinks with other holiday treats, such as cookies, brownies, or peppermint bark.
Conclusion
Candy cane drinks are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays. With these easy-to-follow recipes and helpful tips, you can create a variety of delicious and impressive drinks that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, crush some candy canes, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these sweet and pepperminty creations! Happy holidays!