Homemade Peppermint Vodka

Homemade peppermint vodka takes holiday spirits to new heights! Infused with candy canes, it’s the ultimate addition to holiday cocktails and homemade gifts.

about this homemade peppermint vodka

Nothing says holiday season quite like the crisp, cool taste of peppermint. This homemade peppermint vodka brings that magical winter flavor to your cocktails, turning ordinary spirits into something extraordinarily festive.

The best part? It needs just two ingredients.

Real candy canes slowly dissolve into your favorite vodka, creating a pinkish red infusion that tastes like Christmas in a glass. No artificial flavors or sticky syrups needed. Just pure, pepperminty goodness that works beautifully in white Russians, chocolate martinis, or splashed into hot cocoa.

It’s so much better than store-bought peppermint schnapps! This homemade version also makes a gorgeous gift. Simple pour into bottles and tie them off with a ribbon.

You get to control the sweetness and the intensity with this recipe! Make it to your liking, then keep it for months to enjoy all winter long. Trust me, you’ll love the peppermint aroma.

ingredients

vodka. When it comes to selecting a vodka for this recipe, I always recommend picking the best vodka that is in your price range. We recommend Tito’s or Absolut (splurge for Absolut Elyx if you want to!).

candy canes. Use your favorite candy canes for this recipe!

this recipe’s must-haves

All you need for this recipe is a large airtight glass container! Then grab a fine mesh strainer or colander to strain out the peppermint sticks once the infusion is done.

here’s how to make peppermint vodka with candy canes

infuse

Unwrap the candy canes and add them to a large airtight glass jar or container. You can break them into pieces if needed in order to fit.

Fill with vodka. Seal and shake. Let the mixture sit for at least 2 hours. Taste it to determine if you want more peppermint flavor. We like to test it every hour after the first couple of hours until the flavor is to our liking.

strain

Strain out the candy canes. Store the peppermint vodka in an airtight glass container or jar in a cool dark place. It will last for up to 6 months. Be sure to shake it if any sediment settles on the bottom.

Pro Tip: Store it in the freezer so you can always have a ready-to-go, chilled shot!

what mixes well with peppermint vodka?

This peppermint vodka can be used in so many different ways! There are endless unique drink ideas. Here are some of our favorite mixers to combine with this vodka:

• Hot chocolate
• Coffee (hot or iced)
• Chocolate milk
• Club soda
• White hot chocolate
• Cold brew coffee

You can also combine it with cocktails that use ingredients like:

• Cream liqueurs like Baileys
• White chocolate liqueur
• Vanilla vodka
• Rumchata
• Kahlua or coffee liqueur
• Creme de cacao

For more ways to use this peppermint vodka, check out more ideas above the recipe card.

can you drink peppermint vodka straight?

Yes! Peppermint vodka can be served chilled as a digestif or short shot. The sweetness from the candy canes makes it smoother than regular vodka, with a clean, refreshing finish. For best results, store it in the freezer and serve ice cold.

how long does peppermint vodka last?

When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, peppermint vodka stays fresh for up to 6 months. Keep it in the freezer to maintain the best flavor and for ready-to-serve chilled shots.

Need more inspiration for a sweet treat? Check out my dessert recipes page!

how to serve peppermint vodka

Peppermint vodka can be served chilled and straight up as shots or use it in your favorite holiday cocktail or other fun ways. Here are some sources of inspiration to use this festive holiday treat:

Cocktails

• Spike hot chocolate with a shot for an adult winter warmer with a candy cane garnish
• Mix with cream and Kahlua for a Peppermint White Russian
• Blend with vanilla ice cream for a boozy minty milkshake
• Add to cold brew coffee with cream for a spiked holiday coffee drink

Tips for a Holiday Party

• Set up a hot chocolate bar with peppermint vodka as an add-in
• Pour into mini bottles for party favors
• Include in a DIY cocktail gift basket
• Serve chilled shots in candy cane-rimmed glasses

Other Uses

• Pour over vanilla ice cream for a minty finish
• Mix into chocolate ganache for truffles
• Splash into whipped cream for dessert topping
• Add to frosting for cupcakes
• Brush on cooled cakes for a boozy infusion before frosting

how to store

Store. Store this peppermint vodka in a cool, dry place in an airtight glass container for up to 6 months. Storing it in the freezer is even better so it’s always chilled and ready for cocktails or shots.

more peppermint recipes to try out

Peppermint hot chocolate cookies are stuffed with gooey marshmallows for the ultimate holiday treat.

With just three ingredients, this easy dark chocolate peppermint mousse is the ideal make-ahead treat for a holiday meal.

Cozy up with these warm and gooey dark chocolate cakes. Topped with peppermint crunch whipped cream, these are ready in mere minutes!

Finally, if you make this peppermint vodka recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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