Creamy Candy Cane Martini

Candy Cane Martini

This creamy Candy Cane Martini mixes vodka and peppermint schnapps with white chocolate liqueur and half-and-half. Shaking it with ice gives the drink a smooth, pale finish; a thick crushed-candy rim and a whole candy cane complete the glass. Candy Cane Martinis come in other styles, including clear versions, but this one is made to be creamy and served cold.

Ingredients for One Candy Cane Martini

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce peppermint schnapps
• 1 ounce white chocolate liqueur
• 1 ounce half-and-half
• About 1 cup ice, for shaking
• About 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes (18g)
• About 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
• 1 whole candy cane, for garnish

How to Make a Candy Cane Martini

1. Prepare the candy: Crush candy canes into a mix of small pieces and fine crumbs, leaving some texture rather than grinding them all to powder. Spread them on a shallow plate, and put the corn syrup on a second small plate.
2. Coat the rim: Lightly dip only the outside edge of a stemmed martini glass into the corn syrup. Roll it through the crushed candy until it has a thick, even coating, keeping syrup mostly off the inside of the glass. Chill the prepared glass briefly in the freezer if desired.
3. Shake: Add the vodka, peppermint schnapps, white chocolate liqueur, half-and-half, and ice to a cocktail shaker with room for the ingredients to move. Close securely and shake vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds. Check after 15 seconds; the shaker should feel very cold and the drink should look evenly creamy.
4. Strain and garnish: Strain into the prepared glass without washing away the candy rim. Hook the whole candy cane over the edge so it hangs down the outside, and serve immediately.

How to Keep the Candy Cane Rim in Place

A thin, even band of corn syrup helps the candy adhere without making the inside of the glass sticky. Small pieces coat the rim more evenly than large shards. Prepare the rim close to serving time, since moisture can soften the candy.

About the Creamy White Chocolate Style

Half-and-half makes the drink opaque, while white chocolate liqueur helps keep it pale. Regular chocolate liqueur can replace it, but the drink will be darker and more chocolate-forward. Liqueur sweetness varies by brand, and the whole candy cane adds mint flavor as well as decoration. For a gentler mint note, taste the strained drink before adding the garnish.

Making Cocktails for a Small Gathering

Combine the vodka and liqueurs ahead of serving if useful, but keep the half-and-half separate. Add the half-and-half to each serving just before shaking with ice. No specific holding time is established for the mixed alcohol base.

Serving and Storage

Serve the martini as soon as it is strained. The finished drink is best enjoyed immediately, before the crushed-candy rim gets wet and softens.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per cocktail, including the candy rim and whole candy-cane garnish: 460 calories, 1g protein, 1g fat, and 33g carbohydrates. Per 100g: approximately 270 calories, 1g protein, 1g fat, and 20g carbohydrates. Values vary with the liqueurs used and how much candy stays on the glass.