Get in the holiday spirit by making Peppermint Vodka. This homemade infused alcohol creates so many unique cocktails for the season and is sure to add good cheer when shared! All you need are two ingredients: candy canes and vodka.
Love peppermint at the holidays? Don’t miss Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Mason Jar Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix and Peppermint Milkshakes!
The Candy Cane Vodka recipe was originally published on December 2, 2013. The photographs, along with the text of this blog post, were updated and republished in December 2020.
Now that it’s December, it is perfectly acceptable to listen to Christmas music at full blast. It’s also acceptable to start baking cookies for your co-workers, friends and neighbors to share some holiday cheer.
And it’s totally acceptable to steep some holiday-flavored vodka, like this Peppermint Vodka, to spice up a party… or your regular liquor cabinet just because.
Also? This infused vodka is really delicious in hot chocolate.
Why I love this recipe:
This candy cane-infused vodka recipe literally calls for just two ingredients: vodka and candy canes.
And since you’re flavoring the vodka, you don’t need to go all-out and purchase a fancier brand. Anything you’ve got on hand will work.
This Peppermint Vodka recipe is also super fun for gifting, so if you’ve got people in your life who would love a minty vodka, now is the time to infuse a mason jar for them in preparation!
Other holiday sippers you might enjoy: Framboise Champagne Cocktail | Strawberry White Hot Chocolate | Citrus Cranberry Sangria | Pomegranate Hot Buttered Rum
Looking for a drink? Head on over to my Drink Recipe Index for all the recipe inspiration.
What do I need to make Peppermint Vodka?
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- 16 oz. mason jar
- You can purchase personalized mason jars, too, if you’re infusing this candy cane vodka as a gift!
In addition to this one tool, you’re going to need two ingredients:
- Candy canes
- Vodka—whatever you’ve got on hand. Since you’re infusing this vodka with peppermint flavor, you don’t necessarily need to have the nice stuff you’d use in a vodka-forward cocktail, like a Classic Moscow Mule.
Get out your ingrdients! 
Peel those candy canes. 
Pour in the vodka. 
Break a candy cane. Drop it in. 
Add the rest of the candy canes. 
Give the jar and swirl, and cover. 
Candy canes will begin to dissolve within 15-30 minutes 
1-2 hours after 
2-3 hours after
How to make Peppermint Vodka
First and foremost, unwrap the candy canes and break them in half. Breaking them in half will make it easier to fit them all into your jar. 😉
Place the candy canes in a 16 oz. mason jar, and pour the vodka on top of them.
Allow the vodka and candy canes a few hours to steep. This timeline will be different for everyone because it will depend on the candy canes themselves, as well as the temperature of your house. If it’s warmer in your home, the candy canes should dissolve faster into the vodka.
Once they are completely dissolved, it’ll be good to drink after you shake it up!
Store in a cool, dry place in the mason jar for as long as it takes to drink this up. (Seriously. This stuff won’t go bad.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I add this Candy Cane Vodka to?
You can sip this vodka because it’s nice and sweet, but if you want to add it to a cocktail, I suggest adding it to the following because these flavors taste good with peppermint.
- Vanilla Hot Chocolate Martini. Use peppermint vodka instead of the regular vodka here for a nice minty, chocolatey dessert drink.
- Bourbon Milk Punch. Substitute the candy cane vodka for the bourbon for a different twist on a classic drink!
- No Churn Peppermint Ice Cream Milkshake… Spike it!
- Gourmet Vanilla Hot Chocolate is always nice with a little kick and sweetness from candy cane vodka!
What kind of soda is good with peppermint vodka?
I would go with a classic cola, like Coca-Cola or Pepsi.
How long does this infused vodka last?
In all honesty, I don’t think this goes bad. You might notice that candy cane sediment settles at the bottom of your jar if you don’t touch it for a long time, but it can easily be stirred right back in using a cocktail spoon or even giving the sealed mason jar a good shake.
What’s the easiest way to peel a candy cane?
I’ve struggled with those wrappers and have discovered that using scissors to snip off the end of the wrapper at the bottom of the candy cane works best. Gently peel the plastic wrap back to free the candy cane! (I included a photo below to assist!)
Sound good?
Now, let’s make some Christmas-flavored homemade infused vodka!
Candy Cane Vodka
Get in the holiday spirit by making homemade Peppermint Vodka. It's easier than you think! Candy canes dissolve in a jar of vodka to create this simple infused alcohol. Mix Candy Cane Vodka into seasonal mixed drinks at holiday parties or add a shot to your hot chocolate for even more festive flavor. This infused alcohol creates so many unique cocktails for the season and is sure to add good cheer when shared with friends and family!
Ingredients
- 8 candy canes, regular-sized
- 1 ½ cups vodka
Instructions
- Unwrap the candy canes and break in half.
- Place the candy canes in a 16 oz. mason jar.
- Pour the vodka on top of the candy canes.
- Allow the vodka and candy canes a few hours to steep. The candy canes will dissolve in the vodka, and then it'll be good to drink after you shake it up!
- Store in a cool, dry place in the mason jar for as long as it takes to drink this up.
Notes
Adapted from Shutterbean.
If the jar sits for a while, silt will gathering at the bottom of it. Shake the jar well to mix back in the candy cane pieces before pouring.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
2 oz. servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 203Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 8mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 0gSugar: 12gProtein: 0g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.
Have you ever infused alcohol before?
Could I interest you in some Candy Cane Vodka this season?
Rachel says
Candy cane. Vodka. I almost didn’t need to read this post because it sounded so good and I knew whatever you wrote about it would be amazing 🙂 I did read it though, and I was right, that does look incredible! I might have to try that this year.
Erin says
Not gonna lie: It’s incredible, girl. I’ve enjoyed it in my hot chocolate and coffee on weekends… and it’s just the perfect touch of sweet and spice to add to make for some holiday cheer without being too out of control. (That sounds weird, huh? But it’s totally not!)
Kalee says
Oh my!! This sounds amazing! I never would have thought to mix the two, but this would be a great recipe to take to a Christmas party!
Erin says
Thanks, Kalee! Yes, I think this would be fabulous to take to a Christmas party… and I bet several people would want to know how you did it, too! It’s so simple and delicious that it’s a winner!
William Knowles says
What other than coffee or hot chocolate would you put it in. I love to infuse alcohol. Have habanero tequila right now for my bloddy Mary
Erin says
If you’re super into candy cane flavor goodness, I suggest making a martini! It would also be good in a chocolate martini. And it would be pretty tasty in a White Russian, too!
I hope that helps! Happy mixing, William. 🙂
Jenn @ Party of One says
This sounds SO GOOD. Oh my I’m going to HAVE to try this! This sounds so easy and so yummy, too!
Erin says
It really is SO GOOD, and I hope that you still feel that way when you try it! I’d love to know what you think!
FabEllis says
Wow! This sounds pretty cool. It would definitely be cute for a holiday party!
Erin says
Thanks! This vodka really is festive for a holiday party!
Kelly @ hideden fruits and veggies says
This sounds yummy! My boyfriend has made jolly rancher vodka, but it was too sweet and artificial tasting. Candy canes are a much better option 🙂
Erin says
It IS yummy… and that’s crazy about Jolly Rancher vodka. Don’t know if I would have ever thought of that or wanted to try it, but that’s fascinating that you found it a bit too sweet and artificial tasting. If you try this, I hope you find it a bit more palatable!
Alli says
This. Is. Genius.
Erin says
*bows* Thank you, ma’am.
I can’t really take credit for it, as it was adapted from the ever-inspiring Shutterbean, but this vodka a pretty awesome trick to have up your sleeve for this time of year, no?
Neatly-Packaged says
Oh heavens yes!!! I have been dyingggg to make something like this lately! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Erin says
You’re welcome for sharing! I hope when you make this vodka, it hits the spot and is everything you dreamed it would be. 🙂
Kathy says
Holy, Moley! Sounds amazing!!
Erin says
Thanks so much, Kathy! It’s a new holiday favorite of mine, and it works so nicely in so many things, too!
Yolanda @Seeing It Their Way says
Oh my Candy Cane Vodka sounds yummy and super easy to make!
Erin says
Thanks, Yolanda! It is both super yummy and easy to make!
Aleshea Dominique says
You are speakin’ my language with this drink. Saving for later.
Erin says
Awesome, awesome! I hope you enjoy this drink when you try it later!
Tara Simone says
I’m not much of a drinker, but I’ll pass this one o to my friends. I’d curious to how sweet this would be . . .
Erin says
Fair enough. 🙂 I’m curious what your friends think and what they think about the sweetness of it. To me, it’s a sweet, but it’s not overpowering, though I could definitely see how it would be cloyingly sweet to someone else. It works really nicely in hot drinks, too, so I’ve added it to black coffee to add a bit of flavor and sweetness, and that seems to work wonderfully for lazy weekend mornings. (Especially last weekend when we were snowed in!)
Teresa says
Can u make this ahead of time and let it sit for a month or so….would make awesome Christmas gift.
Erin says
Teresa, I think making this ahead of time would be super easy. Let it hang out in a cool place (like the pantry or a cupboard) and give it away as a Christmas gift — I bet people would love that!
jennifer says
So just checking, you use all 8 candycanes in 1 jar??
Erin says
Yes, I used all 8 candy canes in one jar! They melt into the alcohol pretty quickly…
Miranda says
So vanilla vodka or regular?
Erin says
Regular vodka, Miranda.
Noel says
So I just made some as gifts for family and I used some big jars and some little but my little ones had white on the bottom and when I mixed it up it turned pink, yet the big jars are completely red and look like the pictures. Anyone know why?
Becky says
Mines done the same, I have done little ones as Christmas pressies but they have turned out pink, could it be too much candy?
Erin says
What size jars do you use, Becky?
Erin says
That’s so strange, Noel. I have no clue. Did you change the number of candy canes used between the two of them? Maybe there wasn’t enough candy if the smaller ones were pink?
marisa says
how are they as shots?
Erin says
Honestly, I couldn’t tell you, Marisa! I’ve always drank this vodka as a part of a mixed drink. That said, this is a very peppermint-y drink, so if you’re into that thing, I would imagine it would make a good shot.
Terri says
What do you mix it with as a mixed drink?
Erin says
I’m currently LOVING mixing it into my Vanilla Hot Chocolate Martini instead of the regular vodka. It adds a nice pepperminty kick. It’s also really delicious in hot chocolate. I can imagine this would be delicious in a White Russian, as well!
Kris says
I made some this weekend for our family Christmas party. Used it as shots in a drinking game. It was a huge hit! Thanks for the great idea. Most definitely going to be making it again!
Brandy says
Erin,
Can I make a punch with this vodka? What flavor juice would go best with this Peppermint vodka?
Erin says
Hey Brandy,
I bet you could definitely make a punch with this vodka! As far as what kind… I don’t recommend a fruity one. It would be interesting to make a Hot Chocolate Punch or something along those lines since chocolate pairs really well with peppermint. A milk punch would be good, too…
If you make a punch, please let me know what you do and how it turns out!
Candy says
Mine is pink and cloudy, not clear and red like your picture. Did you strain it?
Erin says
Hey Candy. I didn’t strain my vodka, and I’m unsure why yours is doing that. I’ve made this recipe several times over the years and never dealt with cloudiness, other than when it was in the process. How long ago did you make yours? I find that mine sometimes has a fine peppermint-y silt at the bottom of the jar, and I have to shake it up. Is it possible that this is the case? Sorry I’m not much more help!
Alejandro says
How can I drink this !?! Just straight from the jar and how long does it have to sit !?!
Erin says
Hi Alejandro! You can drink this however you’d like. 😉 My personal favorite way to enjoy it is in some hot cocoa, but it’s delicious as a shot, too, if that’s more your thing. It doesn’t have to sit for very long. It’s ready to drink as soon as the candy canes have dissolved.
Gale says
Just made this. It is so good! Can’t wait to try it in my holiday cocktails. So easy.
Erin says
Woohoo! So happy that it turned out for you, Gale. I hope you and yours enjoy it!
Elicea Webber says
How long does it take for the candy canes to dissolve? I want to prepare this ahead of time as a holiday gift for some folks but would want them to see the cute candy canes before they are all dissolved!
Erin says
Hi Elicea! The candy canes dissolved in about a day’s time. These make such a wonderful holiday gift for friends, and while you can make them well in advance, you can make them 2-3 days before exchanging presents, too, and be fine! Happy infusing!
Serge Bernard says
I just finished making a batch , didn’t try it yet , but mine is very dark red and opaque in color .
Erin says
I hope you enjoy it, Serge! Cheers!
Gale Cossette says
I make a lot of infused vodkas with candies. The Candy Cane vodka was awesome and great for Christmas giving, but I prefer to keep in for myself. Great with Cocoa and coffee as well.
Katy says
This is amazing! I am actually not a big fan of candy canes, but this has changed my mind. Thank you!
Katy says
Sorry I forgot to rate!
Erin says
Aww, YAY! I’m so glad that this vodka changed your tune about candy canes. 🙂 Thank you for leaving a comment and rating–I really appreciate it!
ricky says
Yeah I loved vodka and I love this candy cane vodka
🙂
Erin says
Woohoo! So happy to hear this, Ricky. Cheers!
Amanda James says
Omg i’ve been looking everywhere to find a nice candy cane vodka recipe to suit my taste. This one is just the perfect one. Thanks!
Erin says
YAY! I’m so happy to hear this candy cane vodka was the perfect balance for you, Amanda. Cheers!
Becca says
Oooohh, I can’t wait for the peppermint!!! And I think I’m also going to try, a couple of the other flavored candy canes, like green apple….. that’s always good with hot apple cider or Sprite. I’ll have to see what else is left, that sounds good, hahaha!!! What a great idea!! I know that the Skittles flavors aren’t as over-poweringly sweet, as the Jolly Ranchers are…… just an FYI to those that commented on that. Thanks so much for this idea!!
Merry Christmas, Everyone!!!
Erin says
HOORAY! So happy you’re going to give this a try, Becca, and will try some different flavors of candy canes, too. That sounds like fun and like a delicious way to celebrate the season. Merry Christmas to you! I hope you and yours enjoy this peppermint goodness all season long.