This Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is a fun and festive drink that’s perfect for any holiday gathering! It combines minty flavors with sparkling bubbles for a refreshing sip.
The best part? You can make it in minutes! Just mix your favorite soda, a splash of peppermint syrup, and top it off with candy canes. Cheers to holiday cheer! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Candy Canes: These add a festive minty flavor and a lovely garnish. If you can’t find candy canes, you can use peppermint candies instead, or even a peppermint extract for a similar taste.
Sparkling Water or Soda: I usually go for a light lemon-lime soda for added sweetness. If you’re looking for a low-calorie option, stick with club soda or sparkling mineral water, which will keep it refreshing without extra sugar.
Peppermint Vodka: This ingredient gives a nice kick, but it’s totally optional! If you want a non-alcoholic drink, just skip it and increase the syrup a little for extra flavor.
Syrup: If you like it sweeter, feel free to add more syrup. Homemade simple syrup is easy to make. Just mix equal parts sugar and water, heat until dissolved, and let cool! You can also try flavored syrups like vanilla for a twist.
How Do I Properly Crush Candy Canes?
Crushing candy canes is essential for this cocktail. Here’s how to do it easily:
- Start by placing your candy canes in a zip-lock bag. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring no air remains inside.
- Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pot to gently pound the candy canes until they break into smaller pieces. Be careful not to crush them too finely unless you prefer a powdery texture.
- If you have a food processor, you can use it! Just pulse a few times until you reach your desired consistency. Always check to avoid turning them into dust!
This creates the perfect garnish and mix-in for your cocktail, adding decorative flair and flavor at the same time.
Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cocktail:
- 2 candy canes, crushed (plus 2 whole candy canes for garnish)
- 1 cup sparkling water or soda (choose club soda, lemon-lime soda, or sparkling mineral water)
- 2 oz peppermint vodka (optional, for an alcoholic version)
- 1 oz simple syrup or peppermint syrup (adjust to taste)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Candy Cane Spritzer takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to whip up, making it great for unexpected guests or festive parties. Enjoy your delicious drink in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Crush the Candy Canes:
Begin by crushing two candy canes into small pieces. You can do this using a food processor or by placing them inside a plastic bag and gently pounding them with a rolling pin. Aim for a mix of small bits, not too finely crushed.
2. Prepare the Glass:
Take each serving glass and add about 1 tablespoon of the crushed candy canes to the bottom. This will give your drink a festive look and a delightful minty flavor with every sip!
3. Add Ice:
Fill each glass with ice cubes. This will keep your drink nice and cold, making it extra refreshing during the holiday season.
4. Mix in the Goodies:
Pour in 1 oz of peppermint vodka (if you’re using it) and 0.5 oz of simple syrup or peppermint syrup into each glass. Feel free to adjust the syrup based on how sweet you like your drink!
5. Top it Off:
Slowly fill each glass with about 1/2 cup (4 oz) of sparkling water or soda. The bubbles will elevate the festive vibe of this drink!
6. Give it a Gentle Stir:
Using a spoon, give the mixture a gentle stir to blend the flavors. This will help dissolve some of the crushed candy canes into the drink, enhancing the minty flavor.
7. Garnish and Present:
To finish, garnish each glass with a whole candy cane hooked on the side and a sprig of fresh mint for that extra sparkle. It’s all about presentation!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately and let everyone enjoy this fun, festive, minty, and fizzy treat! Cheers to a wonderful holiday celebration!
Can I Use Regular Vodka Instead of Peppermint Vodka?
Yes, you can! If you prefer regular vodka, just add a touch more peppermint syrup to maintain that festive minty flavor. Adjust to taste!
Can I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! Simply omit the peppermint vodka and increase the amount of syrup for added sweetness. You’ll still enjoy a deliciously refreshing drink.
How Do I Store Leftover Ingredients?
If you have leftover syrup or crushed candy canes, store them in airtight containers in the fridge. The syrup will stay fresh for about two weeks, while crushed candy canes can last a few weeks in a cool, dry place.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Cocktail?
You can easily tweak the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup or peppermint syrup. Start with the recommended amount and taste as you go to find your perfect balance!
