There’s something about peppermint that feels like the holidays gave you a high-five. Now take that feeling, add a little cream, a splash of vodka, and you’ve got yourself a shot that says, “let’s skip the small talk and toast to ugly sweaters and good company.” I’ve made these peppermint shots for everything from white elephant parties to ‘just because it’s Tuesday’ nights. They’re equal parts festive, fun, and creamy with that unmistakable minty zing. If you’ve got candy canes and a bottle of peppermint schnapps, you’re halfway there. Heck, toss in whipped cream if you’re feeling bold. So whether you’re lining them up for guests or sipping solo in fuzzy socks, this recipe brings more joy than a gift card. Bonus? It takes about five minutes. That’s faster than it takes to explain Secret Santa rules.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Peppermint Shot Recipe
3) Ingredients for Peppermint Shot
4) How to Make Peppermint Shot
5) Tips for Making Peppermint Shot
6) Making Peppermint Shot Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Peppermint Shot
8) Try these drinks next!
9) Peppermint Shot
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This is one of the sweet easy recipes you’ll turn to for quick holiday cheer.
You only need five minutes and a few ingredients to whip these up.
The crushed candy cane rim adds crunch, mint, and visual pop.
This shot recipe works great for parties, gift exchanges, or quiet nights.

2) Easy Peppermint Shot Recipe

This peppermint shot is a five-minute fix to make even your dullest Tuesday feel like a holiday party. It’s rich, creamy, cool, and just sweet enough to make your taste buds go, “Oh hey, what’s this party in my mouth?” The balance of mint and cream hits that cozy-winter-night spot—without requiring you to own a cocktail shaker shaped like a snowman.

Whenever I throw together these sweet easy recipes, especially ones that involve peppermint, my kitchen starts to smell like a candy shop collided with a bar. That’s the vibe. If you’ve got peppermint schnapps, white chocolate liqueur, and vodka, you’re already more than halfway to festive magic. Crushed candy canes on the rim? That’s the cherry on top, if cherries were crunchy and minty.

I once made a dozen of these for a last-minute holiday movie night. My friend swore it was the best part of watching Elf for the seventh time. So yeah, if you’re short on time but still want something memorable, this peppermint shot is where quick and easy recipes really shine.

3) Ingredients for Peppermint Shot

Peppermint Schnapps: This is the backbone of the shot—the cool, minty bite that gives your drink that signature holiday vibe. You can use your favorite brand, but make sure it’s clear and strong.

White Chocolate Liqueur: Creamy, sweet, and mellow, this balances out the sharp mint. It’s what makes the drink go down smooth like melted candy cane ice cream. Don’t skip this one—it’s key.

Vodka: A clean, neutral spirit to round everything out. If you’ve got vanilla vodka on hand, use that instead. It’ll give your shot a smooth, bakery-style finish that feels like sipping dessert.

Crushed Candy Canes: They’re not just for garnish—they’re for drama. Dip your glass rims in these crushed pink and white beauties to give your shot a crunch of mint and a pop of color.

Whipped Cream (Optional): It’s not required, but it does add a fluffy, festive finish. I like mine with a generous swirl, just teetering over the rim. Guests love the little extra flair.

4) How to Make Peppermint Shot

Step 1. Crush your candy canes until they resemble chunky sugar crystals. Spread them on a small plate wide enough to fit your shot glasses. They’re going to add that signature holiday sparkle.

Step 2. Lightly moisten the rims of the shot glasses with water or a bit of schnapps (no judgment here), then dip the rims into the crushed candy. Set the glasses aside—preferably somewhere your dog won’t knock them over.

Step 3. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour in the peppermint schnapps, white chocolate liqueur, and vodka. Give it a good shake—like, ‘pretending you’re on a cooking show’ good.

Step 4. Strain that chilled, creamy mixture into your waiting candy-rimmed glasses. If you did it right, you’ll see a tiny bit of froth on top. That’s how you know it’s perfect.

Step 5. Top with a cloud of whipped cream if you’re going all-in. If not, sip it straight and let the peppermint do the talking. Either way, you win.

5) Tips for Making Peppermint Shot

Here’s a tip I wish someone told me the first time: don’t over-crush your candy canes. You want texture, not peppermint dust. The larger pieces add visual flair and more crunch when you sip.

If you’re planning a party, line up the shot glasses in advance and rim them before guests arrive. It’ll save you from doing a minty balancing act with sticky fingers and cocktail shakers later.

Use chilled ingredients. Room temperature schnapps in a shot glass is fine—but when everything is cold and mixed over ice, it hits different. Your drink will be creamier, smoother, and just feels fancier. Trust me on this one.

6) Making Peppermint Shot Ahead of Time

So, here’s the truth: you can’t rim glasses or add whipped cream too far in advance, but you can totally pre-mix the liquids. I like to combine the peppermint schnapps, vodka, and white chocolate liqueur in a jar, seal it tight, and toss it in the fridge until party time.

This not only saves you stress when guests arrive but also makes the drink colder and smoother. If you’re taking the shot to go (hello, responsible flask action), skip the candy rim and whipped topping—just the core trio still delivers big holiday flavor.

Want to turn these into a make-ahead holiday gift? Mix the liquids in small glass bottles, attach a mini candy cane to each, and write “Shake, Pour, Sip” on the tag. Instant festive spirit with very little effort—exactly how I like it.

7) Storing Leftover Peppermint Shot

Got leftover mix? Don’t toss it. Just pour it into a sealed jar and stick it in the fridge. It keeps for a few days and tastes just as good cold. In fact, it might be even smoother the next day. Kind of like lasagna, but with booze.

Skip storing anything with whipped cream on top. That stuff deflates faster than my willpower in a bakery. Instead, store the base, then dress it up when you’re ready to serve again.

If the drink starts to separate in the fridge, don’t panic. A quick shake or stir will bring it right back to creamy perfection. Honestly, this is one of those sweet easy recipes that just keeps on giving.

8) Try these drinks next!

9) Peppermint Shot