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Cocktail History
The Candy Cane Martini is a Christmas cocktail that was created by Jassy Davis and was first published in her book Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter. There are several recipes out there with the same name, but most are considered kitschy by serious imbibers because they’re made with super sugary ingredients. This version is entirely different because it’s made with a more classic vodka Martini template but adds festivity with white chocolate liqueur, peppermint liqueur, and a crushed candy cane rim.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Vodka: This is a spirit made with grains, vegetables or fruits, and alcohol. We used Russian Standard Gold Vodka because it’s smooth and easy to sip. For a mocktail version of this drink, try STRYKK Not V*dka in place of the vodka.
White Crème De Cacao: This is a liqueur made with white chocolate, vanilla, sugar, and alcohol. We used DeKuyper Crème De Cacao White because it has a delightful white chocolate flavor and is affordable. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Monin Premium White Chocolate Syrup in place of the white chocolate liqueur.
White Crème De Menthe: This is a liqueur made with mint, sugar, and alcohol. We used DeKuyper Crème De Menthe White Liqueur because it has a cool and refreshing taste. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Monin Premium Peppermint Syrup in place of the mint liqueur.
Simple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with white sugar and water. We made ours at home using Alex’s stovetop recipe.
Candy Cane: This is a cane-shaped peppermint candy. We used YumEarth Organic Mini Candy Canes.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Mixing Glass: This is used to hold the ingredients while they’re being stirred. We used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. We used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is stirred. We used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
Mortar & Pestle Set: This is used to crush ingredients. We used the Gorilla Grip Heavy Duty Granite Mortar & Pestle Set.
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Tasting Notes
The Candy Cane Martini features sweet mint aroma thanks to the rim and has the initial flavor of chocolate followed by a strong menthol backbone and a hit of alcohol on the swallow with more faint notes of chocolate.
Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: Although pretty boozy, we both liked this drink and thought it was a very respectable sip for the holidays if you’re not into the sweeter stuff.
Kendall’s Take: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I’m the opposite of Alex in that I tend to gravitate toward sweeter dessert drinks at Christmastime, so I was skeptical that I would like this after one look at how booze-forward it would be. I was surprised to find that, although it certainly has more astringency than I’m used to, the chocolate and peppermint notes really mellowed out the drink and made it palatable to me. I do think the candy cane rim or at least a mini candy cane to munch on is a necessary feature because it brings out the mintiness. Regardless though, I would make this again!”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter by Jassy Davis.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2024-10-14.
Candy Cane Martini
The Candy Cane Martini is a Christmas cocktail that was created by Jassy Davis and was first published in her book Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter. There are several recipes out there with the same name, but most are considered kitschy by serious imbibers because they’re made with super sugary ingredients. This version is entirely different because it’s made with a more classic vodka Martini template but adds festivity with white chocolate liqueur, peppermint liqueur, and a crushed candy cane rim.
Ingredients
Method
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Crush candy cane in a mortar and pestle, pour crushed candy cane onto a plate, rub outer rim of a martini glass with simple syrup, and roll glass in candy cane until coated.
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Add vodka, white crème de cacao, white crème de menthe, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.
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Stir for 30-45 seconds.
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Strain into candy cane-rimmed glass.
