This Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is a festive drink that mixes sweet peppermint with bubbly soda! It’s a refreshing treat, perfect for the holidays and gatherings.
Picture this: sipping a fizzy drink that tastes like Christmas! 🎄 I like to serve it with a mini candy cane stirrer for extra fun. Cheers to tasty holiday vibes!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Peppermint Schnapps: This gives the cocktail its signature minty flavor. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, try using peppermint extract in a tiny amount diluted with a little more sparkling water.
Sparking Water or Club Soda: For fizz, sparkling water is great. If you’re going for a sweeter touch, lemon-lime soda or ginger ale works nicely too.
Grenadine: This syrup adds sweetness and a lovely red color. You can substitute with raspberry syrup for a slightly different flavor, or cranberry juice for a more tart taste.
Crushed Candy Canes: Not only for rimming the glass but also as a garnish. You can use crushed peppermint candies if candy canes aren’t available.
How Do I Perfectly Rim a Glass with Candy Canes?
Rimming the glass adds flavor and looks festive! Here’s how to do it right:
- Use water or peppermint schnapps to moisten the rim. A little goes a long way!
- Dip the rim into crushed candy canes, making sure to rotate for an even coat.
- Allow the rim to dry for a moment so the candies adhere well.
This extra step not only looks nice but gives each sip a delightful crunch! Enjoy making your spritzer even more special with this fun touch.
Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 4 oz sparkling water or club soda
- 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
- Crushed candy canes (for rimming and garnish)
- Ice cubes
- Whole candy cane (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 5 minutes to prepare, making it super quick and easy! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to sip on something festive in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by rimming your glass. Moisten the rim slightly with a bit of water or a drop of peppermint schnapps. Then, dip the rim into crushed candy canes, making sure it’s coated evenly. This will add sweetness and a fun crunch!
2. Add Ice:
Fill the glass with ice cubes. This will keep your spritzer nice and chilled!
3. Pour in the Schnapps:
Add 1 oz of peppermint schnapps to the glass over the ice. This gives your cocktail that classic minty flavor.
4. Add the Grenadine:
Next, carefully add 1/2 oz of grenadine syrup. Pour it in slowly so it settles at the bottom. This creates a beautiful layered effect.
5. Top with Sparkling Water:
Now, gently top off your drink with 4 oz of sparkling water or club soda. Give it a light stir to mix slightly, but be careful not to lose the fizz!
6. Garnish Your Cocktail:
Finally, hang a whole candy cane on the rim of the glass for an adorable and festive garnish.
7. Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy your festive, refreshing Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail! Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in!
Can I Substitute the Peppermint Schnapps?
Absolutely! If you want a non-alcoholic version, try using peppermint extract in a smaller amount (start with 1/4 tsp) mixed with more sparkling water to keep it fizzy.
How Do I Make It Sugar-Free?
You can use sugar-free grenadine syrup and sparkling water. For the rim, opt for a sugar substitute in crushed form if you still want that festive touch.
Can I Prepare This Cocktail in Advance?
It’s best to make this cocktail fresh for the fizz. However, you can prepare the rimming and syrup layers in advance, just mix the schnapps and soda right before serving to keep it bubbly!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Since this cocktail is fizzy, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftover ingredients, store them separately in the fridge and mix again when you’re ready for another round!
