This fun Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is a festive drink that adds sparkle to your holiday celebrations! It’s made with soda, peppermint flavor, and a hint of sweetness.
It’s like drinking a fizzy candy cane! 🎉 I love to serve it at parties for a cheerful touch. Just mix it up, add ice, and watch your guests smile with every sip!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sparkling Water or Club Soda: Both options give that fizzy lift. If you’re looking for a flavored twist, try cranberry sparkling water for an extra hint of sweetness. Lemon-lime soda also works, but it will add more sugar.
Peppermint Schnapps: This ingredient gives a strong peppermint flavor and is optional if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. You can use peppermint extract instead for a similar flavor—just a few drops will do!
Simple Syrup: I use simple syrup to sweeten the cocktail, but you can swap it with honey or agave syrup if you want a natural sweetener. Adjust to your taste for the perfect balance!
Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes are festive for rimming the glass. If you want a sugar-free option, consider using crushed sugar-free candy or a peppermint-flavored sprinkle.
How Do I Rim the Glass with Crushed Candy Canes?
Rimming the glass adds a tasty and decorative touch! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by crushing your candy canes to small pieces. A zip-top bag and a rolling pin work great for this!
- Pour the crushed candy onto a small, shallow plate.
- To help the candy stick, moisten the rim of the glass with water or simple syrup.
- Dip the rim into the crushed candy canes, rolling it to ensure an even coating.
- Set the glass aside and let it dry briefly before adding ice and the cocktail mixture.
Rimming not only enhances the look but also brings a burst of minty flavor with each sip!
How to Make a Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
- 1/4 cup peppermint schnapps (optional for alcohol)
- 1 tbsp white or clear cranberry juice (for a slight pink tint)
- 1 tsp simple syrup or to taste
- Crushed candy canes (for rimming the glass)
- Whole candy canes (for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy to mix up, making it perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Candy Cane Rim:
Start by crushing a few candy canes into small pieces. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and tapping with a rolling pin or using a food processor. Then, spread the crushed candy on a small shallow plate for rimming the glasses.
2. Rim the Glasses:
To create a pretty and tasty rim, moisten the edge of each glass with a little water or simple syrup. Now, dip the rim into the crushed candy canes, making sure to coat it evenly. Set the glasses aside to dry.
3. Assemble Your Cocktail:
Fill each glass with ice cubes, then pour in the peppermint schnapps (if using), white cranberry juice, and simple syrup over the ice. Stir gently to mix everything together.
4. Add the Sparkle:
Top each glass with chilled sparkling water or club soda. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the flavors and watch those bubbles dance!
5. Garnish and Serve:
For that festive touch, hang a whole candy cane on the rim of each glass and add a fresh mint leaf if you like. Serve immediately so everyone can enjoy this refreshing holiday drink!
This Candy Cane Spritzer is light, refreshing, and a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. Cheers!
Can I Make This Drink Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! Simply omit the peppermint schnapps and add a bit of extra sparkling water or a splash of peppermint extract for flavor. It’s just as festive and fun!
How Do I Store Leftover Ingredients?
If you have leftover ingredients, store the opened sparkling water and schnapps tightly sealed in the fridge. The crushed candy canes can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy within a week for best flavor!
Can I Prepare This Cocktail Ahead of Time?
While the drink is best served fresh, you can prep the rimming candy and mix the schnapps and cranberry juice in advance. Just wait to add the ice and sparkling water until you’re ready to serve to keep it fizzy!
What Can I Use Instead of Simple Syrup?
If you don’t have simple syrup on hand, try honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener. You can also use a sugar substitute if you’re looking for a lower-calorie option. Just adjust to taste!
