This festive Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is a fun and refreshing drink! It mixes bubbly soda with peppermint and a hint of sweetness, perfect for holiday cheer.
I love serving this at parties. The best part? Watching guests’ smiles when they take that first sip. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which leaves more time for holiday fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Candy Canes: These are what give your spritzer that classic holiday taste! If you can’t find regular candy canes, try using peppermint sticks or peppermint extract instead, but be cautious with the extract as it’s stronger.
Peppermint Schnapps: This ingredient adds a delightful kick. For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip it or substitute with peppermint syrup for sweetness.
Lemon-lime Soda or Sparkling Water: I love using lemon-lime soda for extra sweetness and flavor, but sparkling water is a great fizzy option. You could even use ginger ale for a slightly different taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Rim on My Glass?
Rimming your glass adds a lovely touch and flavor to your cocktail! Here’s a step-by-step on how to do it:
- Start by chilling your glasses; this helps keep your drink cold longer.
- Gently run a candy cane around the glass rim. This adds a little stickiness.
- Dip the rim in crushed peppermint candy. Make sure to coat it well for a pretty and tasty finish!
This technique really enhances the overall experience and makes your presentation pop!
How to Make a Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon crushed peppermint candy or crushed candy cane
- 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps (optional for alcohol)
- 4 oz lemon-lime soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes chilling the glasses and mixing the ingredients for a festive drink that’s ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Chill Your Glasses:
Start by placing your glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This helps keep your spritzer nice and cold when served!
2. Prepare the Rims:
Take one candy cane and gently run it around the rim of each glass to moisten it. Then, dip the rim into the crushed peppermint candy to create a colorful and minty coating.
3. Add Ice:
Once your glasses are ready, fill them with ice cubes to keep your drink chilled and refreshing.
4. Mix in Schnapps (Optional):
If you’re using peppermint schnapps for an adult version, pour 1/2 oz into each glass. If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, you can skip this step!
5. Add the Soda:
Next, fill each glass with 4 oz of lemon-lime soda or sparkling water. Leave a little space at the top to prevent spills when stirring.
6. Stir and Garnish:
Gently stir the drink to combine the ingredients. Then, take an extra candy cane and place it in each glass as a festive garnish and stirrer.
7. Serve Immediately:
Your Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is ready to enjoy! Serve it right away and soak in all the holiday cheer as you sip this delightful drink.
Can I Use Different Flavored Soda?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavored sodas like ginger ale or cranberry soda for a unique twist. Just keep the fizzy element, and you’re good to go!
How Can I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
To make a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the peppermint schnapps and consider adding a splash of peppermint syrup for flavor. Your spritzer will still taste festive and refreshing!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store any leftover crushed peppermint candy in an airtight container to keep it fresh. For the soda, simply seal the bottle tightly and refrigerate. It’s best to use both ingredients within a few days to ensure freshness!
Can I Prepare This Cocktail Ahead of Time?
While the spritzer is best served fresh, you can pre-crush the peppermint candy and chill the glasses in advance. Just mix the drink right before serving to retain its fizz!
