The Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is a festive drink that brings holiday cheer! It mixes bubbly soda with minty flavors and a splash of sweetness, making it oh-so-refreshing.
It’s perfect for parties, or just when you need a little holiday magic in your glass! I love adding a candy cane as a stirrer—it’s both cute and tasty. Cheers! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sparkling Water or Club Soda: This gives your cocktail its fizz! You can use any carbonated beverage here, but soda water is my go-to for a refreshing flavor. If you’re not a fan of carbonation, you can skip this, but it adds a fun touch!
Peppermint Schnapps: The star of the show! It’s what gives this drink its minty kick. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, use peppermint syrup or extract mixed with soda for sweetness and flavor.
Vodka: This is optional, but it definitely packs a punch if you’re looking for a stronger cocktail. You can swap it out for white rum or leave it out entirely for a lighter version.
Grenadine or Cranberry Juice: Both give a lovely color. Grenadine is sweeter, while cranberry juice is tart. If you want a healthier alternative, you could use pomegranate juice instead.
How Can I Make Sure My Cocktail is Perfectly Balanced?
Getting the right balance of flavors is key in this spritzer. Start by mixing the schnapps and vodka over ice. Then, add the grenadine or cranberry juice slowly to get the right color and sweetness. Next, top with sparkling water—don’t forget to stir gently so it doesn’t lose its fizz!
- As you mix, taste along the way. If you find it too strong, add more sparkling water.
- Add ice before mixing to keep the drink chilled longer, and serve it fast for maximum effervescence.
- Don’t skip the candy cane—its sweetness infuses as you stir, plus it’s super festive!
Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup chilled sparkling water or club soda
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz vodka (optional for a stronger cocktail)
- 1 tbsp grenadine or cranberry juice (for color and a touch of sweetness)
- Ice cubes
- 1 candy cane (for garnish and stirring)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail takes about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy—you’ll be sipping this festive drink in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Glass:
Start by filling a glass with ice cubes. This will keep your cocktail nice and cold. You can use any glass you like, but a clear one lets you see the fun colors!
2. Add the Base Spirits:
Pour in the peppermint schnapps first. If you like a stronger drink, add the vodka too. This gives your cocktail a delicious minty base.
3. Color It Festive:
Next, add the grenadine or cranberry juice. This will give your drink a beautiful pink hue and a little sweetness that complements the mint perfectly.
4. Add the Bubbles:
Top off your glass with chilled sparkling water or club soda until it’s full. The fizz adds a nice refreshing touch!
5. Stir Gently:
Use a spoon to stir the drink gently. You want to combine all the flavors without losing all that lovely carbonation.
6. Garnish with Style:
Finally, hook a candy cane over the rim of your glass. Not only does it look festive, but it can be used as a stir stick, adding even more minty flavor as you sip.
7. Cheers and Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing holiday spritzer with friends or family! It’s perfect for celebrations or just a cozy night in—cheers!
Can I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! Simply omit the peppermint schnapps and vodka. You can use a bit of peppermint syrup or extract instead, mixed with sparkling water for that festive flavor without the alcohol.
What Can I Use Instead of Peppermint Schnapps?
If you can’t find peppermint schnapps, try using a splash of peppermint extract mixed into some simple syrup. Just be cautious with the amount, as extract can be quite potent!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers, you can keep it in the fridge for a few hours. Just know that the carbonation will decrease over time, so it’s best to drink it soon after making it!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
To save time, you can prepare the schnapps and vodka mix ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just add ice and the sparkling water right before serving to keep it bubbly!
