This festive Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is a fun and refreshing drink! It’s filled with bubbly soda, peppermint flavor, and a splash of cranberry juice that gives it a lovely red color.
Perfect for holiday parties, this drink will surely put everyone in a cheerful mood. I love garnishing mine with crushed candy canes for that extra touch of holiday magic! 🎄🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Candy Canes: These not only flavor the drink; they also add a festive touch. If you’re in a pinch, you can use peppermint sticks or even peppermint extract instead, but adjust the quantity to keep it balanced.
Peppermint Schnapps: This gives your spritzer an adult twist. For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the schnapps or substitute with extra peppermint syrup. You can also use a flavored soda, like peppermint soda, for a unique twist!
White Cranberry Juice: It keeps the drink clear and adds a touch of sweetness. If you don’t have it, mix equal parts of apple juice and lemonade for a similar effect.
Sparkling Water: This provides the fizz! Club soda works great, but if you’re looking for something sweeter, choose lemon-lime soda. Just note it’ll alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Rim the Glass with Crushed Candy Canes?
Rimming the glass adds a festive look and extra sweetness. Here’s how to do it:
- First, crush the candy canes in a small bowl. Aim for a fine texture.
- Next, moisten the rim of your glass. You can use a small amount of water or rub a candy cane along the edge.
- Dip the rim into the crushed candy canes and twist slightly for an even coating.
- Make sure to do this step just before serving so the rim stays fresh and crunchy!
This small touch makes your cocktail look extra special for holiday gatherings!
Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
- 2 oz peppermint schnapps (optional for alcohol)
- 1 oz white cranberry juice or clear soda
- Crushed candy canes, for rimming the glass
- Ice cubes
Time Needed:
This delightful cocktail will take you about 10 minutes to prepare! It’s a quick and easy drink to whip up for holiday celebrations or festive gatherings.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glasses:
Start by crushing a few candy canes in a small bowl until they are finely ground. This will be used to rim your glasses. Just use a little muscle for this step—it’s worth it!
2. Rim the Glasses:
Next, take one of the whole candy canes and rub it along the rim of each glass to moisten it. Alternatively, you can use a bit of water. Dip the rim into the crushed candy canes to coat it. This adds a sweet and festive touch!
3. Add Ice:
Fill each glass about halfway with ice cubes. Don’t be shy—more ice means a chillier drink!
4. Mix in the Schnapps:
If you’d like a festive kick, pour 2 ounces of peppermint schnapps into each glass. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can skip this step or replace it with a dash of peppermint syrup.
5. Add Juice or Soda:
Pour in 1 ounce of white cranberry juice or clear soda. This will give your drink some sweetness and color while keeping it refreshing!
6. Top with Sparkling Water:
Now, gently top off each glass with chilled sparkling water or club soda, filling it nearly to the top. The fizz is what makes this spritzer so special!
7. Stir and Garnish:
Using a spoon, gently stir the drink to mix the ingredients without losing the fizz. Finally, garnish each glass with a whole candy cane hooked on the rim for a lovely presentation.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately to friends and family. Cheers to a festive and fizzy Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail that’s sure to bring smiles!
This sparkling cocktail is an effervescent treat, balancing the sweet peppermint from the candy cane with the crispness of soda, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Can I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! Simply omit the peppermint schnapps and increase the amount of white cranberry juice or clear soda. You can also add some peppermint syrup for extra flavor if you like!
How Can I Store Leftover Ingredients?
If you have leftover ingredients like crushed candy canes or open bottles of soda, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for candy canes and in the fridge for soda. Use them within a week for the best freshness!
Can I Prepare This Cocktail in Advance?
While the cocktail is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the fizz, you can prep the glasses with rimming and candy canes ahead of time. Just mix the liquids right before serving to keep it bubbly!
What If I Don’t Have Sparkling Water?
If you don’t have sparkling water or club soda, you can substitute with lemon-lime soda for a sweeter option. Just be aware it will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be festive!