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why make this recipe

The Sparkling Candy Cane Shooter is the perfect festive treat for the holiday season. This non-alcoholic delight brings the joy of peppermint and sweet flavors together, making it suitable for everyone, including kids. It’s visually stunning, easy to make, and a great way to celebrate holiday gatherings while keeping it fun and festive.

how to make Sparkling Candy Cane Shooter

Ingredients:

2 ounces (60ml) Peppermint Syrup (non-alcoholic alternative for Peppermint Schnapps)
1 ounce (30ml) Vanilla Syrup (non-alcoholic alternative for Vanilla Vodka)
1 ounce (30ml) White Chocolate Syrup (non-alcoholic alternative for White Chocolate Liqueur)
1 ounce (30ml) Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half
Plenty of Ice
2-3 standard Crushed Candy Canes, for rimming
Small Candy Canes or Peppermint Sticks, for garnish (optional)
1-2 drops Red Food Coloring (optional)
Whipped Cream, for topping (optional)

Directions:

Prepare Garnish: Crush Candy Canes
Unwrap 2-3 standard candy canes and place them in a sturdy zip-top bag. Seal the bag and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them into a mix of fine powder and small shards. Pour the crushed candy canes onto a small, shallow plate, spreading them evenly for rimming.
Prepare Garnish: Rim Shot Glasses
Pour a thin layer of simple syrup or water onto a separate small plate. Carefully invert each shot glass and dip the rim into the liquid, twisting gently to coat. Immediately dip and twist the wet rim into the crushed candy canes on the other plate, pressing lightly for an even coating. Set glasses upright to air dry.
Combine Liquid Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, carefully measure and pour 2 ounces (60ml) of Peppermint Syrup, 1 ounce (30ml) of Vanilla Syrup, 1 ounce (30ml) of White Chocolate Syrup, and 1 ounce (30ml) of Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half. If you want, add 1-2 tiny drops of red food coloring for a subtle pink hue.
Shake the Shooter
Fill the shaker about two-thirds full with fresh ice cubes. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and the mixture is chilled and mixed well.
Strain and Serve
Strain the chilled liquid from the shaker into your prepared, candy cane-rimmed shot glasses, making sure no ice shards get in. Fill each glass almost to the top. For an extra touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream and hook a mini candy cane onto the rim of each glass. Serve immediately.

how to serve Sparkling Candy Cane Shooter

Serve the Sparkling Candy Cane Shooter in small shot glasses as a delightful holiday treat. It looks beautiful on a festive table and adds a pop of color and flavor. You can top each shooter with whipped cream and a mini candy cane for an extra festive touch.

how to store Sparkling Candy Cane Shooter

Since the Sparkling Candy Cane Shooter is best enjoyed fresh, it’s not recommended to store it once made. If you have leftover ingredients, you can store them separately in the fridge. Prepare the shooter just before serving for the best experience.

tips to make Sparkling Candy Cane Shooter

Chill your shot glasses in the freezer before serving for an extra frosty treat.
Adjust the sweetness by using more or less syrup based on your taste.
Experiment with different rimming sugars or crushed candies for variety.

variation

For a twist, consider adding a hint of chocolate syrup or using flavored whipped cream. You can also substitute the peppermint syrup with another flavor to create a unique shooter for any occasion.

FAQs

Can I make this shooter ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the Sparkling Candy Cane Shooter fresh. However, you can prepare the individual syrups and rimmed glasses in advance.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! This non-alcoholic shooter is perfect for kids and can be a fun addition to your holiday celebrations.

Can I use a different type of milk instead of heavy cream?
Absolutely! You can use any type of milk or milk substitute, like almond milk or coconut milk, to fit your dietary needs.