Candy Cane Vodka

This year, a few friends of mine decided to set up a Secret Santa exchange.  We got really into it and it ended up being more than awesome.  As I was deciding which gifts to give, Tracy from Shutterbean got all up in my face.  You know what she did?  She showed me how to make Candy Cane Vodka.  I was beside myself.

I'm not typically a fan of vodka.  Did you know that?  Probably not.  But I do make certain exceptions.  The first is for Strawberry Infused Vodka.  The second is for this Candy Cane Vodka.  I love the way it looks so pink and pretty.  It also tastes amazingly peppermint-y.  And it's hella strong.  Yeah, I said "hella".

Anywaysssss, I got super excited about this.  I knew I had to make this goodness for my Secret Santa and also the other ladies in the exchange.  Because why not share all this wealth?  I picked up some containers from Michael's (which, by the way, is the death trap for all things Christmas-y) and got to work.

Candy Cane Vodka

recipe from Shutterbean

yields ~3 cups

Print Recipe

• 12 full-sized candy canes
• 1 750ml bottle vodka

1) Using a food processor or coffee grinder, pulse candy canes into a fine powder.

2) Pour the candy cane powder into a jar of vodka.

3) Screw on lid and shake to mix.

4) Let the vodka sit, shaking occasionally, until candy dissolves and vodka turns red, about 30 minutes.  If desired, use a fine mesh strainer to remove larger pieces of candy cane and return liquid to the jar.  Keep vodka sealed & refrigerated.  The vodka should last up to a month.

Are we ready for Christmas yet?  I am.  Cuz I got me this candy cane vodka at the ready.

First of all, how easy was it to make that?  Two ingredients and a little bit of time, then there you have it.

Here's what you should be doing to use up this liquid gold (candy?):

- Add a smidgen to a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

- Splash into your eggnog.

- Swirl into a cup of lemonade.

- Pour a bit into a glass of champagne.

- Take a shot of it.  Take several shots of it. Duh.