Homemade Peppermint Vodka: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Infusion and Holiday Gifting
As the holiday season draws near, the quest for unique, thoughtful, and budget-friendly gifts begins. Look no further than this delightful homemade peppermint vodka, a perfect DIY present that will impress your loved ones and add a festive touch to any celebration. Infusing vodka with the vibrant flavor of peppermint candies is not only incredibly simple but also yields a versatile spirit that can elevate countless holiday cocktails.
Crafting Your Own Peppermint Vodka from Candy
Homemade jar gifts are a perennial favorite for good reason: they’re inexpensive, easy to assemble, and can be whipped up even at the eleventh hour. This DIY peppermint vodka stands out as an excellent last-minute gift idea, requiring minimal ingredients you likely already have on hand. The process is straightforward, transforming ordinary vodka and classic peppermint candies into a vibrant, festive spirit.
I find canning jars to be ideal for infusing spirits and storing spices. Their rustic charm, especially when adorned with decorative labels and pretty ribbons, makes them perfect for DIY holiday gifts. For an extra festive touch, consider using red canning jar lids to complement the Christmas theme. The rich candied peppermint flavor of this homemade vodka opens up a world of unique drink possibilities, which we’ll explore in detail.
Why Infuse Your Own Vodka? The Benefits of DIY Peppermint Vodka
Beyond the joy of giving a handmade gift, creating your own infused vodka offers several compelling advantages. First, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Store-bought flavored vodkas can be pricey, especially during the holiday season. By infusing your own, you control the quality of the base spirit and the flavor intensity, often at a fraction of the cost. Second, the customization potential is endless. You can adjust the amount of peppermint for a subtle hint or a bold burst, tailoring it to personal preferences.
Moreover, homemade infusions boast a freshness and authenticity that pre-bottled options often lack. The vibrant, genuine taste of peppermint candy is captured perfectly in this vodka, making it a standout ingredient for holiday cocktails. It’s also a fantastic way to utilize leftover holiday candy canes! The satisfaction of crafting something delicious and unique, knowing exactly what ingredients went into it, is truly rewarding. It transforms a simple bottle of vodka into a personalized, festive spirit ready for any celebration.
Essential Ingredients for Your Peppermint Vodka Infusion
Making an epic batch of homemade peppermint vodka requires just two simple ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalism, allowing the core flavors to shine through beautifully.
Vodka Selection: The Base of Your Infusion
When it comes to selecting vodka for infusion, you don’t need to break the bank. Vodka, being a neutral spirit, primarily serves as the alcohol base, taking on the flavors of whatever you infuse it with. While a top-shelf vodka will always offer a smoother sip, a good quality mid-range vodka works perfectly well for infusions. The key is to choose a brand you generally enjoy, as any underlying harshness might still be detectable. Avoid the absolute cheapest options, which can sometimes have an unpleasant alcohol burn that even peppermint can’t fully mask. A standard 80-proof (40% ABV) vodka is ideal for this recipe.
Peppermint Candies: The Heart of the Flavor
The star of the show, peppermint candies, are crucial for this recipe. You can use classic red and white starlight mints, candy canes, or even individually wrapped peppermints. The type of candy will directly influence the final taste, so pick one whose flavor you genuinely love. Consider candies with natural peppermint oil for the purest, most intense flavor. The vibrant red color of many peppermint candies will also subtly tint your vodka, adding to its festive visual appeal. Ensure your chosen candies are fresh for the best flavor extraction.
- Vodka (any brand you prefer, 80-proof recommended)
- Peppermint Candies (starlight mints, candy canes, or similar)
Essential Equipment for Homemade Peppermint Vodka
Preparing this infused vodka requires very minimal specialized equipment, making it an accessible project for anyone. You likely have most of these items in your kitchen already.
- Canning Jar with a tight-fitting Lid (Mason jars are perfect due to their durability and seal. The size will depend on how much vodka you plan to infuse.)
A fine mesh strainer is highly recommended. While the candies will largely dissolve, there may be small, undissolved particles or residue left at the bottom of your jar. If you prefer a perfectly clear spirit, straining the infused vodka through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth before serving or bottling is a good practice. This ensures a smooth texture and pristine appearance, especially if you’re gifting it.
Preparation, Storage, and Flavor Intensification
The beauty of this peppermint vodka recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility when it comes to preparation and storage.
Make-Ahead Mastery: Infusion Time is Key
This recipe is incredibly make-ahead friendly. In fact, it’s encouraged! The peppermint flavor intensifies as the candies dissolve and the mixture sits, allowing the vodka to fully absorb the refreshing essence. For optimal flavor, let it infuse for at least four to five hours, though preferably overnight. For an even more robust and deep peppermint profile, the longest recommended infusion time is typically three to five days. However, always taste periodically after the first day to ensure the flavor doesn’t become too overwhelming for your preference. The vibrant red color from candy canes will also become more pronounced over time.
Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Infusion Fresh
Your canning jar conveniently doubles as an ideal storage container for your homemade peppermint vodka. Once infused to your desired strength, simply keep the sealed jar in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator. Properly stored, your homemade peppermint vodka can be enjoyed for up to six months. The alcohol acts as a preservative, ensuring the flavor remains fresh and delightful throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Freezing for Extended Freshness
Yes, you can freeze your peppermint vodka! Vodka’s high alcohol content prevents it from freezing solid in a standard home freezer, resulting in a wonderfully chilled, slightly syrupy consistency perfect for shots or martinis. Before freezing, ensure you strain the vodka to remove any remaining candy pieces or sediment. This prevents any undesirable textures or potential candy breakdown during freezing. Store it in an airtight, freezer-safe bottle or jar, making sure to leave some headspace as liquids can expand slightly when chilled.
Customizing Your Festive Spirit: Recipe Variations
One of the best aspects of making homemade infused vodka is the freedom to experiment and tailor it to your exact preferences or dietary needs.
Substitutions for a Personalized Touch
Feel free to use any brand of vodka you enjoy, as its primary role here is to provide the alcohol content. You won’t need an expensive top-shelf variety, but a mid-range, neutral-tasting vodka is generally recommended for the cleanest flavor profile. The choice of peppermint candy, however, is crucial. Its flavor will directly determine the taste of your final product, so opt for a candy you truly love. Experiment with different types, from classic hard peppermint discs to candy canes, to find your perfect infusion.
Dietary Considerations
- Vegetarian & Vegan Option: This holiday spirit recipe is inherently vegetarian and vegan, provided your chosen peppermint candies align with these dietary requirements. Always double-check the ingredient label on your peppermint candies before starting to ensure they don’t contain any animal-derived products like gelatin or shellac.
- Gluten-Free: To ensure your peppermint vodka is gluten-free, simply use gluten-free peppermint candies. Most hard candies are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always wise to verify packaging for certifications or allergen statements.
- Alcohol-Free Option: For a delightful non-alcoholic alternative, you can create non-alcoholic peppermint vodka using an NA (non-alcoholic) vodka substitute. This allows everyone to enjoy the festive peppermint flavor in their mocktails.
Scaling the Recipe for Any Occasion
Our base recipe suggests using 16 ounces of vodka with three to five peppermint candy pieces, yielding approximately four servings of peppermint vodka. This is a perfect starting point. However, this recipe is highly adaptable. Whether you’re making a small batch for personal enjoyment or a larger quantity for a holiday party or multiple gifts, you can easily scale the written recipe up or down to achieve your desired yield. Simply maintain the ratio of candies to vodka, adjusting slightly to taste.
Sugar-Free Peppermint Vodka
For those mindful of sugar intake, the original recipe contains about 3 grams of sugar per serving. To make this recipe completely sugar-free, opt for sugar-free peppermint candies. Many brands offer sugar-free alternatives that still provide that refreshing peppermint kick, allowing you to enjoy a festive spirit without the added sugar.
Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Homemade Peppermint Vodka
Achieving the perfect peppermint infusion is simple with a few helpful tips:
- Flavor Intensity Control: The strength of the peppermint flavor is entirely up to you and depends on both the type of peppermint candies used and the quantity you add. We recommend starting with three to five pieces of candy per 16 ounces of vodka. After the initial infusion period, taste it. If you desire a stronger flavor, add one or two more candies and let it infuse for another few hours. Adjust to your personal taste preference.
- Crushing vs. Whole Candies: You might see other recipes suggesting crushing the peppermint candies before adding them to the vodka. Both methods work effectively. Crushing the candies will generally accelerate the dissolution process and lead to a quicker infusion, which is great if you’re short on time. However, simply adding whole candies also works beautifully; they will dissolve over several hours or overnight. Whole candies might also give a more gradual release of flavor and create a stunning visual as they slowly disappear.
- Shake It Up: Gently shaking the jar once or twice during the infusion process can help the candies dissolve more evenly and ensure the flavor disperses thoroughly throughout the vodka. This also helps to prevent any candies from sticking to the bottom of the jar.
- Patience is a Virtue: While the process is quick, allowing adequate time for the candies to fully dissolve and infuse will result in the richest and most balanced flavor. Rushing the process might lead to a less potent infusion.
Creative Serving Ideas: What to Serve with Homemade Peppermint Vodka
Whether you’ve crafted a personal batch, intend to share it with loved ones, or are presenting it as a thoughtful DIY gift, raising a glass to a jolly good Christmas is made even better with a splash of homemade peppermint vodka. This versatile infused spirit can transform any vodka-based cocktail that would benefit from a refreshing peppermint twist. Cheers to holiday cheer and delicious cocktails!
Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy your festive infusion:
- Peppermint Shots: Serve your homemade peppermint vodka perfectly chilled as a festive shot. Its smooth, minty kick is an invigorating start to any holiday gathering.
- Peppermint Martini: Shake your peppermint vodka with a splash of dry vermouth and ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a miniature candy cane or a sprig of fresh mint for a sophisticated holiday martini. For a chocolate peppermint martini, add a hint of chocolate liqueur.
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Elevate your favorite hot cocoa by adding a generous splash of peppermint vodka. Garnish with whipped cream and a crushed peppermint stick for the ultimate cozy holiday indulgence.
- Spiked Peppermint Coffee: Transform your morning coffee or after-dinner brew into a festive delight. Add peppermint vodka to hot coffee with a dash of cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a spirited holiday coffee drink.
- Cherry Bomb Shot with a Twist: For a refreshing take, replace part of the cherry vodka in a Cherry Bomb Shot with your peppermint vodka, or swap it entirely for a vibrant Peppermint Bomb Shot.
- Peppermint Moscow Mule: Give the Classic Moscow Mule a holiday makeover. Simply use your homemade peppermint vodka instead of regular vodka for a refreshing Peppermint Moscow Mule – a zesty, minty marvel!
- Peppermint Eggnog White Russian: Swap the traditional vodka in an Eggnog White Russian with peppermint vodka for a creamy, minty, and utterly festive Peppermint Eggnog White Russian. It’s like a holiday dessert in a glass.
- Grinch Jello Shots: For a fun and playful party treat, use equal parts vanilla vodka and peppermint vodka in your Grinch Jello Shots to add a yummy, festive flavor that perfectly complements the green hue.
- RumChata Iced Coffee Inspiration: While not a direct swap, the concept is inspired by the RumChata Peppermint Bark variety. You can create a similar flavor profile by adding peppermint vodka to your RumChata Iced Coffee for a delightful chilled beverage.
- Dessert Topping: Drizzle a small amount of peppermint vodka over vanilla ice cream or a chocolate brownie for an adult-only, minty dessert twist.
When to Serve Your Festive Peppermint Vodka
This delightful infused vodka is particularly suited for a variety of festive occasions and moments:
- Christmas Gatherings: It’s the quintessential spirit for Christmas Day celebrations, bringing warmth and cheer to family and friends.
- Winter Festive Cocktails: Throughout the entire winter season, it’s perfect for crafting cozy, warming drinks or refreshing, icy cocktails.
- Holiday Parties: Elevate any holiday party with unique, peppermint-infused beverages that are sure to be a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser.
- Gift-Giving: Bottled beautifully, it makes an ideal homemade gift during the holidays, conveying thoughtfulness and festive spirit.
- Cozy Evenings: Enjoy a quiet evening by the fire with a peppermint hot chocolate or coffee featuring this special vodka.
More Great Holiday Recipes to Explore
Looking for more delicious ideas to complement your holiday celebrations? Check out these fantastic recipes that pair wonderfully with the festive season:
S’mores Brownies
Cherry Cake Bars
Homemade Irish Cream
4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Sriracha Caramel Corn
Don’t miss all of our Christmas Cocktails for even more spirited ideas!
Do you love recipes? Be sure to explore our diverse collection including copycat recipes, delectable dessert recipes, and convenient Crock Pot Recipes.
Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, for all our latest recipe posts and culinary inspiration.
Peppermint Vodka Made From Candy
Learn how to easily make refreshing Homemade Peppermint Vodka from candy, perfect for holiday cocktails and gifting.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes (Does not include infusion time)
Servings: 4
Calories: 282kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 16 Ounce Vodka (any brand, 80-proof recommended)
- 4-5 peppermint candies (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Pour the vodka into a clean canning jar. The amount of vodka used will determine your yield.
- Place 3-5 peppermint candies into the vodka. You can crush the candies for faster infusion or leave them whole.
- Securely seal the jar with a lid. Gently shake the jar to help distribute the candies.
- Leave the jar to infuse overnight, or for at least 4-5 hours. For a stronger flavor, allow it to infuse for up to 3-5 days, tasting periodically.
- Once infused to your desired strength, you can strain the vodka through a fine mesh strainer if you prefer a perfectly clear spirit.
- Serve chilled or use in your favorite holiday cocktails!
Nutrition Facts
Peppermint Vodka Made From Candy
Amount Per Serving
Calories 282
% Daily Value*
Sodium 1mg 0%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Sugar 3g 3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Recipe originally shared on December 3, 2014. Updated September 2020