Indulge in the nostalgic delight of a classic chocolate mint candy, reimagined as a sophisticated yet incredibly easy-to-make cocktail. Our Easy Peppermint Patty Shot Recipe is the ultimate festive concoction, seamlessly blending the rich flavors of Crème de Cacao, the invigorating kick of Peppermint Schnapps, and the creamy smoothness of Bailey’s Irish Cream. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a taste of winter magic, perfect for any holiday celebration or a cozy evening in.
Peppermint Patty Shot Recipe: A Festive Favorite
Imagine the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint perfectly balanced with luscious chocolate, all wrapped in a smooth, creamy embrace. That’s precisely what you get with this exquisite winter cocktail shot. It’s a liquid dessert, tasting uncannily like your favorite chocolate peppermint patty candy, yet with a delightful alcoholic twist that makes it truly special.
This delightful chocolate peppermint patty shooter is particularly satisfying after a day spent embracing the winter wonderland. Whether you’ve been skiing down snowy slopes, enjoying a brisk snowshoe adventure, tubing with friends, or simply conquering your driveway after a relentless snowfall, this shot offers a warm and comforting reward. It’s the perfect way to unwind, warm up from the inside out, and toast to the joys (and sometimes challenges!) of the colder months.
Forget the winter blues and mundane tasks; it’s time to elevate your spirits with this epic winter cocktail shot. It’s a simple pleasure that promises maximum enjoyment with minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe for both seasoned hosts and casual sippers.
Crafting Your Perfect Peppermint Patty Shot
Essential Ingredients for a Heavenly Shot
Creating this iconic shot requires just three core ingredients, each playing a crucial role in replicating that distinctive peppermint patty flavor. Quality matters, so choose your liqueurs wisely for the best taste experience:
- Crème de Cacao Liqueur: This sweet, chocolate-flavored liqueur provides the essential cocoa base that makes the “patty” part of the drink truly shine. Choose a good quality crème de cacao for a richer, more authentic chocolate taste.
- Peppermint Schnapps: The star of the show for its refreshing minty kick. Peppermint schnapps delivers that cool, invigorating sensation synonymous with the classic candy. Adjust the amount to your preference for a stronger or milder mint flavor.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur: Adding a luxurious creamy texture and a hint of vanilla and whiskey, Bailey’s Irish Cream brings all the flavors together in a smooth, delectable finish, mimicking the creamy center of a peppermint patty.
For specific measurements and step-by-step instructions, you’ll find a detailed recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Recommended Equipment
While this shot is straightforward, having the right tools makes the process even smoother and ensures consistent results:
- OXO Angled Jiggers: These are our top choice for measuring cocktails. Their innovative angled design allows you to accurately measure liquids from above, making precision pouring effortless, especially when you might want to create layered shots (though not essential for this mixed shot).
- Cocktail Shaker: An absolute must for chilling your ingredients quickly and thoroughly, ensuring a perfectly cold and well-blended shot. Many shakers come in sets with other useful bar tools, making them a great investment.
- 2 Ounce Shot Glasses: The ideal size for this recipe, providing a satisfying single serving. We particularly love using these for various layered shots as well, giving them versatility.
How to Make a Peppermint Patty Shot
Preparing this decadent shot is incredibly simple, making it perfect for quick celebrations or when you need a swift, delicious pick-me-up. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
1. Combine Ingredients: Start by gathering your Crème de Cacao, Peppermint Schnapps, and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes – enough to properly chill the liquid.
2. Pour & Shake: Carefully measure and pour all three liqueurs into the ice-filled cocktail shaker. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This not only chills the mixture but also ensures all the flavors are perfectly harmonized.
3. Strain & Serve: Once thoroughly chilled, strain the mixture directly into your chosen shot glass. The result is a smooth, inviting shot ready to be enjoyed immediately. For an extra touch, consider chilling your shot glasses beforehand for an even colder experience.
Preparation, Storage, and Serving Tips
Making the most of your Peppermint Patty Shot involves a few clever tricks for preparation and storage:
Make Ahead & Storage: Unlike intricately layered cocktails where presentation is key, the Peppermint Patty Shot is a mixed drink, making it an excellent candidate for advance preparation. You can mix a larger batch a day before your event. Simply store the combined mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, give the container a good shake to remix any settled ingredients and ensure a consistent flavor profile, then pour into shot glasses.
Freezing for a Frozen Treat: While we haven’t personally experimented with freezing this shot, it offers exciting possibilities for a “Frozen Peppermint Patty Drink.” To try this, double the shot ingredients, add a handful of ice, and blend until smooth and slushy. This creates a delightful, frosty version of the drink, perfect for warmer climates or a dessert-like cocktail. Adjust ingredient proportions as needed to fill your desired drinking glass.
Recipe Variations to Explore
The beauty of the Peppermint Patty Shot lies in its versatility. Here are some ways to customize it to your taste or dietary needs:
Substitutions:
- For Crème de Cacao: If you don’t have crème de cacao on hand, a good quality chocolate vodka can serve as a suitable alternative. While it might alter the sweetness slightly, it will maintain the essential chocolate flavor.
- For Peppermint Schnapps: Consider swapping peppermint schnapps with crème de menthe. Crème de menthe offers a similar minty flavor but is typically sweeter and has a lower alcohol content. Be mindful of the color – use clear crème de menthe unless you desire a green-tinted shot!
Dietary Options:
- Vegetarian Option: Good news! This Peppermint Patty Shot is naturally 100 percent vegetarian, as all ingredients are derived from non-animal sources.
- Vegan Option: While peppermint schnapps and crème de cacao are typically vegan, traditional Baileys Irish Cream contains dairy. For vegan friends or a dairy-free lifestyle, opt for Baileys Almande. This fantastic dairy-free alternative is made with vegan-friendly vanilla and almonds, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful shot.
- Gluten-Free: All three primary ingredients in this decadent shot (Crème de Cacao, Peppermint Schnapps, and Bailey’s Irish Cream) are listed on Celiac.com’s guide to gluten-free liqueurs, making this recipe generally safe for a gluten-free diet. However, it’s important to note that Baileys does not officially guarantee its products are entirely gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination. If you have severe gluten sensitivities, a certified gluten-free alternative to Baileys should be used.
- Alcohol-Free Option: To create a delicious alcohol-free version of this shot, replace each liqueur with a non-alcoholic (NA) alternative. There are several excellent NA chocolate liqueurs, peppermint syrups, and creamy non-alcoholic spirits available that can mimic the flavor profile.
- Sugar-Free: The standard recipe contains approximately 18 grams of sugar per serving. Currently, readily available alcoholic sugar-free crème de cacao, peppermint schnapps, or Irish cream alternatives are scarce in most stores. For sugar-free drinkers, the best approach might be to explore online resources for homemade sugar-free liqueur recipes, allowing you to tailor the sweetness with sugar substitutes.
Serving Size Adjustments:
- Smaller Servings: This recipe is typically portioned to fill one standard 2-ounce shot glass. However, if you prefer smaller, less potent servings or want to offer a tasting flight, you can easily divide the mixture between two 1-ounce shot glasses.
- Larger Groups/More Servings: Hosting a party? Simply multiply the recipe by the number of shots you need. Prepare the mixture in a larger cocktail shaker or pitcher, then divide it among individual shot glasses. For very large gatherings, working in batches will help keep everything perfectly chilled.
Tips for the Best Peppermint Patty Shot Experience
- Boost the Chocolate: For an even deeper chocolate flavor, consider adding a dash of Godiva Chocolate Liqueur or a swirl of chocolate syrup to your shaker.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate the presentation by garnishing your shot. A mini peppermint patty candy laid across the rim of the glass or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings can add visual appeal and a textural contrast.
- Chilled Glasses: Always use chilled shot glasses. Pop them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before serving to ensure your shot stays colder for longer.
- Quality Ice: Use fresh, clean ice for shaking. This prevents diluting your drink with off-flavors and ensures optimal chilling.
What to Serve with a Peppermint Patty Shot
The Peppermint Patty Shot is a truly versatile and crowd-pleasing drink, ideal for both casual and formal gatherings. Its sweet, refreshing profile makes it a fantastic accompaniment to a wide array of festive foods. We especially love enjoying it around the holiday season, but it also finds a welcome spot during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Here are some menu pairing suggestions to integrate it into your festive feast or cocktail party:
Appetizers & Sides: Its sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory bites.
- Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies
- Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Cheesy Green Beans
- Cranberry Sauce
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams
- Creamed Corn Casserole
- Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
- CrockPot Scalloped Potatoes & Ham
Main Dishes: Offer a balance with hearty, savory mains.
- Eggnog French Toast (for a festive brunch!)
- Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Ham & Cheese Crescent Roll
- CrockPot Turkey
- CrockPot Ham
- CrockPot Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs
- Bourbon Baked Ham
- CrockPot Orange Glazed Ham
- CrockPot Coke Glazed Ham
Desserts: Complement with other sweet treats or offer as a dessert in itself.
- Eggnog Cookies
- Sugared Cranberries
- 4 Ingredient Christmas Crack
- Reindeer Chow
- Grinch Bark
- No Bake Church Window Cookies
- Eggnog Cake with Eggnog Glaze
- No Bake Eggnog Pie
- Snowball Cookies
- Snow Ice Cream
- Black Forest Cupcakes
Other Festive Drinks: Create a full bar experience with these complementary beverages.
- Baileys Hot Chocolate
- Grinch Jello Shots
- Cranberry Mimosa
- CrockPot Hot Buttered Rum
- Polar Bear Shot
- Boozy Grinch Drink
- Three Wise Men Shot
- Ultimate Eggnog Mudslide
When to Serve This Delightful Shot
The Peppermint Patty Shot is incredibly versatile and fits perfectly into a variety of seasonal and celebratory occasions. Here are some ideal times to serve this delicious drink:
- Holiday Cocktail Parties: As a signature festive shot, it adds cheer and a unique flavor to any holiday gathering.
- Christmas Celebrations: Its minty chocolate profile is a quintessential Christmas flavor, making it a must-have for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day toasts.
- New Year’s Eve: Ring in the new year with a sweet and spirited shot that promises good times.
- Winter Gatherings: Whether it’s a cozy night by the fire or a snow day celebration, this shot warms the soul.
- St. Patrick’s Day: While not traditionally Irish, the green hint of mint (if using green crème de menthe) or just the festive nature makes it a fun addition.
- Holiday Brunch: A spirited addition to an adult holiday brunch, offering a dessert-like indulgence.
Explore More Fantastic Recipe Collections
If you’re looking to expand your cocktail repertoire or find more culinary inspiration, be sure to check out these curated collections:
- Discover more delightful Crème de Cacao Cocktails
- Your Epic Guide to Peppermint Schnapps Drinks
- 17 Baileys Drinks and Cocktails That Taste Great!
- Festive St. Patrick’s Day Drinks, Cocktails, and Shots!
- Warm Up by the Fire with These 30+ Winter Cocktails
Do you love exploring new recipes? Dive into our diverse categories, including copycat recipes, delectable dessert recipes, and our convenient CrockPot Recipes.
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Peppermint Patty Shot
This easy 3-ingredient Peppermint Patty Shot tastes just like a chocolate peppermint candy. It’s incredibly simple to make and delivers an amazing flavor that’s perfect for any festive occasion.
3 minutes
3 minutes
1
240 kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 0.5 Ounce Creme de Cacao Liqueur
- 0.5 Ounce Peppermint Schnapps
- 0.5 – 1 Ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream
Instructions
Combine all three liqueurs in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled.
Strain the perfectly mixed drink into a shot glass and savor the delightful flavors.
Kitchen Tools
- Cocktail Shaker
- Shot Glasses
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 54
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