This fun Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is festive and refreshing! It blends fizzy soda with a splash of peppermint to give you that holiday cheer in every sip.
I love serving this drink at parties. It sparkles and has just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, it’s a perfect treat to enjoy while wrapping gifts! 🎁✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Candy Canes: These are not only for flavor but also a decorative touch! If you can’t find them, peppermint extract can be a good substitute. Just use a few drops instead of schnapps.
Peppermint Schnapps: This adds a delicious minty kick. If you prefer non-alcoholic, you can skip this or use mint syrup for sweetness without the alcohol.
Lemon-Lime Soda: This gives the drink its fizz and sweetness. If you’re after a healthier option, sparkling water with a splash of fresh lemon or lime works great.
Grenadine: This provides the lovely red color and sweetness. If you’re looking for less sugar, you can use pomegranate juice for a similar look with a slightly different taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Spritzer Has the Right Level of Fizz?
Getting that perfect fizz is key to a refreshing spritzer! Here’s how to achieve it:
- Choose a good quality soda—freshness matters for the best bubbles.
- Pour the soda slowly over the ice to keep the carbonation intact.
- Adding club soda also enhances the fizz. Just be gentle when stirring!
Remember, be mindful of how vigorously you mix. A soft stir helps keep the bubbles lively. Enjoy your festive cocktail!
Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 4 oz lemon-lime soda or sparkling water
- 1 oz club soda (optional, for extra fizz)
- 1 tbsp grenadine syrup
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy drink to whip up, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Candy Cane Rim:
Start by crushing one candy cane into fine pieces. This will give your drink a lovely festive touch! Set the crushed candy cane aside.
2. Rim the Glass:
Moisten the rim of your glass with a bit of water or lemon juice. Then, dip the rim into the crushed candy cane, making sure it’s well-coated. This adds flavor and a cute look!
3. Add Ice:
Fill the prepared glass with ice cubes. This will keep your drink nice and chilled.
4. Pour in the Schnapps:
Next, pour 1 oz of peppermint schnapps into the glass over the ice. This is what gives your spritzer that delightful minty flavor.
5. Create the Pretty Layer:
Now, add 1 tablespoon of grenadine syrup to the bottom of the glass. This will sit beautifully at the bottom and create a lovely red color.
6. Add the Fizz:
Gently pour in the lemon-lime soda and add club soda if you want extra fizz. Pour slowly to let the bubbles rise without spilling over.
7. Stir and Mix:
Give the drink a gentle stir to mix all the ingredients together, but be careful not to lose the fizz!
8. Garnish the Cocktail:
Finish off your spritzer by garnishing it with a whole candy cane hooked onto the side of the glass and a few fresh mint leaves on top for that festive flair.
9. Serve & Enjoy!
Your Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is ready to be served! Enjoy this festive, fizzy peppermint treat with friends or family!
Can I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! Simply skip the peppermint schnapps and use a peppermint syrup instead for flavor. You can also combine your lemon-lime soda with a bit of mint extract for that refreshing kick!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Drink?
If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the amount of grenadine syrup. You can also use diet lemon-lime soda or sparkling water to cut down on sugar while still keeping the fizz.
Can I Prepare This Drink Ahead of Time?
This cocktail is best served fresh to retain its fizziness. However, you can prepare the candy cane rim and have all ingredients ready. Just mix and serve when you’re ready!
How Should I Store Any Leftovers?
If you have leftover cocktail (though it’s hard to imagine!), store it in the fridge in an airtight container without ice. Refrain from freezing it, as the fizz won’t hold up. Enjoy within 24 hours for the best taste!
