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This festive Candy Cane Margarita is all you need to bring holiday cheer to your cocktail hour. With its refreshing peppermint flavor and zesty lime twist, it’s the perfect drink to celebrate the season in style.
Every year, I make this for our holiday gatherings, and it never fails to get guests talking. The combination of peppermint schnapps and tequila creates a unique flavor that pairs effortlessly with the crushed candy cane garnish.
Ingredients
- Tequila: Provides the base for this margarita. Opt for a quality blanco tequila for a smooth flavor.
- Peppermint schnapps: Adds a festive minty touch that’s essential for the holiday vibe. Choose a brand with a balanced sweetness.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is key for its vibrant acidity which balances the sweetness. Avoid bottled lime juice for the best results.
- Crushed candy canes: Used for rimming glasses to add a whimsical and seasonal finish. Make sure the candy canes are finely crushed for better adhesion and presentation.
How To Make Candy Cane Margarita
- Rim the Glasses:
- Coat the rims of your margarita glasses with lime juice or water to make them sticky. Dip them into a plate of crushed candy canes, ensuring an even coating.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- Fill a shaker with ice and add tequila, peppermint schnapps, and lime juice. Shake thoroughly for about 15 to 20 seconds until well mixed and chilled.
- Strain and Serve:
- Carefully strain the mixture into the prepared glasses. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Last holiday, I let my nieces help crush the candy canes, and their excitement over the process added to the joy of the evening. It became a fun family tradition.
Storage Tips
While the drink itself is best served immediately after mixing, you can prepare the ingredients separately up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, swap the tequila for sparkling water and peppermint schnapps for mint-flavored syrup. For extra flair, use edible glitter on the rims instead of crushed candy canes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this margarita with chocolate truffles or holiday cookies to complement its minty profile. It’s also a delightful addition to any holiday brunch or evening party.
This Candy Cane Margarita truly embodies the holiday spirit and offers a taste of festivity in every sip.
The combination of vibrant lime and sweet mint flavors is a foolproof way to wow your guests. Make sure to chill your glasses beforehand for the ultimate icy experience. This recipe guarantees a picture-perfect presentation every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I rim glasses with crushed candy canes?
First, crush candy canes into fine pieces. Dampen the rim of your glass with lime juice, then dip it into the crushed candy cane for even coating.
- → Can I substitute peppermint schnapps?
Yes, you can use crème de menthe or even peppermint-flavored vodka for a similar minty flavor.
- → What type of tequila works best for this drink?
Silver or blanco tequila typically works best as it has a clean, smooth flavor that blends well with the peppermint and lime.
- → Can I make this drink non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Replace tequila with sparkling water and peppermint schnapps with peppermint syrup for a festive virgin cocktail.
- → What is the best way to crush candy canes?
Place the candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or mallet until you achieve the desired consistency.