Winter holidays are just around the corner, and you know what that means - it's time to add a festive twist to your favorite alcoholic beverage! Introducing peppermint vodka, the ultimate wintery cocktail that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. Want to learn how to make this mouth-watering concoction? Well, you've come to the right place! Follow our step-by-step guide to create your own batch of peppermint vodka, perfect for any holiday occasion or cozy night by the fire.
Best Budget Vodkas Ranked
Smirnoff
A global vodka giant with Russian origins, Smirnoff delivers consistent quality and versatility for any mixer.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Crisp, mild sweetness with a clean finish
Best Cocktail Pairing: Classic Cosmopolitan
Best Food Paring: Grilled chicken skewers
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
Absolut
Swedish purity in a bottle, Absolut is distilled from winter wheat, giving a smooth and rich experience.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Smooth with light grain and citrus hints
Best Cocktail Pairing: Absolut Elyx Martini
Best Food Paring: Smoked salmon canapés
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
Ketel One
A Dutch treat, Ketel One is the result of over 300 years of distilling expertise; a refined choice.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Fresh with subtle citrus and honey notes
Best Cocktail Pairing: Dutch Mule
Best Food Paring: Aged cheeses or Dutch herring
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
Ingredients You'll Need
To make your own peppermint vodka, you'll need the following:
- 1 750 ml bottle of your favorite vodka
- Several peppermint candies (or candy canes)
- An empty, clean glass container with a tight-fitting lid
Step 1: Choose Your Vodka Base
When it comes to choosing the vodka for your peppermint vodka, you'll want to go for a mid-range brand that gives you the best quality for your money. High-end vodka may be too expensive for this DIY project, and cheaper vodka may not give you the smoothest taste you're looking for. Some popular vodka brands for infusions include Absolut, Smirnoff, and Tito's.
Step 2: Crush the Peppermint Candies
Take your peppermint candies or candy canes and place them in a Ziploc bag or a cloth kitchen towel. Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or a heavy-bottomed pan, crush the candies into small pieces. You'll want a variety of sizes, from powder to larger chunks, to give your vodka an interesting texture and a potent peppermint flavor.
Step 3: Combine Vodka and Peppermint
In your clean glass container, pour the crushed peppermint candies in first, followed by the vodka. Ensure the container has a tight-fitting lid so you don't lose any of the precious vodka during the infusion process.
Step 4: Let the Infusion Begin
Time for the magic to happen! Allow your vodka and peppermint concoction to sit at room temperature, with the lid secured tightly, for at least 24 hours. The longer it infuses, the stronger the peppermint flavor will become. Give the container a gentle shake every few hours to help the sugar from the peppermint dissolve and to speed up the infusing process.
Step 5: Strain, Bottle, and Enjoy!
Once the infusion process is complete, it's time to strain your peppermint vodka. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the vodka into a separate container to remove any remaining peppermint pieces. You can then funnel the strained vodka back into its original bottle or choose a fun and festive bottle for gift-giving.
Your peppermint vodka is now ready to enjoy or share as a delightful holiday gift! Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its flavor and quality.
How To Make Peppermint Vodka Example:
Now that you have your peppermint vodka, you can mix up a simple and delicious cocktail that's perfect for the holidays. Try a Peppermint White Russian by mixing:
- 2 oz. of your homemade peppermint vodka
- 1 oz. Kahlúa
- 1 oz. heavy cream or milk of your choice (for a vegan version, use almond or coconut milk)
Shake the ingredients with ice, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a candy cane or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for some extra festive flair.
So there you have it, a fool-proof guide to creating your very own peppermint vodka, perfect for holiday cocktails or a unique gift for friends and family. Remember to share this article with your fellow vodka enthusiasts and to explore the other amazing vodka guides here at Vodka Doctors. Cheers, and happy holidays!
