Get ready to jingle your way into the holiday spirit with my Christmas Peppermint Shots! These festive treats pack a delightful punch and are just perfect for your holiday gatherings. With a blend of minty flavors and a splash of fun, they are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and steps needed to whip up these tasty drinks that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: This recipe captures the essence of the holiday season with its refreshing peppermint flavor, making it a perfect treat for celebrating Christmas.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can whip up these delightful shots in no time, perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings.
- Customizable Presentation: Whether you choose to add whipped cream, crushed candies, or edible glitter, these shots can be dressed up to match any festive occasion.
- Vegan-Friendly: Using almond milk and coconut cream makes this a delicious option for those following a plant-based diet, ensuring everyone can enjoy a festive treat.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
To make Christmas Peppermint Shots, gather these key items:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candies (plus more for garnish)
These ingredients give the shots a rich, creamy base and a strong peppermint flavor. The almond milk keeps it light, while the coconut cream adds a touch of sweetness.
Optional Toppings
You can make your shots even more fun with these extras:
- 1/4 cup whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Edible glitter (optional, for a festive touch)
Whipped cream adds a nice texture, and edible glitter gives your shots that sparkle. These toppings make the shots look festive and inviting.
Equipment Needed
To prepare your shots, you will need:
- A medium saucepan
- A blender
- Small shot glasses or holiday-themed cups
These tools are simple and easy to find. The saucepan heats your mixture, and the blender helps create a smooth drink. Choose fun cups to match the holiday spirit!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Base
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candies
In a medium saucepan, mix the almond milk, coconut cream, and maple syrup. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir gently until it gets warm, but do not let it boil.
Blend for Smoothness
After heating, take the saucepan off the heat. Add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and crushed peppermint candies. Mix well until the candies have melted. Let this cool for about 10 minutes. Once cool, pour the mixture into a blender. Blend until it is smooth and frothy.
Assemble the Shots
Now, it’s time to pour your peppermint mix into small shot glasses or holiday cups. If you want to add some flair, top each shot with a dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle extra crushed peppermint candies and edible glitter on top for a festive look. Serve right away, or chill in the fridge for up to 30 minutes. Enjoy your fun and festive peppermint shots!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Flavor
To make the best Christmas peppermint shots, focus on the right balance of flavors. Start with quality almond milk and coconut cream. This mix ensures a creamy base. Use pure maple syrup for sweetness. It adds richness without being too sugary.
Adding peppermint extract gives a strong mint flavor. Use just one teaspoon; it’s all you need. The vanilla extract softens the mint taste a bit. Don’t skip the crushed peppermint candies. They add a nice crunch and festive color.
Serving Suggestions
These shots are perfect for holiday parties. Serve them in small shot glasses for fun. You can also use cute holiday-themed cups. They look great and add to the festive mood. If you want a cold treat, chill them for about 30 minutes. This makes them refreshing!
You can serve them after a meal or with dessert. They pair well with chocolate or fruit. Think about serving them with some cookies or a slice of cake.
Garnishing Ideas
Garnishing can make your shots even more festive. Top each shot with whipped cream for a creamy touch. Sprinkle extra crushed peppermint candies on top. This adds color and a fun crunch.
For an extra festive twist, use edible glitter. A little sprinkle makes the shots shine. Kids and adults alike will love the sparkle! You can also add a mini candy cane on the side for decoration. It looks great and adds more peppermint flavor.
Pro Tips
- Chill Your Ingredients: For an extra refreshing shot, chill the almond milk and coconut cream in the refrigerator before preparing the mixture.
- Blend for Extra Frothiness: Blend the mixture longer to achieve a frothier texture, which adds a delightful mouthfeel to your shots.
- Garnish Creatively: Use crushed peppermint candies, chocolate shavings, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a unique twist on the garnish.
- Make It a Mocktail: For a fun twist, add a splash of soda or sparkling water to the shot before serving for a festive mocktail experience.
Variations
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Shots
For a cozy twist, try peppermint hot chocolate shots. Start with your base mix of almond milk and coconut cream. Then, stir in cocoa powder for a rich flavor. Use the same peppermint extract to keep that festive taste. Blend until creamy, and serve warm. This version adds warmth to your holiday gatherings.
Peppermint Schnapps Shots
If you want a kick, go for peppermint schnapps shots. After mixing your base, add 1 to 2 ounces of peppermint schnapps. This gives a fun, adult twist to the recipe. Blend until frothy, then pour into shot glasses. The schnapps adds a sweet and minty punch that’s sure to please.
Layered Peppermint Cocktails
Layered peppermint cocktails look great and taste amazing. Use your peppermint base as the first layer. Then, slowly pour a layer of chocolate liqueur on top. The key is to pour it over the back of a spoon to avoid mixing. The visual effect is stunning, making your drinks a star at any party.
Storage Info
Chilling Recommendations
You can chill your Christmas peppermint shots in the fridge. Place the shots in a sealed container. They stay fresh for up to 30 minutes. If you want them cold longer, cool them for an hour in the fridge.
Leftover Handling
If you have leftovers, keep them in a covered container. They can last up to two days. Make sure to stir them before serving again. The flavors will meld together, making them tasty!
Reheating Instructions
These shots are best served cold. If you want to warm them, do so gently. Pour the shots into a saucepan and heat on low. Stir until warmed but not boiling. Enjoy them warm for a cozy twist!
FAQs
Can I make these shots non-alcoholic?
Yes, you can make these shots without alcohol. The base recipe is already non-alcoholic. Just follow the steps without adding any spirits. The mixture of almond milk, coconut cream, and peppermint gives it a nice taste. You won’t miss the alcohol!
How do I make them thicker?
To make thicker shots, use less almond milk. You can also add more coconut cream. If you want more creaminess, try adding a bit of whipped cream to the base. Blending it well helps too. This will give you a richer drink.
What other candies can I use for garnishing?
You can use crushed chocolate candies like Oreos or M&Ms. Crushed candy canes work great too. For a fun twist, try adding sprinkles or mini marshmallows. This adds color and fun to your shots. Use what you love!
In this blog post, I covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for making delicious shots. I also shared fun variations and storage info to keep your shots fresh. Experiment with flavors and garnishes to find your perfect mix. Remember, you can make these shots non-alcoholic for all to enjoy. Have fun creating and sharing these tasty treats at your next gathering!
