Candy Cane Vodka

Okay, I'll be the first to admit that I totally failed to share this candy cane vodka with ya'll three days ago. Oops. Between getting home after vacation and actually unpacking my suitcase (instead of waiting two weeks to do it), I completely forgot. Please forgive me. By the way, did you know that the day after Christmas is National Candy Cane Day? I wonder why it's not the 25th. That seems like the perfect day, doesn't it? Nevertheless, since it's still the holidays and candy canes are everywhere to be found (and now even cheaper as stores are trying to clear their shelves for Valentines Day sweets!), you need to make this super amazing holiday treat. It's literally just candy canes and vodka. Nothing else. Seriously. Candy canes and vodka!

One of my super sweet classmates this semester told me that she makes all kinds of flavored vodka with a variety of candies. Skittles, Jolly Ranchers, etc. It got me thinking - what could I make that was extra holiday-y? I did a quick search online and low and behold, candy cane vodka. I wondered if it was really as easy as it said it was, and let me tell you, it was! The hubby and I have several handles of vodka left over from our wedding so this was the perfect opportunity to try something new and festive for quick and easy holiday gifts. I ran to the store and bought a ton of candy canes. Handfuls and handfuls of candy canes. I think the lady behind the register at our local grocery store thought I had gone crazy with a cart of candy canes. Once I had the candy canes at home, I literally got a big jar (I used a gallon size Mason jar), filled it with vodka and then plopped in the candy canes. The hardest part about all of this was unwrapping those darn things. For some reason, the tops always seemed to break! I thew everything in, closed up the jar and in just a few hours, the candy canes dissolved and created a wonderful flavored vodka. 

The more candy canes you add, the more flavorful it will get, but the minty level is up to you. This vodka can be enjoyed over ice by itself, mixed in to make your favorite holiday cocktail or my favorite way to enjoy it is in hot cocoa. Hello deliciousness! No matter how you enjoy it, it's too easy not to make and everyone will wonder how you did it (and you don't have to tell him just how easy it was!). How easy was that? Now I am channeling my inner Barefoot Contessa.

The first time I made this, I used peppermint candies. It worked, but make the vodka look more like Pepto Bismol!

Candy Cane Vodka

Jar or container (with a lid!) large enough to hold the vodka and candy canes

1 bottle (750 ml) of your favorite vodka

10-12 candy canes (more if you want it really minty, less if you want it not so minty)

Pour vodka into a large jar. Unwrap candy canes and place in the jar. Seal the jar and give it a little shake. Let sit for one to two hours, or until candy canes are dissolved. Enjoy!

This candy cane vodka is also amazing in coffee to give it a little bit of extra holiday cheer!