If you’re anything like me, once the holiday season hits, you want to bring something festive, fun, and just a little bit boozy to all your gatherings. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Candy Cane Peppermint Jello Shots Recipe with you! It’s sweet, minty, and the perfect pop of holiday spirit in a tiny cup. These jello shots always get my friends talking and my family coming back for more, so stick around—I promise you’ll want to give them a try this season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor Profile: The peppermint schnapps mixed with creamy condensed milk gives these jello shots that authentic candy cane taste you’ll crave every winter.
- Simple & Quick: You can have these done in under 5 minutes and ready to impress in just a few hours—no complicated steps, just holiday magic.
- Perfect Party Size: Makes 12 individual shots—ideal for sharing or gifting at your next holiday bash.
- Customizable Garnishes: Crush some mini candy canes or use festive sprinkles for that extra wow factor right before serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Candy Cane Peppermint Jello Shots Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, peppermint punch, and creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll want to grab from the store or shop your pantry for to nail this festive treat.
- Cold Water: This is for blooming the gelatin—the base that helps everything set perfectly.
- Unflavored Gelatin: The key to the jello texture; be sure to sprinkle it over water so it blooms evenly.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gives that creamy, rich feel that contrasts beautifully with the peppermint.
- Peppermint Schnapps: Look for a candy cane-flavored one with a red label (DeKuyper’s is my go-to) to get the truest peppermint taste.
- Red Food Coloring: Just a few drops to create that lovely candy cane pink—you can tweak this to your preferred shade.
- Extra Creamy Whipped Topping: For that final dollop on top that makes these shots look and taste so indulgent.
- Optional Garnishes: Mini crushed candy canes and candy cane-shaped jimmie sprinkles add festive crunch and charm.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Candy Cane Peppermint Jello Shots Recipe to fit different occasions or dietary needs. Feel free to tweak it to your liking—after all, holiday fun is all about making it your own!
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Swap the peppermint schnapps for peppermint extract and a splash of club soda or use peppermint-flavored syrup; perfect for family-friendly parties where kids or non-drinkers are around.
- Dairy-Free: Try using coconut condensed milk alternatives and a dairy-free whipped topping for guests with sensitivities.
- Color Variations: Want to go bold? Add extra red food coloring or layer with white gelatin for a striped candy cane look—a fun twist for a holiday party centerpiece.
- Spicy Peppermint: A tiny pinch of cayenne or cinnamon powder in the mix can add a gentle warmth that balances the cool peppermint for grown-up palates.
How to Make Candy Cane Peppermint Jello Shots Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin Gently
Start by pouring 1 cup of cold water into a small saucepan and sprinkle your unflavored gelatin evenly over the surface—don’t stir yet! Let it sit for a minute to absorb (this is called blooming). Then, gently heat over medium-low, stirring until all the gelatin dissolves. The key here is warmth, not heat—avoid boiling because it can ruin the texture. You’ll want the gelatin fully dissolved but just warm to the touch.
Step 2: Whisk Together Milk & Gelatin
Grab a medium bowl or better yet, an 8-cup glass liquid measure cup with a pour spout—it makes the next step so much easier. Pour the sweetened condensed milk in, then slowly add the warm gelatin while whisking continuously. This helps prevent clumps and ensures everything blends smoothly into a creamy base.
Step 3: Add Peppermint Schnapps & Color
Next, stir in your peppermint schnapps and add 2 to 3 drops of red food coloring. Whisk well until you have a lovely pink hue—if you want it closer to red, just pop in a few more drops. This is where the candy cane vibe really shines through.
Step 4: Pour, Chill, and Set
Place your 12 (2-ounce) jello shot cups on a rimmed tray—you’ll thank me for this when it’s time to move them in and out of the fridge. Pour the peppermint mixture into each cup, filling slightly more than two-thirds full to leave room for the whipped topping later. Pop the tray into your fridge and let them set for 2 to 3 hours until firm.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Right before serving, add a generous dollop of extra creamy whipped topping to each shot. If you want to go all out, sprinkle some finely crushed mini candy canes or candy cane-shaped sprinkles on top. I always wait until the last minute to garnish because it keeps that whipped topping fresh and prevents sogginess.
Pro Tips for Making Candy Cane Peppermint Jello Shots Recipe
- Use a Glass Mixing Cup: I discovered using an 8-cup glass liquid measure cup with a spout makes pouring into small shot cups so much easier—and less messy.
- Perfect Gelatin Bloom: Sprinkling gelatin over cold water and giving it time to bloom ensures silky smooth jello without lumps—don’t rush this step!
- Peppermint Schnapps Choice Matters: I learned the hard way that some peppermint liqueurs are actually spearmint-flavored, which changes the final taste—look for the red label with a candy cane!
- Avoid Garnish Early: Adding whipped topping or candy canes too soon can cause them to lose their texture—always wait until right before serving.
How to Serve Candy Cane Peppermint Jello Shots Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for adding a little crunchy candy after the creamy whipped topping—it really highlights the peppermint flavor. I always go for finely crushed mini candy canes mixed with festive candy cane-shaped sprinkles. Not only do they add a beautiful pop of color, but that crisp texture makes each bite more interesting.
Side Dishes
Since these are part dessert and part drink, I like serving them alongside other light finger foods. Think sugar cookies, gingerbread, or even salty nuts—something that contrasts the sweetness. If it’s a casual party, cheese and charcuterie boards work wonderfully too, balancing the peppermint punch with savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
One time, for a holiday girls’ night, I layered red and white jello shot mixtures in clear mini plastic cups to create a striped candy cane effect—it was an absolute crowd-pleaser! You can also place each shot in a decorative mini stocking or serve them in clear shot glasses on a platter sprinkled with peppermint bark for that holiday wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always keep the jello shots covered tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They last for up to 5 days without losing their texture or flavor, which is perfect if you’re prepping ahead for a party or just want some leftover fun for yourself (no judgment here!).
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing these because the creamy texture of the condensed milk and whipped topping doesn’t hold up well after thawing—it can get watery and lose that lovely jello consistency. Better to make them fresh or a day ahead.
Reheating
Jello shots aren’t for reheating—in fact, they’re meant to be served cold and firm. If your leftovers soften a bit after refrigeration, just give them more time to chill before serving again, and keep them tightly covered to maintain their firmness.
FAQs
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Can I make Candy Cane Peppermint Jello Shots Recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can substitute the peppermint schnapps with an equal amount of peppermint extract combined with a splash of club soda or peppermint-flavored syrup to keep the festive flavor without the booze. Just be careful with the extract—start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
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How do I avoid clumpy gelatin in my jello shots?
The key is blooming the gelatin properly by sprinkling it over cold water and letting it absorb before warming gently without boiling. Also, whisking the warm gelatin into the condensed milk slowly helps create a smooth mixture. Using a glass mixing cup with a pour spout makes distributing the liquid easier and less messy.
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Can I make these Candy Cane Peppermint Jello Shots ahead of time?
Yes! They can be made up to 5 days ahead and refrigerated. Just wait to add whipped topping and garnishes until just before serving to keep everything fresh and pretty.
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Why does my Candy Cane Peppermint Jello Shot taste like spearmint?
This usually happens when using peppermint liqueurs with green labels that are actually spearmint-flavored. For true candy cane peppermint flavor, look specifically for schnapps with a red label and a candy cane on it (like DeKuyper brand).
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Candy Cane Peppermint Jello Shots Recipe has become my secret holiday weapon for parties and get-togethers. The perfect balance of creamy sweetness and peppermint kick delights everyone and makes the season feel extra special. I hope you love making (and sharing) them as much as I do—because a little festive fun is exactly what we all need. Give it a try this year, and be prepared for all the compliments coming your way!
Print
Candy Cane Peppermint Jello Shots Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candy Cane Jello Shots are a festive and fun holiday treat combining the creamy sweetness of condensed milk, the refreshing peppermint flavor of schnapps, and the fun texture of gelatin. These pink, minty shots are perfect for holiday parties and easy to prepare and serve with optional garnishes like crushed candy canes and festive sprinkles.
Ingredients
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 cup cold water
- 0.5 ounces (2 0.25-ounce packets) unflavored gelatin
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup peppermint schnapps (preferably with red label and candy cane flavor)
- 2–3 drops red food coloring
For Garnish
- Extra creamy whipped topping, thawed
- Mini candy canes, finely crushed (optional)
- Candy cane-shaped jimmie sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small saucepan, combine the cold water and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over the surface. Stir gently to combine and let sit until the gelatin absorbs the water. Turn heat to medium-low and warm the gelatin mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring until fully dissolved and warm, but do not let it simmer or boil.
- Combine Gelatin with Condensed Milk: In a medium mixing bowl or an 8-cup glass liquid measuring cup with a pour spout, add the sweetened condensed milk. Slowly pour the warm gelatin mixture into the condensed milk while whisking constantly until fully blended and smooth.
- Add Peppermint and Color: Whisk in the peppermint schnapps and red food coloring until the mixture turns a festive pink shade. Adjust food coloring if a deeper red hue is preferred.
- Fill Jello Shot Cups: Arrange twelve 2-ounce jello shot cups on a rimmed tray. Pour the candy cane jello mixture into each cup up to the fill line, which is slightly more than two-thirds full.
- Chill Until Set: Refrigerate the filled jello shots for 2-3 hours or until fully set and firm to the touch.
- Garnish Before Serving: Just before serving, add a dollop of extra creamy whipped topping on each jello shot. Sprinkle with finely crushed mini candy canes and candy cane-shaped jimmie sprinkles as desired for festive decoration.
Notes
- Storage: Store covered candy cane jello shots in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture and consistency of the jello shots.
- Serving Size: Filling cups completely may yield 11 servings instead of 12; adjust according to cup size.
- Ease of Removal: Running a sharp, thin-bladed knife around the edges before garnishing can help release the shots from the cups.
- Mixing Tip: Using an 8-cup glass liquid measuring cup with a spout makes pouring into small cups easier and less messy.
- Schnapps Tip: Use a peppermint schnapps with a red label and candy cane flavor such as DeKuyper brand for authentic peppermint taste, avoiding spearmint varieties.
- Color Adjustment: Add extra drops of red food coloring if a deeper red rather than pink color is desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jello shot (approx. 2 oz)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
