I love finding little ways to make the holidays feel special, and this year I decided to try something a little different—Candy Cane Moonshine.
The minty sweetness of candy canes combined with smooth moonshine creates a drink that’s festive, fun, and surprisingly easy to make.
What I enjoy most about this recipe is how simple it is to turn a few ingredients into something unique.
It’s also a great way to add a homemade touch to holiday gatherings—or even to give as a thoughtful gift. Here’s how I make it step by step.
Gathering Ingredients and Supplies
Before I got started, I made sure to have all my ingredients ready. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 12 candy canes (wrapped, which you’ll need to unwrap before use)
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 quart of moonshine (I used 110-proof shine, but adjust according to your preference)
- A saucepan
- A small grinder, food processor, or nut chopper
- A funnel and jars for storing the finished moonshine
I also like to have paper towels handy because sugar can get messy.
Trust me, unwrapping and crushing candy canes is sticky work, but it’s worth it for the flavor.
Crushing the Candy Canes
The first step is to crush the candy canes into small pieces.
You can do this using a rolling pin, but I find a small grinder or food processor much easier and faster.
I unwrapped all 12 candy canes (which took longer than I’d hoped!) and then pulsed them until they were broken into smaller pieces.
Crushing them evenly ensures they melt smoothly into the moonshine later.
Making the Simple Syrup
Next, it’s time to make the simple syrup, which will carry the candy cane flavor.
- Pour 2 cups of water into a saucepan.
- Add 2 cups of sugar.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the liquid becomes clear.
This usually takes about 15 minutes. You want to avoid burning the sugar, so stir carefully and keep the heat moderate.
Adding the Candy Canes
Once the sugar syrup is clear, I added the crushed candy canes to the pan.
Stir gently as they melt, letting the peppermint candy fully dissolve into the syrup.
As the mixture heats, you’ll notice the syrup take on a beautiful translucent color.
This step is important not only for flavor but also for creating a visually appealing moonshine.
Adding Peppermint Extract and Moonshine
After letting the candy cane syrup cool to room temperature, I added 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for an extra kick.
This enhances the minty flavor and balances the sweetness.
Next, I incorporated a quart of moonshine into the mixture.
Stir everything together so the flavors blend evenly.
This is when the candy cane moonshine really starts smelling like the holidays in a jar.
Bottling the Moonshine
Using a funnel, I poured the moonshine mixture into jars.
I like this step because it prevents messes and ensures the shine goes exactly where it needs to go.
The finished moonshine has a unique color, a sweet candy cane aroma, and that unmistakable mint flavor.
I found it tastes fantastic on its own, over ice, or even in holiday cocktails.
For gifting, you can decorate the jars with a ribbon or even attach a mini candy cane—it makes for a festive and thoughtful homemade present.
Tasting and Enjoying
When I first tasted my candy cane moonshine, the combination of sweetness, mint, and the warmth from the shine was perfect.
It really does taste like a candy cane with a kick, and it’s fun to serve to guests or enjoy on a quiet evening.
I even tried it over an ice cube, and it’s just as good chilled as it is straight from the jar.
The final color is translucent with a soft glow, which makes it look just as delightful as it tastes.
Final Thoughts
Candy Cane Moonshine is one of my favorite holiday experiments so far.
It’s simple to make, fun to prepare, and the results are impressive.
Whether you’re enjoying it yourself or gifting it, it’s a unique twist on traditional moonshine that fits perfectly with the holiday season.
If you try this recipe, I recommend labeling your jars and decorating them for a personal touch.
It’s an easy way to make a festive homemade gift that friends and family will love.
I’ll be sharing more holiday moonshine recipes every Wednesday, so stay tuned for more seasonal infusions. Cheers, and happy holidays!
