Frosted Christmas Cheer Cocktail: A Sparkling, Festive Sip to Brighten the Holidays

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Frosted Christmas Cheer Cocktail is a dazzling holiday drink that blends creamy smoothness, cool mint, and a touch of winter sparkle. It’s elegant enough for a Christmas dinner party yet simple enough to shake up for a cosy night by the tree. I’ve made similar cocktails for holiday gatherings, and guests always comment on how the frosted rim and pale, icy hue make it feel extra festive. Once, when I wanted a slightly lighter consistency, I added a splash of almond milk to the shaker, and it still delivered a velvety, beautifully balanced cocktail—proof of how adaptable this recipe can be. With its blend of peppermint, vanilla, and cream, this drink tastes like a chilled, grown-up holiday treat. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening with soft lights and carols playing, this cocktail brings instant Christmas cheer with every sip.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Vodka

Vodka provides the clean base that lets the peppermint and vanilla shine while keeping the drink crisp and smooth.

Peppermint Schnapps

Peppermint schnapps adds a cool, refreshing mint flavour that makes this cocktail unmistakably festive.

White Crème de Cacao

White crème de cacao brings gentle sweetness and a soft chocolate-mint undertone.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream creates luscious body and contributes to the frosted, snowy look of the finished drink.

Vanilla Syrup

Vanilla syrup adds warmth and sweetness that rounds out the mint.

Ice

Ice chills and aerates the cocktail, giving it a silky, blended finish.

Crushed Peppermint Candy

Crushed peppermint candy coats the rim for visual sparkle and a sweet, crunchy touch.

Directions

Begin by preparing the glass. Lightly dip the rim into vanilla syrup, then roll it in crushed peppermint candy to create the frosted festive edge. Set the glass aside to allow the rim to firm slightly.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, peppermint schnapps, white crème de cacao, heavy cream, and vanilla syrup. The combination should feel luxurious but balanced, blending wintery flavours with creamy richness. Seal the shaker well, then shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds. This chills the drink and creates the smooth, frosted texture that defines the cocktail.

Strain the mixture into the prepared glass, pouring slowly to preserve the decorative rim. The cocktail should appear pale, creamy, and lightly frosted—perfect for holiday celebrations. Serve immediately, and if desired, garnish with a small peppermint stick or a delicate dusting of crushed candy.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe yields one cocktail. Preparation takes about 5 minutes, with no additional chilling or resting required. It’s ideal for serving guests quickly during a holiday gathering.

Storage/reheating

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. You can prepare the peppermint-rimmed glasses up to an hour in advance and chill them in the refrigerator. The mixed drink should not be stored or reheated, as the texture and balance are best immediately after shaking.

Variations and Customizations

White Christmas Sparkle

Add a splash of sparkling water for a lighter, bubbly finish.

Chocolate Mint Bliss

Swap white crème de cacao for dark crème de cacao for a deeper chocolate profile.

Creamy Coconut Cheer

Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free, tropical-winter twist.

Gingerbread Frost

Add a touch of gingerbread syrup for warm spice beneath the cool peppermint.

Coffee Mint Martini

Add a small splash of espresso or coffee liqueur for a bold, aromatic edge.

North Pole Snowstorm

Blend the cocktail with crushed ice for a frozen, slushy variation.

Vanilla Bean Upgrade

Use vanilla bean paste instead of syrup for a richer, more aromatic finish.

FAQs

Can I make this cocktail dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut milk or almond milk creamer in place of heavy cream.

Is peppermint schnapps very strong?

It is flavourful and intense; adjust to your taste.

Can I use peppermint extract instead?

Yes, but use sparingly—extract is highly concentrated.

Can I rim the glass ahead of time?

Yes, up to an hour before serving.

Can I serve this over ice?

You can, though it’s traditionally served up for a smoother texture.

Can I make a pitcher version?

You can multiply the ingredients and shake in batches for best consistency.

Should the cream be shaken vigorously?

Yes, it helps create the frosted, velvety finish.

Can I replace vodka with rum?

Yes, white rum creates a slightly sweeter finish.

Does the drink need to be strained?

Straining ensures smoothness and removes ice shards.

Can I make this less sweet?

Reduce the vanilla syrup and increase vodka slightly.

Conclusion

The Frosted Christmas Cheer Cocktail is a festive, elegant holiday drink that blends cool peppermint, creamy vanilla, and velvety texture into a beautifully balanced sip. Its frosted rim and snowy appearance make it perfect for Christmas parties, intimate gatherings, or a quiet winter evening with lights twinkling in the background. Simple to prepare yet striking in presentation, this cocktail embodies holiday cheer in every glass. Enjoy making it a cherished part of your Christmas celebrations.

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