It's 5 o'lock somewhere and that means it's cocktail time!  Why not use peppermints to keep the mood festive for the holidays?  Peppermint White Russians, Candy Cane Mojitos and Peppermintinis are a great 'wow' for your guests!

                                                                                                                                                            Photo credit: Cake & Allie

Peppermint White Russian

¾ oz Kahlúa
¾ oz Vodka
¾ oz Peppermint Schnapps
Half and half
Ice

For the Garnish: (optional)
Crushed candy canes
Clean corn syrup

Fill an old fashioned glass with ice (rimmed with crushed candy cane, if desired). Pour in Kahlúa, vodka and Peppermint Schnapps. Top off the glass with half and half to fill.

To garnish glasses:

Lightly dip the edge of glass into corn syrup, then dip the glass into crushed candy canes to garnish

                                                                                                                             Photo Credit:  Heather Sage

Candy Cane Mojito

1 Mini Candy Cane (or half a regular sized one)
1 tsp Sugar, granulated
4-5 Mint Leaves, fresh
1/4 Lime, juiced
3 oz White Rum
Soda Water

In a tall glass crush the candy cane, along with the sugar, until the candy cane is crushed to almost dust. Add the mint leaves and lime juice and muddle just until the mint leaves are well bruised. Add the rum and stir until the sugar and most of the candy cane is dissolved. Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water. Give a quick stir and garnish with a mint sprig, a slice of lime or a mini candy cane.

Peppermintini

4 peppermint candy canes
3 Tb. sugar + 2 Tb. water
4 ounces white chocolate liqueur
2 ounces vanilla vodka
2 ounces half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Peppermint Extract

Place candy canes or peppermint candies in large resealable plastic bag. Close bag. Pound with rolling pin or heavy skillet until coarsely crushed. Or, process in food processor using on/off pulsing action.  Mix 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons water in small shallow bowl until well blended. Dip rim of glass in sugar water mixture, then into crushed candies to lightly coat.  Fill cocktail shaker two-thirds full with ice. Add white chocolate liqueur, half-and-half, vanilla vodka and peppermint extract; shake until well mixed and chilled. Strain into martini glasses. Serve immediately.