Reminiscent of candy canes, peppermint bark and chocolate-covered mints, the Peppermint Patty is a cheerful shot to kick off your holiday celebrations.
This post is the first in the 12 Shots of Christmas series: on the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a Peppermint Patty shot!
These shots are designed to be festive, fun and easy to serve at holiday gatherings. Not every recipe in this series is strictly Christmas-themed; instead I picked drinks that evoke the flavors and spirit of the season.
I prepared this as a layered shot for a pretty presentation, but you can also mix the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice or simply pour them together into a shot glass. Layering creates a striking visual; mixed, the flavors are the same but the appearance is more blended.
Helpful tips
- If you plan to layer the shot, use a cocktail spoon or a regular iced coffee teaspoon. For narrow tall shot glasses, a teaspoon often fits better than a wide cocktail spoon.
- Place the spoon with the bowl facing up and rest it against the inside of the glass to slow the pour and keep layers distinct.
- A pourer on the bottle helps control the flow, which is important when layering. If you use a pourer you may need to estimate quantities by eye.
- You can use dark chocolate or chocolate liqueur (Godiva works well) for the chocolate layer.
- For layered shots always pour the heaviest liqueur first and work upward to the lightest to preserve clear layers.
How to make the Peppermint Patty shot
This recipe makes one shot. Multiply the ingredients to make several at once.
Step one
Gather the ingredients: peppermint schnapps, Kahlúa, chocolate liqueur and vodka.
Step two
Pour 1/2 ounce Kahlúa into the shot glass.
Step three
Using the spoon to slow the pour, layer 1/4 ounce chocolate liqueur over the Kahlúa.
Step four
Layer 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps on top of the chocolate layer.
Step five
Finish by layering 1/4 ounce vodka over the spoon into the glass.
The layers transition from dark to clear for a classic peppermint patty look.
Here is another view that highlights the layering.
I hope you enjoy this Peppermint Patty shot. It’s a quick, festive drink that tastes like the classic candy bar.
What’s your favorite layered shot? Leave a comment and share your go-to!
Other popular mint cocktails
- Cucumber Mint Martini
- Cherry Mint Julep
- Blueberry Mint Cosmo Cocktail
- Chocolate Candy Cane Martini
And as always, may all your dishes and drinks be delish!
Peppermint Patty Shot
Ingredients
- .50 ounce Kahlúa
- .25 ounce chocolate liqueur (Godiva suggested)
- .50 ounce peppermint schnapps
- .25 ounce vodka
Instructions
- Pour Kahlúa into a shot glass.
- Place a spoon with the bowl facing up against the inside of the glass and pour the chocolate liqueur slowly over the bowl to layer it.
- Pour the peppermint schnapps over the spoon to form the next layer.
- Finish by pouring the vodka over the spoon into the glass.
- Lift the glass and down the contents.
- Smile and enjoy.
Notes
Measurements are approximate — it’s fine to pour by eye.
Tips for making the Peppermint Patty shot:
- Use a cocktail spoon or iced coffee teaspoon for layering; choose the spoon size that fits your glass.
- Always position the spoon bowl side up against the glass wall to slow the pour.
- A pourer helps control flow, but if used you may need to estimate amounts by eye.
- Dark chocolate or chocolate liqueur both work well; Godiva is a good option.
- Layer heaviest to lightest to keep neat separation.