Peppermint schnapps is a clear spirit that tastes like liquid candy! Here’s more about it and the best drinks to use it in.

Peppermint Schnapps

It’s clear, it’s aggressively strong, and it tastes like a liquid candy cane: it’s Peppermint Schnapps! This minty distilled spirit is popular in the US around the holidays, taken as shots or mixed in creamy, sweet cocktails. Is it worth adding to your collection? Yes, in our opinion! Here’s more about this tasty spirit and the best ways to mix it into drinks.

What is peppermint schnapps?

Peppermint schnapps is a distilled spirit made by adding peppermint flavoring to a clear grain spirit. It tastes like a liquid candy cane, with an astringent, almost mouthwash-like finish. Most sources believe the original version originated in Germany (in German the term Schnaps means a strong alcoholic beverage). It’s often drunk in the US in the winter, and features in many holiday drinks.

Peppermint schnapps is sold by many brands and varies in quality. A popular inexpensive brand is DeKupyer, but you can find a higher quality version of this spirit with Rumple Minze or Dr. McGillicuddy’s Mint Schnapps.

What does peppermint schnapps taste like?

Peppermint schnapps tastes like liquid peppermint candy, with an astringent bite on the finish. It’s aggressively strong, and tastes best when mixed into drinks (though it’s also popular as a shot). Contrast it to white Creme de Menthe, a mint liqueur that has a smoother, more refined flavor.

How much alcohol is in peppermint schnapps? Peppermint schnapps is sold in three different ABV levels: 15% ABV (30 proof), 30% ABV (60 proof), and 50% ABV (100 proof).

Are there any substitutes? White Creme de Menthe is the best substitute: it has a smoother mint flavor with a more mellow finish. Make sure not to use green Creme de Menthe as a substitute in cocktail recipes, since its color will affect the overall visual effect of the drink.

Why we like it

Peppermint schnapps isn’t refined, but we love it for its nostalgic minty flavor! It’s fun to mix into holiday drinks: it makes a killer Peppermint Martini or Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate.

How much does it cost?

Compared to other liquors, peppermint schnapps is inexpensive. A 750 ml bottle costs about $10.

Best Peppermint Schnapps drinks

Use this minty distilled spirit in mixed drinks that are creamy and sweet, especially around the holidays! Here are some of the best peppermint schnapps drinks:

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Peppermint schnapps drinks

Peppermint Schnapps Drinks: Martini & More!


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink 1x

Description

The Peppermint Schnapps Martini is creamy and minty fresh: the ideal winter cocktail! Step it up and rim the glass in peppermint candies.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ounce* peppermint schnapps
  • ½ ounce vodka
  • 1 ½ ounces Creme de Cacao
  • 1 ½ ounces heavy cream
  • Peppermint candies and grenadine, for the rim (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rim: Crush the peppermint candies and place them in an even layer on a plate. On another plate, add a small pool of grenadine, or simply wet the rim of the glass with water using your finger (grenadine is easiest and works best). Run the rim of a martini glass in the grenadine first, rotating the glass so the rim is evenly coated. Then roll the rim in the crushed candies until evenly coated.
  2. Shake the drink: Place the peppermint schnapps, vodka, Creme de Cacao, and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker. Add a handful of ice and shake until cold. Strain the drink into the prepared martini glass.

Notes

*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Peppermint schnapps, Peppermint schnapps drinks

More cocktail guides

Need more liquor guides? We’ve got them! Here’s all you need to know about home bartending:

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you'll want to make again and again.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

1 Comment