Santa’s Little Helper is a creamy, festive cocktail that combines holiday flavors like peppermint and chocolate with a touch of Irish cream and vodka. This deliciously indulgent drink is perfect for cozying up by the fire or celebrating with friends and family!
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz crème de cacao (white or dark, depending on preference)
- 1 oz heavy cream or milk
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, for garnish
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Mini candy cane or chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Glass:
- Dip the rim of a martini or cocktail glass in a bit of crème de cacao, then dip it in crushed candy cane pieces to create a festive rim.
- Mix the Cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, Irish cream, peppermint schnapps, crème de cacao, and heavy cream or milk.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and combine.
- Serve:
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Garnish:
- Top with a swirl of whipped cream, sprinkle with crushed candy cane or chocolate shavings, and add a mini candy cane on the rim.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1
Tips
- Make It a Mocktail: Substitute peppermint schnapps with peppermint syrup, and use cream and chocolate syrup instead of the alcohol for a kid-friendly version.
- For Extra Chill: Chill the glass in the freezer before serving.
- Flavor Twist: For an extra chocolatey version, add 1/2 oz of chocolate syrup to the shaker.
Enjoy the festive flavors of Santa’s Little Helper, a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!
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Santa’s Little Helper Cocktail
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Santa’s Little Helper Cocktail is a delightful holiday drink that combines the warm flavors of coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and Irish cream with a creamy finish. Perfect for cozy nights by the fire or festive gatherings, this cocktail captures the spirit of the season in each sip. Garnished with a candy cane, it’s both flavorful and visually festive!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur (e.g., Baileys)
- 1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream
- Ice cubes
- Mini candy cane, for garnish
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, Irish cream liqueur, and half-and-half (or heavy cream).
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled and smooth.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass or lowball glass over ice.
- Garnish with a mini candy cane for a festive touch. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra-frosty effect, chill the glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
- Adjust the peppermint schnapps to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger peppermint flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: ~230 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 28mg