Day 10 of my 12 days of Christmas…and time for a drink! Peppermint Schnapps is a lovely and refreshing aperitif and makes a nice, home made Christmas gift. I can’t figure out if there is a difference between Peppermint Schnapps and Creme de Menthe, but I don’t think it matters.

This recipe is made using grain spirit. It’s also known as Polish spirit or Everclear. You can also find recipes to make schnapps using vodka.

A shot is lovely in your coffee, hot chocolate, eggnog or over ice cream. I’ve also got a few cocktail recipes down the bottom that use Peppermint Schnapps.

Peppermint Schnapps
makes about 1 litre

2.5 cups sugar
2.5 cups water
2/3 cup 96% grain spirit
3 tsp peppermint extract
green colouring (optional)

Heat sugar and water over gentle heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature. Stir in alcohol and peppermint extract. Add green food colouring if desired. Add a little at a time, until you reach the colour you’re after. I like to separate the schnapps into two batches and leave one white, and colour one green.

It tastes best when left to mature for about 2 weeks (so I’ve been told, I never wait that long)

Mint Chip
1/2 shot Peppermint Schnapps
1/2 Kahlua
Coke (optional)

Pour Schnapps and Kahlua over ice and stir. Top up with Coke if desired.

Peppermint Kiss
1/2 shot Peppermint Schnapps
Champagne

Pour Schnapps into a champagne flute. Fill with champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a small candy cane.

Icy Apple Martini
1 part  Vodka
1/2 part Sour Apple Schnapps
1/2 part Peppermint Schnapps

Mix ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a slice of apple.