Naughty Elf Cocktail Recipe

Introduction

The Naughty Elf Cocktail is a festive and indulgent drink perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining creamy chocolate and peppermint flavors, it’s beautifully rimmed with crushed candy canes and topped with whipped cream for a cheerful touch.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons corn syrup or chocolate syrup (for rimming glass)
• ¼ cup crushed candy canes (for coating rim)
• 2 oz vodka (chilled)
• 1 oz chocolate liqueur (like Godiva or Baileys Chocolate)
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps (adds festive mint flavor)
• 2 oz half and half or cream (for creamy texture)
• 1 cup ice cubes (for shaking)
• Whipped cream (for topping)
• Chocolate shavings (optional garnish)
• Candy cane (for stirring or decoration)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Dip the rim of your glass into the corn syrup or chocolate syrup, then coat it with the crushed candy canes. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker completely with ice cubes.
3. Step 3: Add the chilled vodka, chocolate liqueur, and peppermint schnapps to the shaker.
4. Step 4: Pour in the half and half or cream for a rich, creamy texture.
5. Step 5: Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the mixture is frosty cold.
6. Step 6: Strain the cocktail into the rimmed glass over fresh ice.
7. Step 7: Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, add a candy cane for stirring, and sprinkle chocolate shavings if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a non-alcoholic version, replace vodka and liqueurs with peppermint-flavored syrup and chocolate milk.
• Use heavy cream instead of half and half for an even richer, thicker drink.
• Chill your glass in the freezer before preparing to keep the cocktail extra cold.
• Try adding a dash of espresso for a mocha twist.

Storage

This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately for optimal flavor and texture. If you need to prepare components in advance, keep the syrup and crushed candy canes for rimming stored separately in airtight containers. Leftover cocktail should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours; shake gently before serving again but note fresh whipped cream is best added just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cocktail vegan?

Yes, substitute the half and half or cream with a plant-based milk like coconut cream or almond milk, and use dairy-free whipped topping to keep it vegan-friendly.

What kind of chocolate liqueur works best?

Popular choices include Godiva Chocolate Liqueur or Baileys Chocolate Cream. Choose one with a smooth texture and rich chocolate taste to complement the peppermint schnapps.

Naughty Elf Cocktail Recipe

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4.5 from 479 reviews

The Naughty Elf Cocktail is a festive and creamy holiday drink featuring a delightful combination of vodka, chocolate liqueur, and peppermint schnapps. This cocktail is perfectly balanced with half and half for a rich texture and is garnished with crushed candy cane rim, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings, making it an indulgent treat for Christmas celebrations.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
• Category: Cocktail
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Glass Rim

• 2 tablespoons Corn syrup or chocolate syrup
• ¼ cup Crushed candy canes

For the Cocktail

• 2 oz Vodka (chilled)
• 1 oz Chocolate liqueur (such as Godiva or Baileys Chocolate)
• 1 oz Peppermint schnapps
• 2 oz Half and half or cream
• 1 cup Ice cubes

For Garnish

• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings (optional)
• Candy cane (for stirring or decoration)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass Rim: Dip the rim of the glass into the corn syrup or chocolate syrup, then gently coat the rim with crushed candy canes to create a festive and flavorful border.
2. Fill Shaker with Ice: Fill a cocktail shaker completely with ice cubes to ensure the drink chills thoroughly during shaking.
3. Add Spirits and Cream: Pour in the chilled vodka, chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and half and half or cream into the shaker.
4. Shake the Cocktail: Shake the mixture vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the shaker feels frosty cold, indicating the cocktail is well chilled and blended.
5. Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into the prepared rimmed glass over fresh ice cubes to maintain chill and presentation.
6. Garnish and Enjoy: Top the cocktail with a generous dollop of whipped cream, add chocolate shavings if desired, and place a candy cane for stirring or decoration to complete the festive look.

Notes

• Nutrition facts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and portion sizes used.
• For a richer texture, use cream instead of half and half.
• Adjust peppermint schnapps amount to your taste preference for mintiness.
• Use crushed candy canes fresh to enhance the flavor and texture of the glass rim.
• Can be prepared ahead and stored chilled unshaken; shake just before serving.

Keywords: Naughty Elf Cocktail, holiday cocktail, Christmas drink, chocolate peppermint cocktail, creamy cocktail, festive drink, vodka cocktail