Easy Peppermint Patty Shot Recipe is the perfect fun winter cocktail combination of Crème de Cacao, Peppermint Schnapps, and Bailey's Irish Cream.

Peppermint Patty Shot over a shot glass next to peppermint patty candies

Peppermint Patty Shot Recipe

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This winter cocktail shot tastes like a liquid chocolate peppermint patty candy.

It is the perfect chocolate peppermint patty shooter after spending the day outside in the snow—whether skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, or cleaning your driveway for the fifth time in a couple of days because it is winter, and the snow won't stop. LOL!

Can you tell I have been clearing the driveway of a lot of snow the past week or two? I have become BFF with our snow shovel. While we have a snow blower, it is so big that it pulls me along for a ride. I am afraid a neighbor will drive by and see me being dragged around in circles by the snow blower.

So, I stick with my trusty snow shovel unless my husband is out with me and can keep me from faceplanting while using the snow blower.

Enough about my snow issues; let's make this epic winter cocktail shot.

Creme de Cacao, Baileys Irish Cream, and Peppermint Schnapps bottles

Ingredients

Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients needed to make an epic Peppermint Patty Shot! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.

Equipment Needed

OXO angled jiggers - these are our go-to measuring tools for cocktails. They work perfectly for pouring in layers for cocktails.

Cocktail Shaker – This cocktail shaker comes with a fantastic set of tools

2 ounce shot glasses - We love these 2 oz shot glasses especially for layered shots.

Peppermint Patty Shot on white coasters next to peppermint chocolate candy

How to make a Peppermint Patty Shot

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version.

Pour all three liqueurs into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Shake until chilled and strain into your shot glasses.

peppermint shot next to York Peppermint chocolate packages

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead + Storage:

Since presentation doesn’t matter as much in peppermint patty shots, unlike in layered cocktails, you can make this shot the day before. Refrigerate it in an airtight container for freshness until it’s time to serve. Shake the container before pouring to remix any settled ingredients.

Freezing/How to Freeze:

We have yet to try it this way, but you can double the shot ingredients and blend them with a handful of ice for a Frozen Peppermint Patty Drink. Increase the proportions of ingredients as needed to fill your desired drinking glass.

Recipe Variations

Substitutions:

If you don't have crème de cacao, you could also use a chocolate vodka.

You can swap the peppermint schnapps with crème de menthe, which has a similar flavor but contains more sugar and less alcohol. Use clear crème de menthe unless you don’t mind turning your shot green with green crème de menthe.

Vegetarian Option:

This Peppermint Patty Shot is 100 percent vegetarian!

Vegan Option:

Peppermint schnapps and crème de cacao are vegan, but Baileys contains dairy. If you are vegan or make this shooter for vegan friends, Baileys has Baileys Almande, a dairy-free alternative made with vegan-friendly vanilla and almonds.

Gluten-Free:

All three ingredients in this decadent shot are on Celiac.com’s list of gluten-free liqueurs, making this recipe safe for a gluten-free diet. However, gluten-free drinkers should use a gluten-free alternative to Baileys, as Baileys does not guarantee that its products are gluten-free.

Alcohol-Free Option:

Each ingredient in this Peppermint Patty Shot is a liqueur, so replace each with an NA alternative to make it alcohol-free.

Smaller Serving Size:

This drink will fill one 2-ounce shot glass, but you can spread it between two 1-oz shot glasses for smaller Peppermint Patty Shots.

Larger Group/More Servings:

For more servings, multiply the recipe by the number of shots you need and divide the mixture between each shot glass. Be prepared to work in batches if you’re serving a large group.

Sugar-Free:

The written recipe contains 18 grams of sugar per serving. We have not seen alcoholic sugar-free crème de cacao, peppermint schnapps, or Irish cream alternatives at stores, so sugar-free drinkers must skip this sweet shot or make their liqueurs using the many sugar-free recipes online.

Tips for the Best Peppermint Patty Shot

Mix even more chocolate flavor into this Peppermint Patty Shot with Godiva Chocolate Liqueur or some chocolate syrup.
You can garnish this shot by laying a peppermint patty over it.

What to Serve with a Peppermint Patty Shot

The Peppermint Patty Shot is a fantastic, easy-to-make shot that tastes like a peppermint patty candy! We love enjoying it around the holidays, although we also see it around St. Patrick’s Day season. Here are some menu pairing suggestions to make it part of a festive feast or cocktail party for sharing with friends and family.

Sides: Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies, Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, Cheesy Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams, Creamed Corn Casserole, Campbell's Green Bean Casserole, CrockPot Scalloped Potatoes & Ham