Creating a jar with a Holiday Syrup is an EASY way to get creative this season. I share a nostalgic and quintessential flavour that can be used in a number of cocktails, and that is a Candy Cane Syrup. For today, I share something truly unique and whip up a Spicy Tequila Candy Cane Old Fashioned. It doesn’t sound like it should work, but it does and you and your guests will love these cocktails and gifts!
This concept came together on a special segment for Breakfast Television. Want to watch my segment? Catch it online by following this link HERE.
Building your Candy Cane Syrup and Cocktail Uses
I really wanted to share a Holiday Syrup recipe that was accessible and EASY! All you need is water, granulated sugar, Candy Cane and some fresh Orange Peels go a long way. Now here’s the thing, if Candy Cane isn’t your thing, experiment with other syrup opportunities. Think a gingerbread syrup, or a Rosemary & Orange Syrup. You have a ton of options and flexibility here when gifting for the holidays.
This Candy Cane syrup has been used more than once on my website. This includes the Candy Cane Mojito, Candy Cane Margarita, Peach and Candy Cane Bramble. You can also use this in classic recipes from a Tom Collins, Whisky Sour and many classic cocktails that incorporate a simple syrup of some sort. Make sure to share this note with who you’re gifting as well!
Candy Cane Syrup
This simple, easy recipe is a great way to infuse the holiday in many cocktails. Note that the colour of the syrup will depend on the type of candy cane you use. More red die, more vibrant red syrup colour.
– Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 cups Water
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 6 Candy Canes Roughly broken down
- 3 Orange peel slices
Instructions
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In a small saucer or pot, add in all your ingredients over med-high heat.
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Let it come to simmer and stir often so the candy cane breaks down.
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Simmer for 3 minutes before straining. Can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge,
Building your Spicy Tequila Candy Cane Old Fashioned
This one is a mouth-full, but man is this one DELICIOUS cocktail. The Spicy addition was a last minute add, and I’m all for it. Dillon’s Hot Pepper Bitters is a great addition to your bar and great in this cocktail. Now this Old Fashioned is made with Anejo Tequila, and why did I do this? Again, to try something different. If you really don’t want to, pick up a whisky (Irish would be great here) and experiment! But when it comes to Anejo Tequila, I love the 1800 Anejo option here for Ontario because you’re getting it at a great value!
Spicy Tequila Candy Cane Old Fashioned
Hot Pepper Bitters and a Candy Cane syrup comes together in this delicious Holiday Old Fashioned made with 1800 Anejo Tequila.
– Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 2 oz 1800 Tequila Anejo
- 0.5 oz Candy Cane Syrup
- 2 dashes Hot Pepper Bitters Dillon’s recommended here
Instructions
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In a mixing glass, add all your ingredients, fill with ice and stir.
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Stir well and strain over 1 large ice cube.
Sharing a QR Code to Access Recipes
This may be my favourite idea yet, and it has nothing to do with cocktails. Instead of handwriting all your recipes and instructions on a tag, create a QR label on your bottles instead! I have it go directly to my website, so anyone receiving this gift can easily access and get all the recipe details! I grabbed Avery stickers and used their platform to put this all together. Plus to make a QR code is simple and available free online. See below for the example.
