The Naughty Elf cocktail is a festive, shaken holiday drink that perfectly embodies winter indulgence. A sweet treat that combines the refreshing coolness of peppermint schnapps with the decadent richness of chocolate liqueur and fresh cream. To round things off, this winter cocktail is garnished with crushed peppermint candy canes and tasty chocolate shavings.
Ideal for Christmas parties and cozy winter gatherings, The Naughty Elf adds a touch of whimsical charm and festive fun to any occasion. The classic combination of mint and chocolate evokes the comforting flavors of holiday desserts, making it a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make.
Quick facts about The Naughty Elf cocktail
- Method: Shaken
- Flavor profile: Minty, chocolaty, creamy, sweet
- How to serve it: In a rocks glass garnished with crushed peppermint candy canes and chocolate shavings.
- Glassware: Rocks glass
- Alcohol content: ~17% ABV per serving
Ingredients
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps: Provides a refreshing minty flavor that's essential for this festive holiday cocktail.
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur: Adds a rich, chocolaty sweetness that pairs perfectly with mint and is reminiscent of indulgent holiday treats.
- 1 oz cream: Brings a smooth, creamy texture that balances the strong flavors and adds to the luxurious mouthfeel.
- Crushed peppermint candy canes for garnishing or rimming of the glasses: Enhances the minty flavor and adds a festive, decorative touch to the presentation.
- Chocolate shavings: Add a decadent layer of chocolate and enhance the visual appeal of the cocktail.
Required Bartending Tools
- Cocktail shaker: Essential for mixing and chilling the ingredients to achieve a perfectly blended drink.
- Hawthorne strainer: To strain the cocktail into the glass while keeping ice and solids out.
- Jigger: Ensures precise measurements for consistent taste every time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make this Cocktail
- (optional) Prepare your glasses: Wet the rim of each glass with water or simple syrup, then dip into crushed peppermint candy canes to coat the rim.
- Measure and pour: Add ice to your cocktail shaker. Then add 1 oz peppermint schnapps, 1 oz chocolate liqueur, and 2 oz cream into the shaker.
- Shake well: Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until the mixture is chilled and well combined.
- Strain and serve: Strain the cocktail evenly into the prepared glasses.
- Garnish: Add extra candy canes or chocolate shavings if desired.
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Jigger
- 1 Hawthorne Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 oz Peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz Chocolate liqueur
- 2 oz Cream
- Candy canes and crushed peppermint candy canes
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Add ice to your cocktail shaker. Then add 1 oz peppermint schnapps, 1 oz chocolate liqueur, and 2 oz cream into the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until the mixture is chilled and well combined.
- Strain the cocktail evenly into the prepared glasses.
- Add extra candy canes or chocolate shavings if desired.
FAQs
Yes, you can use coconut cream or almond milk to make it dairy-free, which will still provide a creamy texture.
A high-quality dark chocolate liqueur like Mozart's will provide a richer flavor, but any chocolate liqueur, such as Godiva or crème de cacao, will work well.
Absolutely! Replace the peppermint schnapps with peppermint syrup and the chocolate liqueur with chocolate syrup.