The Jolly Cane Cocktail is one of the most refreshing and festive holiday drinks you can make this season. With its sparkling pink color, cool mint aroma, and iconic candy cane garnish, this cocktail instantly brings Christmas cheer to any celebration. It’s bright, playful, easy to prepare, and absolutely perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights at home, or any moment when you want something sweet and beautifully Instagram-worthy. This cocktail gets its lovely blush-pink color from crushed candy canes melting into the drink, creating both sweetness and a visual effect that feels magical. The combination of gin and Supasawa (or lemon/lime sour mix) gives it the perfect balance of freshness and holiday sparkle.
Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner, a Christmas Eve gathering, or a festive girls’ night in December, this cocktail is always a favorite. It’s simple enough for beginners and impressive enough for experienced home bartenders who love a drink that looks as good as it tastes. With its icy texture, peppermint notes, and elegant pink glow, the Jolly Cane Cocktail is a drink you’ll want to serve again and again every holiday season.
⭐ Ingredients
For One Cocktail
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz Supasawa (or lemon/lime sour mix)
- Crushed ice
- Candy canes (whole + crushed)
- Splash of soda water (optional, for extra sparkle)
- Fresh mint (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins
- Cranberry juice (splash for deeper pink)
- Peppermint schnapps (for stronger mint flavor)
- Lime wedge
- Simple syrup (if you want it sweeter)
⭐ How to Make the Jolly Cane Cocktail
Step 1 – Prep the Candy Canes
Place one candy cane in a sealed bag and crush it lightly using a spoon. This gives the drink its signature peppermint sweetness and pretty speckles.
Step 2 – Fill the Glass
Add a generous amount of crushed ice into a tall cocktail glass. Crushed ice makes the drink colder, lighter, and more visually stunning.
Step 3 – Add Gin
Pour 2 oz of gin over the ice. Gin adds botanical notes that pair beautifully with the peppermint flavor.
Step 4 – Add Supasawa (or Sour Mix)
Pour in 1 oz Supasawa or lemon-lime sour mix. This brightens the drink and balances the sweetness.
Step 5 – Mix in the Crushed Candy Cane
Add a spoonful of crushed candy cane and gently stir. As it melts, it releases flavor and color into the drink.
Step 6 – Add a Sparkling Finish
Add a splash of soda water (optional) for a bubbly, holiday-style finish.
Step 7 – Garnish
Place one whole candy cane inside the glass and top with a small sprig of mint. The red-and-white candy cane gives the cocktail its charming Christmas look.
Step 8 – Serve Immediately
Serve the Jolly Cane Cocktail while icy and vibrant for the best flavor and presentation.
⭐ Variations
1. Jolly Cane Vodka Cocktail
Replace gin with vodka for a smoother, more neutral flavor.
2. Creamy Candy Cane Cocktail
Add a splash of:
- White chocolate liqueur
- Or half-and-half
For a dessert-style version.
3. Sparkling Rosé Jolly Cane
Top with sparkling rosé instead of soda water for an elegant holiday twist.
4. Cranberry Jolly Cane
Add a splash of cranberry juice for deeper color and a tangy holiday flavor.
5. Mocktail Version (Kid-Friendly)
Replace the gin with:
- Sprite
- Or sparkling water + splash of cranberry
Add more crushed candy cane for sweetness.
⭐ Expert Tips
- Chill your glass before serving for an extra frosty look.
- Use a clear glass — the pink color is the star!
- Add crushed candy cane gradually to control sweetness.
- Fresh mint adds aroma and color contrast, so don’t skip it.
- For photos: add extra crushed ice at the top to catch the light.
⭐ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using large ice cubes → melts slower and doesn’t blend flavor well.
- Adding too much candy cane → overly sweet + melts inconsistently.
- Not stirring enough → the candy cane won’t infuse.
- Adding soda before alcohol → creates foaming and changes the texture.
- Using low-quality gin → botanical flavor matters!
⭐ Serving Suggestions
Serve this cocktail with:
- Christmas cookies
- Peppermint bark
- White chocolate truffles
- Mini cheesecakes
- Holiday popcorn mix
- Strawberry macarons
Perfect moments to serve:
- Christmas Eve
- Holiday brunch
- Girls’ night
- December birthday parties
- Winter date nights
- Ugly sweater parties
⭐ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Mix gin + sour mix ahead of time and keep refrigerated.
- Do NOT add candy cane until serving — it melts quickly.
- Add ice only when it’s time to serve.
- You can pre-crush candy canes and store them in a zip bag for up to 1 week.
- Do not store the cocktail fully mixed — ice will dilute it.
⭐ Party-Size Version
For a 10-drink batch:
- 20 oz gin
- 10 oz Supasawa
- 5 crushed candy canes
- Add soda water just before serving
- Serve in a punch bowl with lots of ice
Kids version:
- 1 liter Sprite
- 1/2 cup crushed candy cane
- Optional splash of cranberry
⭐ Prep & Total Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
⭐ Nutrition (Approx.)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: varies depending on candy canes
- Carbs: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Alcohol: 2 oz gin
⭐ FAQs
Can I use vodka instead of gin?
Yes, vodka works perfectly for a lighter flavor.
Can I make it sweeter?
Add more crushed candy cane or a splash of simple syrup.
Can I make this cocktail blue or white?
Yes! Use blue candy canes or white peppermint sticks.
Can I make this in advance?
Mix alcohol + sour mix only. Add ice + candy cane last.
Can I serve it warm?
This recipe is best served cold, but you can make a warm peppermint toddy variation with hot water and peppermint syrup.
💫 More Festive Drinks to Try
- Kissing Santa Claus Mocktail
- Christmas Morning Punch
- Cinnamon Vanilla White Russian
- Frostbite Martini
- Raspberry Creamsicle Cocktail
🔗 External Links
⭐ Conclusion
The Jolly Cane Cocktail is the perfect blend of festive flavor, Christmas sweetness, and sparkling refreshment. With its gorgeous pink color, cool peppermint twist, and simple ingredients, it’s the kind of holiday drink that impresses every guest without requiring any complicated steps. Whether you enjoy it by the fireplace or serve it during a big family celebration, this cocktail adds joy, beauty, and Christmas magic to every sip.
