Winter Wonderland Peppermint Cocktail

If winter had a flavor, this snow globe cocktail would be it - cool, crisp, and sparkling like a snowy forest. My Winter Wonderland Peppermint Cocktail is a drink that looks just as magical as it tastes. With refreshing peppermint, fragrant rosemary, and a swirl of silver shimmer, it's the perfect showstopper for your next holiday gathering.

 

 

It's not a secret that this peppermint cocktail is perfect for the Christmas season, and if you want more Christmas cocktail inspirations I can recommend:

• Sugar Plum Fairy's sparkling plum cocktail
• Sparkling vodka cranberry
• Golden sparkling mandarin cocktail
• Dasher's creamy eggnog or Prancer's eggnog white Russian
• or check out my cocktail archive for all of them!

 

Why you'll love this recipe

 

This peppermint cocktail is inspired by the beauty of a frozen forest - pine needles dusted in snow, sparkling ice, and that fresh winter air that takes your breath away.

 

It's perfect for Christmas, New Year's Eve, or any cozy winter evening when you want something festive but not overly sweet.

 

The peppermint gives that familiar holiday touch without being toothpaste-y, and the rosemary syrup brings an earthy, "walking-through-the-woods" vibe that balances it beautifully.

 

Pair it with:

• A cheese board or light appetizers (try something with brie and honey, like this apple brie toast).

• Winter desserts like chocolate mousse, peppermint bark, or coconut cookies.

 

It's also a great conversation starter - that frozen rosemary "tree" makes it look like a snow globe in a glass!

 

 

Ingredients

 

Here's what makes this cocktail so special:

• Peppermint liqueur: Brings that cool, clean minty note - it's not too strong, just refreshing.
• Rosemary simple syrup: Adds sweetness and a subtle pine flavor. You make this by simmering sugar, water, and fresh rosemary. It gives the drink its woodland charm.
• Vodka and/or prosecco: The base of the cocktail. Prosecco gives bubbles and lightness, while vodka and sparkling water make it clearer and more elegant (and keep the "snow globe" effect visible). But both versions are delicious!
• Edible silver glitter (optional): Adds a magical shimmer that swirls through the glass - perfect for that winter wonderland look.
• Fresh rosemary sprig: Not just a garnish, but the centerpiece of your little "frozen forest."

 

 

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare your snow globe glass.
In a round gin-and-tonic glass, pour a small layer of water at the bottom. Tape a rosemary sprig upright in the center (this will look like a tree once frozen). I add a kitchen twine around and tape it to the glass.

 

If you find a better way to keep it centered, let me know! 

 

 

Place the glass upright in the freezer until solid - this may take a couple of hours. Make sure it's fully frozen, or the ice base will float later. I often just prepare the glass the day before to be completely sure.

 

Step 2: Make the rosemary syrup.
In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and rosemary sprigs. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, then let steep for 15-20 minutes before straining. Cool completely. This keeps a few weeks in the fridge, and is perfect for many other cocktails as well! 

 

 

Step 3: Mix the cocktail.
In a cocktail shaker, combine peppermint liqueur, rosemary syrup, silver dust and vodka (if using) with a large ice cube. Shake for 20 seconds or until the shaker turns frosty.

 

 

Step 4: Assemble and serve.
Remove the tape and kitchen twine from your frozen rosemary "tree." Pour the cocktail mixture over the ice base, and top with sparkling water (or Prosecco). Watch the glitter swirl and sparkle - it's like a snowstorm in a glass!

 

Serve immediately and enjoy that crisp, piney freshness.

 

Substitutions

 

• Prosecco: Swap for tonic or sparkling water if you want a non-alcoholic or lighter version. I usually use sparkling water purely because it's clearer in appearance, which helps with the winter wonderland vibe. 
• Vodka: Leave it out entirely for a mocktail - just use more sparkling water. Traditional gin is also a great alternative to vodka if you want more of the forest vibe, as it has a hint of juniper berries.
• Rosemary syrup: Can be replaced with plain simple syrup if you don't have rosemary, but you'll lose some of that forest aroma, so I highly recommend it.
• Silver glitter: Optional! Skip it if you prefer a clearer drink or if you can't find edible glitter.

 

Variations

 

• Mocktail version: Use peppermint syrup instead of peppermint liqueur, skip the vodka, and top with sparkling water.
• Sweet twist: Add a splash of white crème de cacao for a dessert-style version that's like peppermint bark in a glass.
• More garnish: You can also add frozen cranberries as a delicious garnish. 

 

Because the cocktail is so simple it's not easy to keep the vibe while switching too much, so just keep that in mind!

 

 

Equipment

 

You'll need:

• A gin-and-tonic glass (or any glass large enough to freeze a tree to the bottom).
• Cocktail shaker for mixing the ingredients evenly.
• Freezer space to freeze your rosemary "tree."
• Saucepan to make the rosemary syrup.

 

Tip: Make sure the glass stays upright while freezing to keep your rosemary sprig centered.

 

If your freezer isn't tall enough, you can freeze the base separately in a silicone mold and transfer it to the glass when serving, however then I'd go for a slim collins type of glass so the ice won't float around too much..

 

Storage

 

The finished drink is best made fresh. However, you can:

• Prepare the rosemary syrup up to a week in advance and keep it refrigerated in a sealed jar.
• Freeze several glasses with rosemary "trees" ahead of time for party prep - just store them carefully upright in the freezer until serving.

 

Once mixed, the cocktail should be enjoyed immediately - it loses its sparkle and fizz over time.

 

 

Expert tips

 

• Don't rush the freezing - make sure your rosemary sprig is fully frozen into the base before pouring in the drink.
• Use clear vodka and sparkling water for that crystal-snow look.
• Chill all ingredients before mixing to keep the ice from melting too quickly.
• If using silver glitter, stir lightly - too much and it will make it cloudy.

 

Recipe FAQs

 

Enjoy this frosty breeze through the winter wonderland forest!

 

 

Did you like this recipe? Here are more cocktails I think you would enjoy:

 

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or tag me @thegingerwithspice on Instagram. And don't forget to Pin it for later! To make sure you're never missing another recipe, please feel free to subscribe to my newsletter. 

 

As thanks, you will receive a free e-cookbook Travels Through the Seasons, with many delicious recipes from around the world that suit different seasons of the year. 

 

To keep the blog up and running this post may contain affiliate links, it will be at no extra cost to you, please read the disclosure for more information.

 

Print

Recipe