Cool, creamy, and just the right amount of minty-this cocktail is one of those treats that feels like winter in a glass, but I’ll happily sip it any time of year. The Frostbite blends smooth tequila, white crème de cacao, and peppermint schnapps into a rich, velvety drink with a refreshing kick. It’s a little indulgent, a little unexpected, and always a hit at gatherings. I’ve made this drink countless times-here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: a little fresh cream goes a long way in getting that silky texture just right.
Frostbite
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: Makes 1 cocktail
Glassware: Cocktail or martini glass (chilled)
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) tequila
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) white crème de cacao
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) blue curaçao
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
– 0.25 oz (7 ml) peppermint schnapps
– Ice
– Optional garnish: fresh mint sprig or maraschino cherry
Method
- Pop your cocktail or martini glass into the freezer to chill while you mix the drink.
- In a cocktail shaker, add:
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 0.75 oz white crème de cacao
- 0.75 oz blue curaçao
- 0.5 oz heavy cream
- 0.25 oz peppermint schnapps
- Fill the shaker with ice. Shake for about 15-20 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels cold and frosty.
- Strain into your chilled glass.
- Garnish with a mint sprig or cherry if you like. Serve right away while it’s cold and creamy.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh cream: It makes the cocktail extra smooth. Avoid whipped cream from a can-it won’t mix well.
– Don’t overdo the peppermint schnapps: It’s strong and can easily overpower the other flavors.
– Shake well: You want the drink to be icy-cold and lightly frothy from the cream.
– Want a deeper mint flavor? Add a drop of peppermint extract, but go easy-it’s potent!
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the tequila, crème de cacao, curaçao, and schnapps ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge for a few hours. Just add the cream and shake with ice right before serving to keep the texture fresh.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens), store in the fridge for up to a day. Give it a good shake before serving again.
Ingredient Swaps
– Swap the tequila for vodka if you prefer a milder base.
– Use coconut milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
– Don’t have blue curaçao? Try an orange liqueur like triple sec-it’ll change the color but still tastes great.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with:
Chocolate Desserts
Think dark chocolate truffles or brownies. The cocoa in the drink and the dessert play off each other in the best way.
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Double down on the mint! Plus, the creamy textures match up nicely.
Spicy Bites
Try jalapeño poppers or spicy nuts. The cool, creamy drink balances the heat.
Variations to Try
Winter’s Kiss
– Swap the blue curaçao with blueberry liqueur for a fruity twist and a deeper purple hue.
Peppermint Patty
– Add a splash of coffee liqueur and rim the glass with chocolate syrup. Garnish with a peppermint stick for a fun holiday version.
Snowdrift
– Blend with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a splash of white chocolate liqueur. Serve in a chilled mug for a dessert-style drink.
Virgin Frostbite (Non-Alcoholic)
– Mix 1 oz peppermint syrup, 0.5 oz cream (or coconut milk), and a few drops of blue food coloring. Shake with ice and serve over crushed ice.
Common Questions
Can I make it without blue curaçao?
Yes! The color will change, but you can use orange liqueur or skip it altogether for a more neutral look.
How do I batch this for a party?
Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix everything except the cream ahead of time. Store chilled. Shake each serving with cream and ice before pouring.
Can I make it creamier?
Sure! Use heavy cream or even add a small spoonful of whipped cream for extra richness.
What non-alcoholic drinks go well with it?
Sparkling water with lemon, mint tea, or even a cold brew coffee on the side complements the flavors nicely.
Is it just for winter?
Not at all. It’s great anytime you want something cool, creamy, and a little bit indulgent. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails because it’s just too good to save for the holidays.
Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or just craving something sweet and minty, the Frostbite is a fun, festive cocktail that always delivers. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite too.
