Easy Polar Bear Shot (Just 2 Ingredients!)
Looking for a fun holiday cocktail? This Polar Bear Shot is refreshing, smooth, and perfect for winter parties or holiday get-togethers.

We do a lot of entertaining between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, and I really enjoy making seasonally appropriate cocktails for our guests. This Polar Bear shot recipe is one of my family’s favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Polar Bear Shot
- It’s Easy – You only need two ingredients
- Ready in Seconds – Just shake, pour, and serve. That’s my kind of recipe!
- Tastes Like Candy – It’s like an adult version of a peppermint patty in a shot glass
- Perfect for Parties – Ideal for winter parties, and easy to make in bulk ahead of time
“I made this for a New Year’s Eve party and it was a huge hit! Everyone asked for the recipe!”
For another refreshing holiday cocktail, try my Candy Cane Martini recipe.
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Ingredients
- Peppermint Schnapps – You can also use clear creme de menthe or peppermint vodka in place of the schnapps
- Creme de Cacao – You’ll want the clear, white chocolate version. You can use dark creme de cacao if that’s all you have but it will have a dark brown color rather than the winter cocktail we’re going for.
Serving Tips
For the best presentation, pop your shot glasses in the freezer for ten minutes to get them cold and frosty before mixing up the shots.
If you want to experiment a little, try adding 1/2 ounce of vanilla vodka to the recipe. Or for a more creamy version, you can add the same amount of half and half, Bailey’s or RumChata.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make polar bear shots ahead of time?
You can pre-mix a batch using equal parts peppermint schnapps and creme de cacao and store in the fridge, then just shake over ice when serving.
Polar Bear Shot
Looking for a fun holiday cocktail? This Polar Bear Shot is refreshing, smooth, and perfect for winter parties or holiday get-togethers.
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce white creme de cacao
- 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps
Instructions
- Combine the peppermint schnapps and creme de cacao in an ice-filled cocktail shaker
- Shake well
- Strain into a chilled shot glass
