A warming drink that is perfect for the cold winter weather (and is often featured in winter cocktails for this very reason), peppermint schnapps consists of a clear distilled spirit that is- as the name suggests- mint-flavored, but with a specific peppermint twist.
Typically created via peppermint extract- usually made with peppermint leaves-, sweetener (either artificial or natural) and neutral grain alcohol, it has gained an association with the Christmas period due to the taste replicating that of a peppermint candy cane in liquid form!
The strength of the peppermint taste can vary depending on the brand of drink, but peppermint schnapps will often have a relatively strong peppermint flavor, making it a drink best suited to those who enjoy a refreshingly minty taste.
It is often used in cocktails- particularly winter/holiday cocktails, as we mentioned above- but it can also be consumed straight up in a more traditional fashion.
Peppermint schnapps is certainly a popular drink that can offer a comforting taste when the weather gets colder.
With that in mind, we are going to be taking a look at some of the best peppermint schnapps available.
We are also going to be providing a handy buyer’s guide to give you all the information that you will need before you decide on which particular brand of peppermint schnapps you want to invest in.
They are all different- with some having significantly stronger tastes than others- and our guide is intended to help point you in the right direction when considering which peppermint schnapps would be the most suitable for you.
We are also going to be taking a look at some of the best peppermint syrups that can be used to create your own peppermint schnapps.
As with most kinds of alcohol, peppermint schnapps can be a little pricey. An alternative method to buying a particular brand is to get yourself some peppermint syrup and mix up your own schnapps-style cocktail.
Creating your own drink is also a great way to control the alcohol content of your beverage. It’s always good to have some alternatives!
Let’s get started with our look at some of the best peppermint schnapps (and some syrups and essences too!).
Our Best Peppermint Schnapps Reviews
Llord’s Peppermint Schnapps
A simple yet sophisticated choice when it comes to peppermint schnapps, Llord’s is a brand that offers a variety of different alcoholic beverages, such as various flavors of curacao, liquor, amaretto, and sambuca.
They also offer some different schnapps flavors as well as the peppermint one, including peach schnapps, apple schnapps, and even root beer schnapps!
Their peppermint schnapps option is the perfect starting point for those who might not have tried this particular alcoholic beverage before due to its simple and straightforward nature.
Arrow Peppermint Schnapps
The Arrow brand of peppermint schnapps is specifically made with the intention of being used as a mixer to highlight the various unique flavors that can be found in cocktails.
That being said, it is still an excellent brand of peppermint schnapps in its own right. Arrow Peppermint Schnapps is made via a high-flow filtration process.
This ensures that the liqueur elements are as crisp and clean as it is possible to be, making for a high-end (and delicious) option when it comes to this kind of alcoholic beverage.
Arrow Peppermint Schnapps has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 27%, making for a beverage that focuses more on the sweet and flavorful nature of the peppermint rather than the alcoholic content.
Arrow Super Peppermint Schnapps
If you are looking for an option that is a little stronger but still maintains the peppermint taste that the Arrow brand offers, then you can opt for the Arrow Super Peppermint Schnapps.
This is basically the same as the regular Arrow Peppermint Schnapps, but it has an ABV of 50%.
This increases the alcoholic content by volume to half of the beverage itself, rather than the original, which has an ABV of just over a quarter (27%).
If you want some peppermint schnapps with more of a bite than some other options, the Arrow Super Peppermint Schnapps is an excellent choice!
DeKuyper Peppermint Schnhttps://drizly.sjv.io/WDo5GZapps Liquer
The DeKuyper brand of peppermint schnapps is a beautifully refreshing option that is sure to infuse well with cocktails to offer a lovely minty hint.
This peppermint schnapps is made with peppermint extract, giving it a more authentic and smooth taste that brings some bite into any cocktail, whilst also working excellently as a traditional standalone beverage.
Sip it on a cold winter’s night to bring some peppermint-flavored warmth to your belly, or enjoy it as part of a cocktail for a burst of mint that can be enjoyed all year round.
The ABV of this particular schnapps is 30%, so it isn’t too strong for those who might struggle with brands of alcohol that have a larger alcohol volume content.
DeKuyper 100 Proof Peppermint Schnapps Liquer
If you are a fan of the DeKuyper brand of peppermint schnapps but want something that is stronger in the way of alcohol content, then the 100 proof Dekuyper Peppermint Schnapps offers just that.
With an ABV of 50% and 100 proof (the name is a dead giveaway in that regard!), this is a peppermint schnapps that is not for the faint-hearted and would be excellent to be used in shots.
It maintains the cool and refreshing taste of the lighter DeKuyper option but gives you a strong and heady choice of alcoholic beverage.
Phillips Peppermint 80 Schnapps
Phillips is one of the major brands of Schnapps- being the alcohol of choice that the Phillips brand is best-known for- in the United States.
Phillips Schnapps is also the oldest and the very first schnapps brand in America, introduced into the country way back in 1935.
The schnapps recipe was crafted and perfected more than sixty years ago by Al Dorsch, making it a long-lasting and somewhat historical option!
This particular kind of Phillips Peppermint Schnapps is 80 proof, but it is also available in 60 proof.
The alcohol proof is another method of measuring the ethanol/alcohol content within an alcoholic beverage alongside ABV and in the United States, the alcohol proof is twice the percentage of the ABV.
The ABV of the 80 proof Phillips Peppermint Schnapps is 40%, so this is a slightly stronger option in comparison to the 60 proof choice.
Rumple Minze Peppermint Schnapps
A good old-fashioned German-produced alcoholic beverage, the Rumple Minze brand offers a crisp and fresh take on peppermint schnapps that is perfect for holiday gatherings but also a wonderful choice to sip on alone.
This is another brand that is well known, with its double-headed golden eagle logo being well known in the alcohol industry.
This is a strong choice of peppermint schnapps- with an ABV of 50% and proof of 100- so it is more suitable for those who are able to take a little kick with their drink!
The Rumple Minze Peppermint Schnapps is also a particularly great option for shots, thanks to that kick which blends beautifully with the refreshing peppermint taste.
Hiram Walker Peppermint Schnapps 60 Proof
The Hiram Walker brand of peppermint schnapps offers a sweeter, all-natural style of schnapps thanks to the oil-of-mint distillation process from which it is made.
This makes it a great option for cocktails as well as for single use.
The beverage itself is crystal clear and can be used to create all manner of peppermint-themed drinks for the festive season.
This particular choice is 60 proof- with a 30% ABV- but it is also available as a stronger 90 proof with a 45% ABV.
The sweetness and the refreshing taste of Hiram Walker Peppermint Schnapps make it one of the better brands of peppermint schnapps.
Defrost Peppermint Schnapps
Another stronger option of peppermint schnapps, Defrost has a wintery taste that matches its winter-themed branding.
The peppermint candy cane taste is strong with this schnapps option, as is the alcohol content, with an ABV of 50% and a proof of 100.
The creamy texture gives Defrost a smooth and velvety feeling that is easily able to be used straight or as a mixer.
Telluride Distilling Co.Chairlift Warmer Peppermint Schnapps
The recipe of this particular peppermint schnapps is inspired by recipes from the European Alps, with a taste that is sweet enough to be enjoyable but not too sickly or too thick to make it become too syrup-like.
The peppermint flavor is incredibly authentic and natural, bringing a homemade feel to the sweet beverage. The Telluride Peppermint Schnapps is also gluten-free, making it accessible to those who cannot tolerate gluten.
There is a choice of proofs when it comes to this particular brand of peppermint schnapps: 50 or 100.
Whether you prefer stronger or weaker alcoholic content in your schnapps, you have the choice with the Telluride Distilling Co. Chairlift Warmer Peppermint Schnapps.
Yukon Jack Perma Frost Schnapps
The Yukon Jack brand of peppermint schnapps- named “Perma Frost”- has a unique twist to it in that whilst it is primarily peppermint flavored, it includes a hint of cinnamon that emphasizes that wintery, festive vibe.
The coolness of the peppermint blends effortlessly with the warm cinnamon to create a drink that is sure to clear away the winter chill on a cold night.
This is also another strong choice of alcoholic beverage, with an ABV of 50%.
Prepare for that kick if you choose to drink it straight, or alternatively use it as a mixer to create a great-tasting winter cocktail.
Bols Peppermint Schnapps Liqueur
Bols is another well-known schnapps brand that is popular for a reason.
Their peppermint schnapps has a freshness that is sure to be an appealing element to those who prefer the more natural taste with their peppermint schnapps.
The crispness of Bols Peppermint Schnapps is strong throughout and makes for a delicious choice on its own as well as part of a cocktail.
The alcohol content isn’t too high for those who prefer a more subtle alcohol taste as well, with an ABV of 24%.
Peppermint Syrups To Create Your Own Peppermint Schnapps
Liquor Quik Natural Schnapps Peppermint Schnapps Essence
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The Liquor Quick brand offers a range of flavors to create your own schnapps- such as spiced apple, goldrush cinnamon, and lemon- but you can also create your own peppermint schnapps with the peppermint option.
This essence is made using all-natural oils and is sure to offer a great alternative when it comes to creating your own peppermint schnapps drink.
Torani Peppermint Syrup
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Whilst this particular peppermint syrup is commonly used in drinks such as coffee or hot chocolate, there is nothing stopping you from getting a little creative with the Torani syrup brand and using it to make your own peppermint schnapps.
This syrup offers an indulgent and rich peppermint taste that could be just what you need to spice up your drink.
This is a particularly sugary sweet option, though, so if you have a sweet tooth this could be a perfect choice.
Amoretti Premium Peppermint Syrup
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Another hot drink and dessert syrup, the Amoretti brand is known for its sweet and silky smooth syrups.
Mix it up with a suitable schnapps flavor- such as apple or cinnamon- to create a unique concoction all of your own!
Monin Peppermint Syrup
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The Monin brand of peppermint syrup offers an authentic and natural taste thanks to its all-natural ingredients.
This particular syrup is also GMO-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making it a great choice when it comes to creating your own peppermint schnapps if you are unable to consume gluten or dairy (being GMO-free is just generally a good thing too, no matter what your dietary requirements might be!).
The organic nature of the Monin Peppermint Syrup might make it an ideal choice for those with specific allergies or dietary restrictions who aren’t able to tolerate certain store brands of peppermint schnapps.
DaVinci Gourmet Sugar-Free Peppermint Paddy Syrup
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As the name suggests, the DaVinci Peppermint syrup is a gourmet syrup option that can easily be used to create your own peppermint schnapps.
The DaVinci syrup is a sugar-free option that combines chocolate and peppermint flavors in a way that is still bursting with taste despite the lack of sugar.
Craft your own delicious peppermint schnapps beverage with a little extra chocolate sprinkled it with this fantastic syrup choice.
Buyer’s Guide for Peppermint Schnapps
Now that we have looked at some of the most popular peppermint schnapps options- as well as some peppermint syrups that can be used to make your own-, let’s take a look at what you need to consider before you pick your drink or your syrup.
Buying Within Your Budget
First and foremost, consider what your budget is. Some of the more high-end schnapps brands might be more costly than others, so set yourself a ballpark area that you want to stay within when buying.
You might also want to compare the prices of buying ready-made schnapps in comparison to buying a peppermint syrup with the ingredients to make your own drink.
You may already have some alcohol that you want to combine it with to create your own peppermint schnapps, which could end up being a cheaper alternative in the long run.
Plan accordingly and make a note of the exact prices before you rush into a purchase.
Syrup Or Schnapps?
Whilst we are on the topic of the syrup-based do-it-yourself alternative, it is a good idea to decide on this early on.
Schnapps has a tendency to be very strong (although we have discussed some options with slightly lower ABV’s here as well) and so if you know you are not a big drinker, and you want to be able to have full control of exactly what you are drinking as you do so, then this self crafting option with peppermint syrup could be the perfect solution.
Decide whether you want to have a go at making your own peppermint schnapps beforehand, and get your hands on everything you will need to mix it if you do decide to try it yourself.
Mixing and matching is the fun part, though, so perhaps don’t prepare too much!!
ABV And Proof
As we said, schnapps can be one of the stronger alcoholic drinks, so it is imperative that you check the ABV and the proof of each brand before you make a choice.
The lower the ABV and the proof, the lower the alcoholic content and vice versa. Choose depending on your personal tastes or dietary restrictions, but also choose responsibly!
Cocktail Or Straight Up
This is also an important factor to consider when deciding on what peppermint schnapps is right for.
If you are planning on creating a variety of winter-themed cocktails, you might want to opt for a different choice of schnapps in comparison to if you plan to drink straight out of the bottle.
If you do want to drink it straight up, you might want to consider an option with a lower alcohol content to avoid any painful hangovers! You can also consider whether you want to make shots with your schnapps too.
Be Responsible
You know this and we know this but it has to be said to absolutely everyone and anyone when it comes to alcohol!
Be responsible with your choices when it comes to peppermint schnapps, and do not exceed the legal limits (or your own limits!).
Enjoy yourself but keep your head clear and always be smart, responsible, and thoughtful!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Peppermint Schnapps Made From?
Peppermint schnapps is an alcoholic beverage that is made from distilled spirits- usually neutral grain or pure grain alcohol- and peppermint flavoring.
This flavoring can be in a natural or synthetic form, such as peppermint leaves, peppermint extract, or peppermint syrup.
It is a simple, colorless drink with a sweet and light taste that varies in strength (in terms of both the peppermint taste and the alcohol content) depending on your chosen brand.
Peppermint schnapps can easily be consumed alone, as a shot or as part of a cocktail, as is popular and common practice.
How Alcoholic Is Peppermint Schnapps?
We have discussed the alcohol content of various brands of peppermint schnapps above and, as you can see, the content can vary from brand to brand.
The usual ABV/proof rate is between around 15 to 50 ABV/ 30 to 100 proof. Some of what we have looked at has had more, but this is the standard ABV range for peppermint schnapps.
Make sure to check the ABV/proof before you invest in peppermint schnapps to ensure that you get the appropriate amount of alcohol to suit your personal preferences.
Can You Mix Hot Chocolate With Peppermint Schnapps?
Of course! A little addition of peppermint schnapps is a great way to make a winter drink even cozier and warming, whilst also offering a bit of a bite.
The combination of traditional hot chocolate with this particular alcoholic beverage can make for a wonderful holiday treat to stave off the cold in the winter weather.
Just make sure not to mix it up with the hot chocolate that is given to the kids!