A recipe for Boozy Peppermint Marshmallows. These adult marshmallows are made with vanilla vodka and peppermint schnapps for a fun holiday DIY gift. This recipe is for ages 21+. I’ve added a non-alcoholic version to the recipe.
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It’s that time of year when I share my DIY holiday gift. I like to keep to a theme of boozy treats that can be easily wrapped up and shared with friends and family. Last year, I made these Bailey’s Candy Truffles filled with dark chocolate and blackberry white chocolate ganache. I’m sticking with the candy theme again (and unintentionally the same food styling props, ha) and I am SO excited to share this one. It’s divine. This year’s DIY holiday treat is Boozy Peppermint Marshmallows. Yup, these marshmallows have been whipped with alcohol for a fun take on a classic favorite. Can you say hello boozed up s’more, hot chocolate, and coffee? Because I can! Not…that I’ve tried them in all of the above. No..not at all. I have not gone completely marshmallow crazy…okay I’ve gone completely marshmallow crazy. You will too though!
These mallows are airy perfection and a fun way to give a homemade holiday gift. If you’ve never made homemade marshmallows you’re in for a treat. I use to think I didn’t like marshmallows until I had homemade. They are whipped up in a stand mixer
Now, I have done things a bit different on this post. I typically share process photos but there are two things to know about making marshmallows. You need to be very careful when making/handling the sugar syrup, it’s hot stuff! It will burn you if you get it on your skin. You also need to work quickly once the marshmallows are whipped or you won’t be able to move them. Since this recipe does need your undivided attention at times, it just wasn’t going to happen with the photos. With that said, I’ve got some marshmallow tips to ensure you get perfect boozy marshmallows every time.
TIPS FOR PERFECT MARSHMALLOWS
1. Be generous with your dusting. Once your marshmallows have been made, they are sticky! Dusting them makes them easier to handle without causing sticky fingers and marshmallows sticking to each other. I use a ratio of 3:1 of confectioner’s sugar
2. If it’s very humid where you are, be even more generous with your dusting. Marshmallows need a specific balance of liquid to air. If you find your marshmallows are dense after setting. Use a teaspoon less of water in the blooming of the gelatin the next time you make them.
3. Bloom your gelatin until you can pick it up as a thick gummy disk. If it doesn’t do this, dump it and try again. I’ve had issues with off-brand gelatins blooming in the past. I use Knox 
4. How to know your marshmallows have whipped enough: The mixture should be white and glossy. It should hold stiff peaks. When being mixed it should start pulling away from the sides of the mixing bowl. The mixing bowl will almost be back to room temperature when you touch it.
5. Use a candy thermometer
6. Grease everything that touches the whipped up marshmallows. Using an unflavored oil lightly grease (no pooling) the plastic wrap lining your 9×13 pan. Grease the spatula you’ll use to move the marshmallows out of the bowl to the pan. Grease the knife you’ll use to cut the set marshmallows.
7. Don’t try to over do the booze. Using too high of a proof liquor in the marshmallows can cause them to never set. So leave the 151 out of it.
Homemade alcoholic marshmallows made with peppermint schnapps and vanilla vodka for holiday cocktails or a DIY holiday gift. Recipe for ages 21+.
- 3 Evelopes Unflavored Gelatin
- 1/2 cups Cold Water
- 1-1/2 cups White Sugar
- 1 cup Light Corn Syrup
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1-1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Vodka
- 1-1/2 teaspoon Peppermint Schnapps
- 3 cups Confectioner's Sugar (possibly more)
- 1 cup Corn Starch (possibly more)
- Unflavored Oil
In a bowl bloom the gelatin. Add to a bowl 1/2 cup cold water and sprinkle the 3 envelopes of unflavored gelatin over it. Let sit for 15 minutes to firm up to a texture similar to gummy candy. In the meantime take a 9 x 13 dish and line it with plastic wrap. Lightly grease the plastic wrap with unflavored oil to prevent sticking. Set off to the side for later.
In a pot with high walls and a candy thermometer attached, add the white sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Starting on medium heat until the sugar has melted, then raising the heat to high. When the syrup reaches 240 degree F (softball) on the thermometer carefully remove the pot from the heat.
Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, add the bloomed gelatin to the mixing bowl. Mix it on a low speed for 15 seconds to break it up. Very slowly and carefully, pour all of the sugar syrup into the mixing bowl with it still on the low-speed setting. Use caution with the sugar syrup, it's VERY hot. It will turn the mixing bowl hot to the touch as well.
Once the gelatin has dissolved into the sugar syrup (it become foamy) turn the speed up to medium high and let whisk for 10 minutes. It will double in volume and turn a glossy white. Add in the vanilla vodka & peppermint schnapps. Turn mixer on high and whisk for 5 minutes or until the mixture is thick, makes stiff peaks, and starts pulling away from the bowl.
Taking the 9 x 13 pan and work quickly to add the marshmallow mixture from the mixing bowl to the pan. Even it out across the pan with a greased spatula. Dust the top generously with a sifted mix of confectioner's sugar and cornstarch (3 parts sugar to 1 part starch). Let sit for a minimum of 6 hours but preferably 12 hours.
Turn marshmallows out of the dish onto a generously dusted board of confectioner's sugar and cornstarch (3:1 ratio). Taking a lightly greased knife cut your marshmallows into squares. Re-grease the knife as needed to prevent sticking. Generously dust marshmallow squares in sifted confectioner's sugar and cornstarch. If you live in a humid area, be very generous with your dusting. Serve right away or put in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between mallow layers. Keep in a dark cool place. Good for up to 3 weeks.
Great for s'mores, hot chocolate, or by themselves. Marshmallows should be light and melt in your mouth. Cheers!
Non-alcoholic recipe: Replace vanilla Vodka and peppermint Schnapps for vanilla extract and peppermint extract of the same measurements.
Please use caution when making this recipe. The sugar syrup becomes very hot and can cause serious burns if spilt.
Pair these in my S’mores Dessert Bars
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You can see the air holes in these, I love it! They are light and melt in your mouth. As they melt you get that delicious peppermint and vodka booze. I know my friends and family are going to love these treats this holiday. I plan to wrap them up in plastic bags with a pretty ribbon. Then add them to a fun mug that also had a hot chocolate mix in it! You could even make a s’mores kit with these. Plus the mixing of boozy flavors are endless. I think my next try will be a fireball verizon.
Are you making gifts this holidays? Are you doing a treat exchange? Give me all the details down below, I want to know all about your holiday season.