Candy Cane Cherry Vodka Liqueur

Candy Cane Cherry is a flavoured vodka liqueur from Gravity Drinks in Great Britain, and the liqueur label matters: at 15% it is far softer and sweeter than a true vodka, with sugar and flavour carrying the drink rather than spirit strength. The idea is a candy cane in a glass, fruity cherry set against a cool peppermint note, the same fruit-and-mint contrast that makes the seasonal sweet. It pours clear with a soft pink shimmer and is pitched at festive, easy-going drinking rather than serious sipping.

The nose is sweet cherry with a minty lift, and the palate follows with intense cherry and a cooling peppermint freshness, finishing soft and sweet with the mint and cherry lingering. Given how sweet and low-strength it is, lean into pudding: pour it over a scoop of good vanilla ice cream as an adult affogato of sorts, where the cold cream tames the sugar and the cherry and mint read like a sauce over the vanilla.