December has arrived, bringing parties, presents and, hopefully, festive cocktails along with it. Serve up this merry martini to add some holiday cheer to any party, or to unwind after a long day of shopping.

For martini:
1 ½ ounces vanilla vodka
1 ½ ounces white Crème de Cacao
½ ounces Peppermint
Schnapps
1 peppermint candy, for garnish

For martini rim:
½ cup crushed candy cane (or peppermint candies)
¼ cup simple syrup on separate plates

Place the candy cane or peppermint candies on a plate, cover with a napkin, and crush with a heavy object, or crush the candy in a blender; the pieces should only be a tad larger than coarse sand. Dip the rim of a martini glass in simple syrup and then into the peppermint mixture.

Combine the vodka, white Crème de Cacao, and Peppermint Schnapps in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into the rimmed martini glass. Drop a peppermint candy in the glass and voilà! A Merry Martini!