Prepare the Glasses: First, crush the candy canes. Place them in a sturdy, sealed plastic bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan until they are broken into small pieces and dust. Spread the crushed candy onto a small, flat plate.

Rim the Glasses: Pour the corn syrup or place the melted white chocolate onto another small plate. Dip the rim of each shot glass into the syrup, rotating to coat it evenly. Immediately press the sticky rim into the crushed candy canes until it's well-coated. Set the glasses aside. I find that popping them in the freezer for 5-10 minutes now really helps set the rim and chills the glass perfectly.

Fill the Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice cubes. This is crucial for chilling and slightly diluting the mixture to the perfect consistency.

Combine the Liquids: Pour the chilled vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur directly over the ice in the shaker.

Add Colour (Optional): If you want a festive pink hue, add a few drops of red food colouring or a small splash of grenadine to the shaker.

Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake hard for about 15 seconds. You'll know it's ready when the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and ice-cold to the touch.

Strain and Serve: Immediately strain the chilled liquid evenly into your prepared shot glasses. Serve right away while they are icy cold.