Peppermint pig

1983 song, single and EP by the Cocteau Twins For the children's novel by Nina Bawden, see The Peppermint Pig. For the candy, see Peppermint pig. This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: "Peppermint Pig" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (July 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Peppermint PigEP by Cocteau TwinsReleased4 April 1983Recorded1983GenrePost-punkgothic rockLength14:32Label4ADProducerAlan RankineCocteau Twins chronology

Lullabies(1982)

Peppermint Pig(1983)

Head over Heels(1983)

Professional ratingsReview scoresSourceRatingAllMusicSpin Alternative Record Guide4/10 "Peppermint Pig" is a song by Scottish alternative rock band Cocteau Twins. It was released as both a single and 12" EP on 4 April 1983 by record label 4AD. Musically, the material was similar to their previous release, the 1982 EP Lullabies. It was the last release to feature original bassist Will Heggie.

[edit] Peppermint Pig marked the only time that Cocteau Twins used an outside producer for one of their recordings, with production handled by Alan Rankine of Associates. The group were dissatisfied with the results. Robin Guthrie described the EP as "shit" in a 1983 interview with Sounds, claiming it was "a bad mixture—bad song, bad producer, bad band." Elizabeth Fraser simply described the material as "all we had at the time".

[edit] "Peppermint Pig" was originally released as a limited-edition 7-inch single, featuring two tracks, "Peppermint Pig" and "Laugh Lines". A 12-inch EP was also released, including an extended mix of "Peppermint Pig", "Laugh Lines" and a third track, "Hazel". An alternate version of "Hazel" was recorded for a Peel session. It appeared on the band's BBC Sessions album as well as on some CD reissues of Garlands. The Peppermint Pig EP was re-released in CD format in 1991 as part of The Box Set. It contained both mixes of the title track in addition to the other two tracks. It was also part of the 2005 Lullabies to Violaine compilation release.

[edit] Single[edit] All tracks are written by Cocteau Twins (Elizabeth Fraser, Robin Guthrie and Will Heggie).Side ANo.TitleLength1."Peppermint Pig"3:24 Side BNo.TitleLength1."Laugh Lines"3:20 EP[edit] Side ANo.TitleLength1."Peppermint Pig"5:02 Side BNo.TitleLength1."Laugh Lines"3:202."Hazel"2:49 CD[edit] No.TitleLength1."Peppermint Pig"3:242."Laugh Lines"3:203."Hazel"2:494."Peppermint Pig" (twelve-inch version)5:02

[edit] Cocteau Twins Elizabeth Fraser – vocals Robin Guthrie – guitar, drum machine Will Heggie – bass guitar Production Alan Rankine – production John Fryer – engineering

The peppermint pig has become a quirky alternative to the traditional mince pie, offering a burst of cool menthol flavour wrapped in a festive, glossy red coating. Its shape plays on the British love of pork for good luck, while the peppermint adds the wintery zing that pairs perfectly with mulled wine or a hot chocolate. Because it’s bite‑size, it’s ideal for sprinkling on dessert platters or slipping into a Christmas stocking as a novelty treat. The candy’s bright hue also doubles as a decorative element on the table, making it a simple way to add a pop of colour without extra garnish.

When picking out peppermint pigs, check that the coating is smooth and evenly coloured – any white spots may signal a breach in the seal, which can affect flavour. Look for a fresh, crisp menthol aroma; a dull scent often means the candy has aged and lost its punch. If you’re buying in bulk for a party, compare the weight per pack – some suppliers offer larger tins that keep the pigs fresh longer thanks to a airtight lid. For those with dietary concerns, many versions are now gluten‑free and contain no artificial colourants, so a quick glance at the label can spare disappointment.

Peppermint pigs shine when presented as part of a festive sweet board. Arrange them alongside chocolate truffles, shortbread and candied orange peel for a balanced flavour palette – the cool mint cuts through the richness of chocolate, while the sweet base complements buttery shortbread. For a playful twist, lightly crush a few pigs and sprinkle the crumbs over a warm plum pudding just before serving; the minty crunch adds an unexpected lift. If you prefer a drink accompaniment, drop a whole pig into a mug of hot cider; it will dissolve slowly, infusing the beverage with a subtle peppermint note without overwhelming the apple flavour.