If you’re hunting for a holiday sipper that’s equal parts indulgent and invigorating, the Peppermint White Russian will instantly become your go-to glass of cheer. Imagine the classic creamy cocktail you know and love, swirled with cool peppermint and finished off with a crown of crushed candy cane. This festive twist is the perfect blend of rich coffee, velvety cream, and bracing mint — offering an irresistible grown-up treat that’s shockingly easy to prepare and sure to dazzle at any winter gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of ingredients stand between you and frosty, minty magic! Each one plays a vital role, from lending richness to adding sparkle or crunch. Get ready for a flavor combination that’s both nostalgic and mesmerizing.
- Vodka: Provides a smooth, clean base that lets the bolder flavors shine.
- Coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa): Adds cozy depth with deep coffee notes, balancing the peppermint and cream.
- Peppermint schnapps: The true winter showstopper here, delivering a cool and refreshing minty flavor that sings of the season.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: Offers luscious texture and that signature marbled effect when it hits the glass.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy cane: For a gorgeous festive garnish and an extra minty crunch.
- Ice cubes: Chills everything down for maximum sipping enjoyment and slowly cools the cream into frosted ribbons.
How to Make Peppermint White Russian
Step 1: Fill Your Glass with Ice
Start by grabbing your favorite rocks glass and load it up with ice cubes. This not only keeps your Peppermint White Russian icy-cold, but also ensures the flavors slowly mingle as the drink chills.
Step 2: Pour in the Spirits
Into your glass, add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps. There’s no need for a fancy shaker — just pour each one straight in, letting the anticipation build as those aromatic spirits layer together.
Step 3: Stir to Combine
Give everything a gentle stir using a cocktail spoon or even a regular teaspoon. You want the spirits to mingle without overly diluting them — think graceful, not vigorous!
Step 4: Add the Cream for Drama
Now for the moment everyone’s eyes will follow: Take the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and slowly pour it over the back of a spoon directly into the glass. This method lets the cream float on top in stunning, swirling clouds. If you love a marbled look, give it a gentle swirl with a spoon just before sipping.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Top your Peppermint White Russian with a generous sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, or hang a mini candy cane from the rim for extra whimsy. The garnishes deliver crunch, color, and drama — the perfect finishing touch before you raise your glass!
How to Serve Peppermint White Russian
Garnishes
For serious holiday sparkle, coat the rim of your glass with crushed candy canes before pouring the drink — simply dip the rim in a bit of syrup or water, then roll it in the peppermint. Whether you prefer extra crushed candies over the cream or a playful mini candy cane perched on the edge, these touches add both festive flair and a punch of fresh peppermint in every sip.
Side Dishes
Peppermint White Russian shines when paired with sweet treats like chocolate truffles, biscotti, or peppermint bark, making it a perfect dessert cocktail. For a savory contrast, try serving alongside salty nuts, buttery shortbread, or even a bold blue cheese on a charcuterie board to balance those rich, cool notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Peppermint White Russian into a showstopper for holiday parties by serving in vintage glasses or mason jars, or consider offering them in smaller shot glasses as part of a cocktail sampler tray. For extra fun, set up a garnish bar with assorted crushed candies, chocolate shavings, and whipped cream, and let guests decorate their own drinks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Peppermint White Russian, cover the glass with plastic wrap or transfer the liquid (without ice or garnish) to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but be sure to give it a good stir and refresh the garnish before serving again.
Freezing
While not usually necessary, you can freeze the cocktail base (all ingredients except the cream and garnish) for up to a month in an ice cube tray or freezer-safe container. When you’re ready for a drink, simply thaw in the refrigerator, pour over ice, and finish with fresh cream and candy.
Reheating
Peppermint White Russians are not meant to be served warm, so skip reheating! Instead, focus on serving freshly made or well-chilled; if your cocktail has been in the fridge, give it another stir and add fresh ice to restore its frosty, luxurious character.
FAQs
Can I make a Peppermint White Russian in advance for a party?
Yes! Mix up a large batch of the base ingredients (vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps) ahead of time and store chilled in a pitcher. When ready to serve, pour over ice and float the cream on each individual glass before garnishing.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream?
Absolutely — substitute coconut cream, almond creamer, or oat milk for a delicious dairy-free version. Each option brings a slightly different flavor twist, so choose one that suits your taste and dietary needs.
Can I use peppermint-flavored vodka instead of peppermint schnapps?
You can, and it’s a fun way to intensify the minty profile! Simply swap equal portions of peppermint vodka for the schnapps, keeping all other ingredients the same for a familiar yet slightly different Peppermint White Russian experience.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies for the garnish?
The easiest method is to place the candies or candy canes in a zip-top bag, seal it, and gently tap with a rolling pin or meat mallet until you get small, sparkly bits. Be careful not to pulverize them into powder — you want some sparkle and crunch!
Will the Peppermint White Russian taste overly sweet?
No, not if you use standard proportions. The coffee liqueur and peppermint schnapps add sweetness, but it’s balanced by creamy dairy and bold vodka. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the schnapps slightly or increase the vodka, and skip excessive candy garnish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a cocktail that captures the joy of the season in every creamy, minty sip, the Peppermint White Russian truly delivers. It’s quick to craft, dazzling to behold, and absolutely unforgettable — so gather your friends, break out the candy canes, and sprinkle a little extra magic into your holiday festivities this year!
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Peppermint White Russian Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with this Peppermint White Russian cocktail. A delightful blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and creamy goodness, topped with a hint of peppermint candies for a holiday twist.
Ingredients
Vodka:
2 ounces
Coffee Liqueur:
1 ounce (such as Kahlúa)
Peppermint Schnapps:
1 ounce
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half:
1 ounce
Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Cane:
for garnish
Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Fill the Glass: Add ice cubes to a rocks glass.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps. Stir gently.
- Add Cream: Slowly pour heavy cream over a spoon into the glass to float on top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or hang a candy cane on the rim.
- Serve: Enjoy your Peppermint White Russian immediately.
Notes
- For a more festive presentation, rim the glass with crushed candy canes before pouring the cocktail.
- Try using peppermint-flavored vodka for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
