Peppermint White Russian Recipe

Cozy Peppermint White Russian Recipe for Holiday Cheer

Cool nights call for a delightful peppermint white Russian that whispers holiday cheer.

Creamy cocktails merge classic comfort with seasonal sparkle.

Vodka and kahlúa create a smooth foundation for festive magic.

Peppermint schnapps adds a refreshing twist to this beloved drink.

Rich, decadent flavors dance across your palate with each sip.

Smooth and indulgent, this cocktail promises to be your new winter companion.

Shake, pour, and savor this irresistible blend that turns ordinary moments extraordinary.

What Makes Peppermint White Russian So Festive

  • Speedy Holiday Cocktail: Whip up this festive drink in under 5 minutes with minimal ingredients and zero cooking skills required.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday parties, winter gatherings, and seasonal celebrations where guests crave something sweet and spirited.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust cream thickness, switch up garnishes, or play with peppermint intensity to match personal taste preferences.
  • Festive Visual Appeal: Creates an Instagram-worthy cocktail with its creamy white layer and optional candy cane rim that screams winter celebration.

Peppermint White Russian Ingredients

Base Liquors:
  • Vodka: Smooth, clean spirit that provides the cocktail's alcohol base.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Rich, sweet liquor that adds deep coffee flavor.
  • Peppermint Schnapps: Crisp, minty liqueur bringing holiday cheer and festive touch.
Dairy and Cream:
  • Heavy Cream: Luxurious, rich topping that creates a smooth, creamy texture.
Garnish and Optional Extras:
  • Candy Canes: Festive, peppermint-flavored decoration that adds crunch and extra mint flavor.
  • Whipped Cream: Optional fluffy topping for additional indulgence and visual appeal.
Ice:
  • Ice Cubes: Essential for chilling the cocktail and creating a refreshing drink.

Peppermint White Russian Cocktail Guide

Step 1: Chill The Glass

Grab a rocks glass and fill it completely with ice cubes to create a frosty foundation for your delightful cocktail.

Step 2: Pour Liquor Blend

Carefully add vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps directly over the ice, creating a tempting liquid base with rich and minty undertones.

Step 3: Create Creamy Layer

Gently pour heavy cream over the top of the drink, allowing it to slowly cascade and create a beautiful marbled effect through the liquor mixture.

Step 4: Blend Cocktail Ingredients

Use a cocktail spoon to softly stir the ingredients, ensuring a smooth and well-integrated drink with balanced flavors.

Step 5: Add Festive Finishing Touches

For an extra celebratory presentation, consider these optional garnish techniques:
  • Rim the glass with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch
  • Top with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream
  • Sprinkle additional crushed peppermint pieces for visual appeal

Step 6: Serve And Savor

Present the Peppermint White Russian immediately while it’s chilled and enjoy the delicious holiday-inspired cocktail.

Peppermint White Russian Cocktail Tips

  • Pop the rocks glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before mixing to keep your cocktail frosty cold longer.
  • Pour cream slowly over the back of a spoon to create a beautiful gradient effect in the drink.
  • Use a rolling pin or food processor to create fine, even candy cane crumbs for a more professional garnish appearance.
  • Experiment with different ratios of coffee liqueur and peppermint schnapps to match your personal sweet preference.
  • Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk for a vegan-friendly version of this festive cocktail.

Peppermint White Russian: Can You Save It?

  • Store any leftover Peppermint White Russian in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Separation of ingredients may occur, so give it a gentle stir before serving.
  • Avoid freezing this cocktail, as the cream and alcohol components will not maintain their original texture and taste when thawed.
  • This cocktail is best enjoyed cold. Do not attempt to reheat, as it will compromise the drink's quality and flavor profile.
  • For the best taste, prepare a fresh Peppermint White Russian each time rather than keeping leftovers. The drink is quick to make and tastes most delicious when mixed just before serving.

Best Match for Peppermint White Russian

  • Craft Sweet Peppermint Companions: Serve alongside chocolate brownies or peppermint bark to complement the cocktail's minty and creamy profile.
  • Pair with Savory Bites: Select rich, buttery appetizers like smoked salmon canapés or creamy goat cheese crostini that balance the drink's sweetness.
  • Enhance Holiday Dessert Spread: Combine with gingerbread cookies or white chocolate truffles to highlight the cocktail's festive winter essence.
  • Match Cheese and Charcuterie: Include soft, mild cheeses like brie or camembert and light cured meats to create a delightful flavor harmony with the Peppermint White Russian.

Peppermint White Russian with a Twist

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version. Use dairy-free coffee liqueur and vodka to create a completely vegan-friendly cocktail.
  • Mocktail Magic: Swap vodka and coffee liqueur with cold brew coffee and peppermint syrup. Add club soda for fizz and use a non-alcoholic cream substitute for a family-friendly drink.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free coffee syrup and stevia-based peppermint schnapps. Opt for a light cream or unsweetened almond milk to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Festive Keto Adaptation: Substitute coffee liqueur with sugar-free coffee extract, use heavy cream, and add a splash of sugar-free peppermint syrup. Choose a high-proof clear vodka to keep carbohydrates minimal.

FAQs

  • What is the origin of the White Russian cocktail?

The White Russian was created in the late 1940s and gained popularity in the 1970s, originally made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream.

  • Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?

You can create a mocktail version using coffee syrup, cream, and a mint extract to mimic the flavor profile of the Peppermint White Russian.

  • What type of vodka works best for this cocktail?

A smooth, high-quality vodka like Tito’s or Absolut works well, but any standard vodka will create a delicious drink.

  • Is the peppermint schnapps necessary for the recipe?

The peppermint schnapps adds a festive holiday twist, but you can skip it if you prefer the classic White Russian flavor or don’t have it on hand.

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Peppermint White Russian Recipe

Peppermint White Russian Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Creamy peppermint white russian cocktails blend smooth vodka, kahlúa, and cream with festive holiday cheer. Delightful winter sips sparkle with mint and rich liqueur, inviting cold-weather celebrations to your glass.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Spirits:

  • 2 ounces (59 ml) vodka
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) peppermint schnapps

Dairy and Cream:

  • 2 ounces (59 ml) heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)

Garnish and Ice:

  • Ice cubes
  • Crushed candy canes (optional)
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Chill a robust rocks glass with a generous layer of ice cubes, creating a frosty foundation for this festive cocktail.
  2. Cascade vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps directly over the ice, allowing the liquid spirits to mingle and create a vibrant base.
  3. Delicately drizzle heavy cream across the surface, watching it create a luxurious marbled effect through the dark liquors.
  4. Use a long bar spoon to gently integrate the layers, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors without disturbing the drink’s elegant stratification.
  5. Transform the glass’s aesthetic by rimming it with finely crushed candy canes, creating a wintry, festive presentation that hints at the cocktail’s peppermint character.
  6. Crown the drink with a billowy dollop of whipped cream if desired, adding a final touch of decadence and visual appeal.
  7. Serve immediately while the drink remains icy cold, inviting guests to savor the cool, creamy, and spirited combination.

Notes

  • Customize the sweetness by adjusting the ratio of coffee liqueur and peppermint schnapps to suit your taste preferences.
  • Chill the glass beforehand to keep the drink colder for longer and enhance the overall drinking experience.
  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk to accommodate different dietary needs.
  • Create a festive presentation by rimming the glass with crushed candy canes or adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Shaking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 15 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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