Move over egg nog, we've got a better festive and creamy cocktail in the house. Coated with crunchy peppermint on the outside and swirled with vodka and cream on the inside, this peppermint white Russian is a cocktail worth savoring over the holiday season.
How to Make a Peppermint White Russian
Give The Dude's go-to drink a holiday slant with this peppermintastic recipe. It's as crisp as a winter breeze and the perfect way to end a cozy winter night indoors.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce cream
- ¾ ounce peppermint schnapps
- ¾ ounce coffee liqueur
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, cream, peppermint schnapps, and coffee liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Swap your bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream for an equally sweet (but extra boozy) chocolate peppermint white Russian. Just follow this recipe and coat the glass with a few squirts of chocolate syrup before pouring in your mixture.
Related: A Frosty Peppermint Martini Recipe That Brings the Winter Chill
6 Variations and Substitutions to Try
There are a few ways to whip up a peppermint white Russian, with one even riffing off itself. This makes it a great winter cocktail to customize as you go.
- Use peppermint vodka instead of adding schnapps.
- Consider Irish cream instead of regular cream for a boozier spin.
- Add a splash of grenadine to give the cocktail a pop of red color.
- Include a splash of chilled coffee or espresso for a richer coffee flavor.
- Peppermint syrup can also be used in place of peppermint schnapps.
- Serve over crushed ice for a frosted look.
Garnishes That Add a Festive Touch
The classic white Russian typically omits a garnish, but that doesn't mean you can't dress this peppermint variety up as much, or as little, as you want.
- Make a peppermint rim, dipping part of the rim in honey or vanilla frosting and then crushed peppermint candy.
- Use red, pink, or white sprinkles or any combination on the rim instead of candy.
- Coarse pink or red sugar also makes for a colorful rim.
- Add a whole peppermint stick.
- Float three whole coffee beans on top.
- Top with homemade whipped cream and add some sprinkles on top.
Dreaming of a Cocktail That'll Put a Pep in Your Step
Peppermint's an essential wintertime flavor, and you've got to pack it in while you can. What better way to enjoy it than in a creamy peppermint white Russian? The peppermint shining through the zingy coffee notes gives it a depth that other cocktails try (but fail) to achieve. The white Russian may be a year-round cocktail, but there's no reason you can't put it in a festive mood with this peppermint twist.
