This fun twist on the classic White Russian adds a splash of peppermint flavor for a festive touch. Perfect for cozy nights in, it’s creamy with a delicious minty zing!
Don’t be surprised if this drink makes your holiday vibes feel extra cheerful. I love serving it with whipped cream on top—because who doesn’t need a little extra sweetness? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: The base spirit for this cocktail, vodka should be smooth. If you prefer a lower alcohol option, you can use non-alcoholic vodka alternatives.
Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa is a popular choice for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, try other coffee liqueurs like Tia Maria or even a dash of instant coffee dissolved in water for a non-alcoholic version.
Peppermint Schnapps: This adds that festive minty flavor. You can swap it with mint extract mixed with sugar syrup, but start with a smaller amount since extracts are potent!
Heavy Cream or Milk: For a lighter version, feel free to use low-fat milk or non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes not only garnish but enhance flavor with their crunch. You can replace them with chocolate shavings for a different festive twist.
How Do You Create a Beautiful Marbled Effect with the Cream?
The marbled effect in your Peppermint White Russian comes from careful pouring. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Once you’ve mixed your vodka and coffee liqueur, pour it over ice in the rocks glass.
- Using a spoon, hold it over the drink, tilted slightly. This way, when you pour the cream or milk, it flows gently over the spoon and floats on top, giving you that stunning layered look.
- Practice pouring slowly, allowing the cream to settle without mixing too much with the alcohol below.
For an extra touch, you can slowly add whipped cream on top for added richness and a nice visual contrast!
How to Make a Peppermint White Russian
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 2 oz heavy cream or milk
- Ice cubes
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint sticks for garnish
- Fresh mint sprig (optional, for garnish)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This festive drink takes about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to mix up, making it a perfect treat for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Chill Your Glass:
Start by filling a rocks glass with ice cubes. This helps to keep your drink nice and cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Mix the Alcohol:
In a mixing glass, combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps. Stir them together until well mixed. This combination gives your drink a rich, flavorful base.
3. Pour Over Ice:
Take the mixture from the mixing glass and pour it over the ice in your prepared rocks glass. Let the flavors mingle as you move on to the next step.
4. Add the Cream:
Now comes the fun part! Slowly pour the heavy cream or milk over the back of a spoon. This technique floats the cream on top of your cocktail, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
5. Whipped Cream (Optional):
If you want to make your drink extra indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the cream layer. It adds a delicious, creamy touch!
6. Garnish Time:
Sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint sticks over the top for a festive garnish. These not only look great but also enhance the minty flavor.
7. Final Touch:
If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a charming touch. It’s like a sensory invite to enjoy the refreshing flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Peppermint White Russian is ready! Serve it immediately and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic cocktail!
Can I Use a Different Liqueur Instead of Coffee Liqueur?
Yes! If you prefer a change, you can substitute coffee liqueur with a chocolate liqueur for a mocha flavor or even vanilla liqueur for a different twist. Just keep in mind that it may alter the overall taste of the drink!
How Can I Make This Drink Non-Alcoholic?
To make a non-alcoholic version, you can use coffee syrup mixed with a splash of milk and peppermint extract instead of the liqueurs. This still gives you that rich, creamy consistency without the alcohol!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftover mixed ingredients (not the cream) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to add the cream just before serving for the best texture!
What If I Can’t Find Peppermint Schnapps?
If peppermint schnapps is hard to find, you can substitute it with crème de menthe, which has a similar minty flavor. Alternatively, a few drops of peppermint extract mixed with simple syrup can also work in a pinch!