If you love a classic cocktail with a minty twist, a Peppermint White Russian is right up your alley! This fun drink mixes creamy ingredients with a splash of peppermint flavor.
Picture this: cozy evenings with friends, sipping something refreshing and festive. I enjoy garnishing mine with a candy cane for a holiday touch. You’ll want to make plenty! 🎄🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: This is the base spirit for your drink. I recommend using a decent quality vodka for a smooth taste. If you prefer a flavored option, vanilla vodka can also enhance the sweetness.
Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa is the classic choice here, but feel free to swap it for any coffee liqueur you enjoy, like Tia Maria. If you want to avoid alcohol, you can use coffee syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
Peppermint Schnapps: This gives the drink its signature minty flavor. If you can’t find peppermint schnapps, try using a mint-flavored liqueur, or make a simple mint syrup by boiling sugar and water with fresh mint leaves.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Heavy cream makes this drink super rich. For a lighter option, half-and-half or milk can be substituted. If you’re looking for non-dairy, almond milk or coconut cream works well.
How Do You Create a Beautiful Layered Effect?
Layering the cream is a great way to make your Peppermint White Russian look fancy! Here’s how you do it:
- After pouring your vodka and coffee liqueur mixture over the ice, the key is to pour the cream gently.
- Take a spoon and hold it upside down above the drink. Slowly pour the cream over the back of the spoon. This helps it sit on top of the other ingredients instead of mixing in.
With this technique, you’ll have a lovely layered visual, making it as delicious to look at as it is to drink. Enjoy your festive cocktail! Cheers! 🎉
Peppermint White Russian
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
- Crushed peppermint candy or candy cane pieces, for garnish
- Fresh mint sprig, for garnish
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Peppermint White Russian takes about 5 minutes to prepare. Perfect for when you want a quick and festive cocktail option without all the fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Glass:
Start by filling a rocks glass with ice cubes. This will keep your drink nice and chilled!
2. Mix the Alcohol:
Next, pour the vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps over the ice. Watch as the colors blend beautifully, creating a pleasing sight already!
3. Add the Cream:
Now for the fun part—creating that lovely layered effect! Gently pour the heavy cream or half-and-half over the back of a spoon so it sits nicely on top of the liqueurs.
4. Garnish with Peppermint:
To make this drink even more festive, sprinkle crushed peppermint candy or candy cane pieces on top of the cream. It adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor.
5. Finish with Mint:
Complete your drink by garnishing it with a fresh mint sprig. It not only looks beautiful but adds a lovely aroma too!
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your Peppermint White Russian immediately! Before sipping, give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors together. Enjoy this creamy, minty delight at your next holiday gathering!
Cheers to a tasty holiday cocktail! 🥂✨
Can I Use Non-Alcoholic Alternatives?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version of the Peppermint White Russian, you can use non-alcoholic coffee syrup in place of coffee liqueur and peppermint extract, mixed with a bit of sugar, instead of peppermint schnapps. Replace the vodka with extra cream or milk for a delicious drink that everyone can enjoy!
How Long Does This Drink Last?
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just keep in mind that the cream may separate, so give it a little stir before serving it again!
Can I Prepare This Drink Ahead of Time?
While the cocktail is best served freshly mixed, you can pre-mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps together in a sealed container ahead of time. Just add the ice and cream before serving for the best results!
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk works well instead of heavy cream. For a non-dairy substitute, try using almond milk or coconut cream for a delicious twist!
