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    Home » Recipes » Cocktail Recipes » Peppermint White Russian

    Published: Dec 16, 2022 by Linda Warren

    Peppermint White Russian

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    A seasonal favorite, this Peppermint White Russian cocktail is creamy, rich, and full of peppermint flavor. It has all the standard ingredients of vodka, Kahlua, and cream with an added twist of peppermint schnapps. Perfect to celebrate the holidays or to warm up this winter.

    Two peppermint white russian cocktails with candy cane stirrer.

    Table of Contents

    • Holiday Cocktails
    • Why You'll Love This Holiday White Russian
    • Ingredients
    • Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
    • How to Make a Peppermint White Russian
    • Recipe Variations
    • Make Ahead
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Creamy Cocktail Recipes

    Holiday Cocktails

    One of my favorite cocktails for winter is a creamy White Russian. This Peppermint White Russian recipe adds a seasonal flair to the standard drink with minty peppermint schnapps. It's super easy to make and perfect for Christmas parties or for cozy evenings by the fire.

    Christmas is full of holiday parties and seems like the perfect time to pull out all the stops and make Christmas cocktails that bring out that holiday spirit. Cocktails like my Christmas Bourbon Cocktail, Eggnog Martini, and White Christmas Margarita are always on the menu as is this White Russian with peppermint schnapps.

    Overhead of two cocktails.

    Why You'll Love This Holiday White Russian

    Decadent - if you love rich and creamy, this cocktail is for you!

    Tastes like a milkshake for adults or a thick iced coffee latte

    Easy to make with just 4 ingredients

    Alcohol flavor is not noticeable. It's a deceiving cocktail but it does pack a punch.

    Rich coffee flavor for the ultimate coffee lover.

    The minty flavor from peppermint schnapps balances out the sweetness of the drink.

    Christmas flavor in spades! The peppermint schnapps takes this well-known cocktail and elevates it to the perfect holiday cocktail.

    Ingredients

    Cocktail ingredients with crushed candy canes.
    • Vodka
    • Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
    • Peppermint Schnapps
    • Heavy Cream - you can also use half and half for a less caloric drink
    • Agave Syrup - or get fancy and use a little vanilla frosting for the rim
    • Peppermint Candy Canes

    Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

    You can substitute the Kahlua with any brand of coffee liqueur.

    Peppermint vodka can also be used but you'll need to omit the peppermint schnapps and add a ½ ounce of simple syrup to have the same sweetness.

    You can use Creme de Menthe instead of peppermint schnapps. Note the drink will have a less minty flavor.

    If you want a more slushy-like drink, use crushed ice.

    How to Make a Peppermint White Russian

    Dipping rim of glass in crushed candy canes.

    To decorate the glass, which is totally optional, dip the rim into agave nectar or a little vanilla frosting. Hold the glass upside down and wait 30-60 seconds for the syrup to gel a little, then dip the rim into a plateful of crushed candy canes.

    Steps 1-2 to mix cocktail.
    1. Fill the candy cane-rimmed glass with ice then pour in the vodka.
    2. Add Kahlua.
    Steps 3-4 to mix Christmas cocktail.
    1. Add peppermint schnapps.
    2. Slowly pour in the cream so that it makes a pretty pattern as the ingredients mix.
    closeup of single peppermint white Russian cocktail with candy cane.

    Add a candy cane for stirring and you are ready to celebrate. This Christmas cocktail recipe can easily be adapted. Want extra peppermint flavor? Up the quantity to 1 ounce. Want a creamier drink, add as much cream as you'd like. Cheers to a happy holiday season!

    Recipe Variations

    • Frozen Peppermint White Russian - Put the vodka, Kahlua, peppermint schnapps, and cream in a blender with ice. Blend and serve in a candy cane-rimmed glass.
    • Peppermint Mocha White Russian - add 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup or ½ ounce of Godiva chocolate liqueur.
    • Peppermint White Russian Martini - shake the vodka, Kahlua, peppermint schnapps, and cream in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain it into martini glasses rimmed with crushed candy canes.
    • Whipped Cream Topping - go extra decadent and top the drink with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.

    Make Ahead

    If you are having a party, make a pitcher without the cream in advance and keep it in the fridge. You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below.

    Rim the glasses with peppermint candy and set them on a tray with greenery, an instant bar centerpiece! Add the cream right before your guests arrive.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is a Peppermint White Russian sweet?

    Yes. Both Kahlua coffee liqueur and peppermint schnapps are sweet. The cream also has a natural sweetness.

    Can I use milk instead of cream in a White Russian drink?

    Yes. Milk is lighter and has less fat and calories than cream. If you use milk instead of cream, the cocktail will not be as creamy and rich.

    More Creamy Cocktail Recipes

    • Frozen Mudslide
    • Kahlua Hot Chocolate
    • Pecan Pie Shots
    • Peppermint Patty Coffee Cocktail
    • Pumpkin Spice White Russian

    Find lots of delicious and easy cocktail recipes right here on 2CM!

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    Single cocktail with candy cane rim.

    Peppermint White Russian

    This Peppermint White Russian is a creamy, rich cocktail full of peppermint flavor. It's the perfect drink for the holidays or to cozy up to a warm fire.
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    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 337kcal
    Author: Linda Warren

    Ingredients

    • 1 ounce vodka
    • 1 ounce Kahlua coffee liqueur
    • ¾ ounce peppermint schnapps
    • 1-3 ounces heavy cream
    • Garnish: agave syrup or vanilla frosting
    • Garnish: candy canes

    Instructions

    • Finely crush candy canes by pulsing them in a food processor or by placing them in a heavy-duty plastic bag and smashing them with the smooth side of a meat mallet.
    • Prepare the rim of the glass by dipping a low glass into agave syrup or vanilla frosting then into crushed candy canes. Fill the rimmed glass with ice.
    • In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, Kahlua, and schnapps. Shake well and pour it into the glass. Note: You can also make the cocktail directly in the glass.
    • Pour cream over the mixture. You can adjust the amount of cream to your liking.
    • Serve with a candy cane as a stirrer.

    Notes

    BY THE PITCHER
    Make a pitcher without the cream in advance and keep it in the fridge. You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card.
    Rim the glasses with peppermint candy and set them on a tray with greenery, an instant bar centerpiece! Add the cream right before your guests arrive.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 27mg | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 417IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.03mg

    More Cocktail Recipes

    • Champagne Jello Shots
    • Peppermint Patty Coffee Cocktail
    • Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
    • Caramel Apple Jello Shots

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    Hey, I’m Linda, the recipe creator, photographer and cocktail lover at 2 Cookin Mamas. Here you’ll find easy recipes that are not only delicious but can get you out of the kitchen ASAP. Come and join me and let me take you on a tasty trip through your kitchen. Thanks for stopping by! Learn more about me

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