Peppermint White Russian

A peppermint white Russian is the kind of holiday cocktail that really makes an entrance. Winter is the ultimate season for a classic white Russian, so it tracks that a peppermint white Russian takes the festivities up a notch. Luckily, making the peppermint-y version requires the same ingredients as the traditional recipe, only replacing regular vodka with peppermint vodka, which, when you’re done, can also be used in other holiday vodka drinks such as peppermint martinis or peppermint espresso martinis.

This cocktail will be the talk of every holiday party in the neighborhood. I adore blending the cozy richness of a white Russian with the cool flavor of peppermint, turning it into a seasonal sip that my cocktail enthusiast pals will talk about until spring thaw. Serve it at cookie exchanges, for tree-decorating nights, during gift-wrapping marathons or anytime you need a spirited drink that tastes like a snowglobe in a glass.

Ingredients for Peppermint White Russian

• Simple syrup: Simple syrup acts as edible glue here, helping the crushed candy canes adhere to the rim of the glass for an especially festive cocktail garnish. The syrup also adds another touch of sweetness that complements the peppermint flavor.
• Crushed candy canes: These add festive flair and a hint of minty crunch to the rim. Crushing the candies finely helps them stick better and gives your cocktail that signature holiday sparkle. To crush them, put the candy canes in a gallon-sized resealable storage bag and tap a heavy rolling pin on top until the crumbs have reached the desired size.
• Ice cubes: Ice chills the drink and adds gentle dilution. Clear, fresh ice works best for keeping flavors clean.
• Peppermint vodka: Peppermint vodka gives the drink its minty backbone. Plus, it’s shockingly easy to find anytime after November 1st! If you prefer to have more control over how much peppermint flavor is in your drinks, mix plain vodka with peppermint schnapps, increasing or decreasing the schnapps as desired, for the same effect.
• Coffee liqueur: Kahlua or any coffee-flavored liqueur brings sweetness, warmth and that classic coffee depth that defines a white Russian and other Kahlua drinks. Its subtle bitterness balances the peppermint so the drink isn’t overly mint-forward.
• Heavy whipping cream: Heavy cream slowly cascades through the drink, creating that luscious, lightly layered effect we love.
• Peppermint whipped cream (optional): Look in the refrigerated section for special holiday whipped cream flavors. A swirl of peppermint whipped cream on top boosts creaminess and gives your cocktail a festive, dessert-like finishing touch.

Directions

Step 1: Rim the glass with crushed peppermint

Dip the rim of a rocks glass into simple syrup, then press the rim gently into the crushed candy canes. Add ice cubes and set aside.

Step 2: Stir the base spirits

In a mixing glass, pour the peppermint vodka and coffee liqueur over ice. Stir until slightly diluted and chilled, about 20 seconds.

Step 3: Strain and layer

Strain and pour into the prepared rocks glass. Slowly pour the cream on top. Top with peppermint whipped cream, if desired.

Editor’s Tip: If you’d like to make the soft layers in the drink more distinct, pour the cream over the back of a spoon or fill a condiment squeeze bottle with the cream and carefully squeeze onto the surface of the drink, right where it meets the glass.

Peppermint White Russian Variations

• Lighten it up: Looking for a lighter texture than whipping cream in your white Russian? Whole milk tastes great, but it won’t float as well as cream. Our Christmas cocktail also works with a nondairy option like heavy oat milk, but watch out for overly sweetened stuff because this drink already packs a sweet punch.
• Pick peppermint schnapps: If flavored vodka is hard to come by, use 1 ounce of regular vodka and 1/2 ounce of peppermint schnapps in its place. If you are truly desperate, add a drop or two of peppermint extract to the regular vodka, but start small: Peppermint extract is powerful.
• Make it martini-style: Skip the ice and shake everything (except the cream) with ice before straining into a chilled martini glass. Then, float the cream on top for a classy holiday cocktail moment.
• Choose chocolate: Add a splash of chocolate liqueur or drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass to create a chocolate-mint-coffee combo that tastes like a grown-up peppermint mocha.

How to Store Peppermint White Russian

A peppermint white Russian is best enjoyed immediately, but you can batch the base of vodka and coffee liqueur up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the mixture chilled in the refrigerator in a sealed container or Mason jar. Add the cream only when serving so the drink stays smooth and properly layered.

How long do peppermint white Russians last?

A batched peppermint white Russian base will last about three to four days in the fridge, but for the best flavor, serve it within 24 hours. The cream should always be added fresh to avoid separation.

Peppermint White Russian Tips

What’s the best type of glass for a peppermint white Russian?

The best type of cocktail glass for a peppermint white Russian recipe is a classic rocks glass. Its wide opening makes rimming the edge with crushed peppermint easy and offers the perfect surface area for layering the cream. A sturdy rocks glass also keeps the drink well-balanced over ice, maintaining that smooth, luxurious feel a white Russian is known for. For a fancier vibe, serve it without the ice in a coupe or martini glass for that ultimate layered moment.