Peppermint White Russian

The Peppermint White Russian is a minty spin on the classic. Made with Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, Peppermint Schnapps and heavy cream.

Welcome to the world of the “Peppermint White Russian,” where festive flavors dance in your glass. As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time to master the art of crafting this delightful and seasonally inspired cocktail. Join us on a journey as we explore the essence of the Peppermint White Russian, understand the key ingredients, and unveil the step-by-step instructions to create pure liquid magic.

History of the White Russian

A White Russian is a simple cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur and heavy cream, served over ice. However, you can substitute milk in place of the cream. Some question the use of cream and milk in cocktails, but this drink is both tasty and delicious! In addition, it contains a lot of sugar. Which means, that if you drink too many in one night the next day could be extremely painful. However, it’s just too good to pass up and having one may not be enough!

The original, Black Russian, a cocktail made with just vodka and coffee liqueur, was created in 1949 by Gustave Tops, a Belgian barman. As the story goes, Gustave created the Black Russian in honor of Perle Mesta, the U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg. Later on, around 1955, the addition of cream gave way to its sister drink, the White Russian. 

Believe it or not, the White Russian didn’t originate in Russia, but its name was inherited by the fact that vodka is the main ingredient. Over the next decade, the White Russian gained some popularity but started to lose speed. It wasn’t until the film “The Big Lebowski” that this drink started flying off the shelves! Throughout the course of the movie, Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, throws back a total of nine White Russians, bringing curiosity to movie watchers. Soon after, it exploded in popularity bringing the drink back from near death!

The Essence of the Peppermint White Russian

Peppermint White Russians have earned their place as a holiday favorite, invoking a sense of warmth and celebration. The marriage of the classic White Russian with the cool, minty notes of peppermint creates a symphony of flavors that captivates the palate. This cocktail isn’t just a drink; it’s a tradition, a taste of seasonal joy that brings people together.

What’s in a Peppermint White Russian?

To unlock the full potential of Peppermint White Russian, let’s delve into its key ingredients. Start with a high-quality vodka as the foundation, add a splash of rich coffee liqueur, and elevate the experience with a touch of peppermint schnapps. Choose your ingredients wisely, as the success of this cocktail lies in the harmony of these key players.

Here’s the ingredients you’ll need for the Peppermint White Russian:

• Vodka
• Coffee liqueur (Kahlúa, Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, etc.)
• Peppermint schnapps
• Heavy cream

Peppermint White Russian-Ingredients

• 1.5 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
• 1.5 oz vodka (Tito’s) 
• 1.5 oz peppermint schnapps
• 3 oz heavy cream
• whipped cream (for the top)
• crushed candy canes (to the rim and to the top of the whipped cream)
• 1 candy cane (for garnish)

Instructions

• Rim a lowball glass in simple syrup or corn syrup then dip into crushed candy canes. 
• Add ice to the glass.
• Pour coffee liqueur, vodka and peppermint schnapps into the prepared glass.
• Top off with heavy cream and stir gently.
• Add whipped cream and top with crushed candy canes.
• Place a large candy cane in the glass for garnish. 
• Serve and enjoy!
• Cheers!

Tips for the best results

• Use heavy cream:  Heavy cream gives the drink a decadent and creamy flavor while giving the drink a silky, smooth and rich texture. However, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even low-fat milk for a thinner, lighter and less caloric cocktail. 
• Don’t go too heavy on the ice:  Adding too much ice can water down this delicious cocktail diluting the creamy, rich texture. 
• Use quality liqueurs: Our preference for vodka is Tito’s, coffee liqueur is Kahlúa and for the Peppermint schnapps is we used Leroux. However, feel free to use your personal favorites.

Pour, stir or layer? 

What’s the difference dude? Check out these three popular methods. Try them all and see what method you like best. For our Peppermint White Russian, we used the stir method to create a more even and consistent flavor. However, feel free to experiment with any of the following.

• Pour Method: Add ice to a glass. Pour in the vodka, coffee liqueur and peppermint schnapps, then add the heavy cream. 
• Stir Method: Pour all the ingredients into a glass and stir gently.  
• Layer Method: Add ice to a glass. Add vodka, coffee liqueur and peppermint schnapps and stir together. Pour the heavy cream into a cocktail shaker and shake well. Pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon for a nice layered look.

Cheers to the Peppermint White Russian!

As we raise our glasses to the enchantment of Peppermint White Russian, may this recipe become a staple in your festive celebrations. Crafted with care and a dash of holiday spirit, this cocktail embodies the joy of the season. Share your Peppermint White Russian adventures with us, and let the magic flow through every sip. Cheers to the holidays, and cheers to the magic in your glass! And remember…

Life’s too short to eat bad food!

For other great Holiday Cocktails try:

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Martini

Coconut Margarita

Fireball Eggnog

Grasshopper Cocktail

Grinch Mimosa

Poinsettia Cocktail

Oatmeal Cookie Cocktail

Simple Butterball Cocktail

The Best Homemade Eggnog

White Chocolate Peppermint Martini