Peppermint White Russian Cocktail

This Peppermint White Russian recipe is delicious and it looks so pretty! A perfect wintry cocktail to enjoy during the holidays or anytime during winter.

This twist on the classic White Russian cocktail is the perfect way to add a touch of holiday cheer to any festive gathering.

With a decadent blend of creamy Kahlua, smooth vodka, and a burst of refreshing peppermint, this drink is like a winter wonderland in a glass.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, enjoying a cozy night in by the fireplace, or looking for a unique and comforting drink to celebrate, this White Russian is sure to satisfy.

You’ve got to try this spirited concoction that’s sure to become a new Christmas holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love this White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Hosting a Christmas party and looking for the perfect cocktail to serve? This Peppermint White Russian cocktail recipe fits the bill – easy to make and they look gorgeous and festive!

We often make this holiday drink in a glass mug but a rocks glass works great, as does a martini glass. 

This recipe makes 1 serving but it’s easy to double or triple this, mix it in a large pitcher and then serve in pretty cocktail glasses.

Pair with some Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn or Pumpkin Spice Popcorn for the ultimate holiday snack!

Looking for another kind of tasty treat to go along with these cocktails?

Try this Crab Dip – you can easily whip up a batch in minutes.

And if you’re looking for a holiday drink that’s a bit on the lighter side, try these Cranberry Vodka Spritzers!

 

Peppermint White Russian Ingredients

• Kahlua Coffee Liqueur – one of the classic ingredients for White Russian cocktails, this liqueur adds a splash of coffee flavor.
• Vodka – gives your cocktails a little bit of extra bite, and is also customary for a White Russian.
• Peppermint Schnapps – adds some sweet peppermint flavor that makes these cocktails ideal for the holiday season.
• Half and Half Cream – gives your cocktails their signature creaminess.
• Ice – keeps your cocktail nice and cold.
• Corn Syrup – helps the crushed candy canes adhere to the glass.
• Crushed Candy Canes or Crushed Peppermint Candies – these will serve as a garnish on the rim of your glass.
• Mini Candy Canes – you can also use whole mini candy canes as a fun garnish.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – also optional for some extra warmth and flavor.

How to Make White Russians with Peppermint

Instructions:

1. Let’s start by getting the glassware ready by decorating the rim.
   

   Make your cocktail glass pretty by decorating the rim.

2. Into a saucer, pour 4-5 tablespoons of corn syrup. Into another saucer, place crushed candy canes or peppermints. Here’s where you can find already crushed peppermint candies.
3. If you can’t get any crushed candy canes, you can crush peppermints or candy canes using a rolling pin. It’s not a fun job especially when you have guests in your home, so you will want to get this done ahead of time. Put the candy canes or peppermints into a Ziplock bag to keep them more contained while you’re crushing them.
4. Dip the rim of the glass into the corn syrup, followed by the crushed candies. Remove the cocktail glass, turn it upright and you’re ready to start mixing this festive holiday drink!
   

   Dip the glass into the corn syrup, then into the crushed candies.

5. Now, fill with ice about halfway. After you add ice, pour vodka, Kahlua and peppermint schnapps and the half and half and stir well. You can use heavy cream in place of the half and half, if you like.
6. Sprinkle with just a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice if you like.
7. Add a touch of whimsy by adding a miniature candy cane or a peppermint stick, then serve.
   

   Enjoy these Christmas cocktails as the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.

One of the most common glasses to serve this cocktail in is what is called an old fashioned glass, used for highballs and other cocktails. You can find some pretty White Russian glass on Amazon here.

Serve up this Christmas White Russian during the holidays or anytime you’re looking for a new cocktail to try.

Pair with Spiced Red Wine Poached Pairs or a delicious and decadent Chocolate Raspberry Tart for an extra special treat.

White Russian FAQs

Can I make White Russians in a shaker?

Instead of making your White Russian in a glass, you can also use a cocktail shaker to mix the drink ingredients together, then pour into rimmed cocktail glasses.

This is a good option if you don’t want to include ice, which could potentially water down your drink as the ice melts.

Can I make White Russians in a big batch recipe?

You can easily make this in a large pitcher to enjoy with a group of friends. You can find exact measurements for a big batch White Russian recipe here.

How do you make a White Russian not curdle?

If your White Russian curdles, it is likely because you are using a type of low fat milk or cream.

Who made the first White Russian drink?

First made by Gustav Tops in 1949 in Belgium, this was the signature drink of the Dude in the Big Lebowski movie with Jeff Bridges (a must see!) 

Popular Variations and Substitutions

• To make this cocktail a Black Russian instead, simply omit the half and half.
• If you can’t find Peppermint Schnapps, try a peppermint flavored vodka instead.
• Another flavored vodka like chocolate or vanilla would also make a sweet addition to this tasty cocktail!
• For a lighter version of this White Russian cocktail, use milk instead of half and half. This will reduce the calories and fat but make the drink thinner, so be aware that splash of cream is important to keep the decadent, creamy texture.
• Other garnish ideas include a dollop of whipped cream, festive sprinkles, or fun colored straws.
• Enhance your drink with even more minty flavor using a homemade Peppermint Simple Syrup.

White Russian Recipe

If you enjoy this drink, please be sure to rate it 5 stars below! And print this off or save it to your recipes folder!

 

 

originally published Oct. 2021; latest update Oct. 2024