Festive Peppermint White Russian Cocktail Recipe
Article & Photos by: allie albanese
Learn how to make a festive Peppermint White Russian with this easy holiday cocktail recipe. Includes variations, garnish ideas, and tips for mixing the perfect seasonal drink!
The classic White Russian may forever be linked to “The Dude” in The Big Lebowski, but the Peppermint White Russian deserves its moment in the spotlight — especially during the festive season! It’s a fun holiday twist on the creamy, coffee-flavored original, swapping out some of its signature simplicity for a minty touch that practically begs for cold weather and cozy nights by the fire.
But this isn’t just another White Russian, it’s the holiday upgrade you didn’t realize you needed! Peppermint Schnapps gives it a cool, mint finish that feels tailor-made for this time of year. Whether you’re sipping it while wrapping presents or serving it to friends, the Peppermint White Russian is one of those fun cocktails that’ll add a little extra cheer to your holiday celebration. Read on to learn how to make it.
What Is a Peppermint White Russian Cocktail?
The Peppermint White Russian is what happens when a classic cocktail gets dressed up for the holidays. At its core, it’s built on the same foundation as the original White Russian — Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, and a splash of cream — but with one game-changing addition: Peppermint Schnapps. That splash of mint gives it a refreshing, wintry twist that’s as festive as a candy cane, but far more grown-up!
The result is a dessert cocktail that’s smooth and balanced without being fussy. This seasonal touch makes the White Russian with Peppermint Schnapps a perfect cocktail for holiday parties, family celebrations, or even as a unique alternative to dessert.
Peppermint White Russian Ingredients
Making a Peppermint White Russian cocktail is all about combining the components of a classic White Russian with a fun, seasonal twist. Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to shake up this festive cocktail:
- VODKA: Start with good-quality Vodka as the foundation of your drink. (Personally, I like to use Reyka Icelandic Vodka in this recipe.) Plain Vodka works perfectly here, but Peppermint Vodka (such as Smirnoff Peppermint Twist Vodka) can take the minty peppermint flavor up a notch. You can also easily make your own Peppermint Vodka by infusing Vodka with some peppermint candies for a few days!
- COFFEE LIQUEUR: This is where the magic begins! Coffee Liqueur is the heart of a White Russian, adding a punch of flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Kahlúa is a tried-and-true favorite, but if you prefer something a little less sweet with more of a coffee flavor kick, Tia Maria is a great option. Your local liquor store should have several options to choose from.
- PEPPERMINT SCHNAPPS: The secret to this drink’s signature holiday flavor! A splash of Peppermint Schnapps is all you need, but if you don’t have Schnapps on hand, White Crème de Menthe makes a solid backup, or a teeny-tiny drop of peppermint extract will work in a pinch. Be careful with the extract, though — it’s super potent and a little goes a very long way.
- CREAM: Heavy whipping cream gives this cocktail its signature velvety texture, but if you’re looking for something lighter, half-and-half or whole milk will do the trick. Just keep in mind that the creamier the base, the smoother the sip!
- GARNISH OPTIONS: This is where you get to have a little fun! Crushed candy canes on the rim of the glass are a crowd favorite, while a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup will give it a dessert-like touch.
Pro Tip for Crushing Candy Canes
Crushing candy canes or peppermint candy without leaving your kitchen looking like a snowstorm is easy. Simply toss them in a zip-top plastic bag, seal it up tight, and use a rolling pin (or even a sturdy glass) to gently smash them into festive little shards. No mess, no stress, and your garnish is ready to go!
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How to Make a Peppermint White Russian Cocktail
Mixing up a Peppermint White Russian with Peppermint Vodka is super easy, and the results are as festive as they are delicious. Here’s how to make this delicious drink:
- GIVE YOUR GLASS A CANDY CANE RIM (OPTIONAL, BUT FUN!): If you’re feeling fancy, start by rimming your glass with crushed candy canes. To do so, spread a little simple syrup, honey, or corn syrup on a small plate. On another plate, spread out some crushed candy canes. Dip the rim of a rocks glass, Martini glass, or old fashioned glass into the syrup first, then press it gently into the candy canes until the edges are coated. Set aside for a minute to let the rim of your glass dry. Then admire your handiwork!
- BUILD THE BASE: Fill your prepared glass with ice cubes, leaving enough room for the liquids. Pour in 1 ounce of Coffee Liqueur, 3/4 ounce of Peppermint Schnapps, and 1 ounce of Vodka into the glass.
- LAYER THE CREAM (OR DON’T!): For a layered effect, slowly pour 2 ounces of heavy cream over the back of a spoon held just above the drink. This helps the cream float gently on top, creating an Instagram-ready effect. Buuuuut let’s be honest…most of us just want a good drink! If layering feels like too much effort, toss everything in a cocktail shaker with ice and give it a good shake. That’s my go-to method, and it works every time. 😎
- GARNISH AND SERVE: Garnish your Peppermint White Russian with a peppermint stick or a mini candy cane hooked on the side of the glass, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint on top, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra indulgence. Serve it with a straw or cocktail stirrer so your guests can mix the layers (if you went that route) as they sip.
Peppermint White Russian Variations
One thing I love about the Peppermint White Russian is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs, experimenting with flavors, or scaling up for a crowd, there are plenty of ways to make this delicious cocktail your own. Here are some different variations to try:
- DAIRY-FREE PEPPERMINT WHITE RUSSIAN: Swap the cream or regular milk for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk to create a lighter, plant-based version. Oat milk works especially well because it adds a creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors. BONUS: It’s just as tasty but lower in calories, which means you won’t feel guilty about going back for seconds (or thirds)!
- PEPPERMINT BLACK RUSSIAN: If you want to skip the cream altogether, the Peppermint Black Russian cocktail is your answer. Simply leave out the cream, shake the Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, and Peppermint Schnapps together, and pour it over ice for a no-fuss option that’s just as seasonal and flavorful as its creamy cousin.
- DARK CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT WHITE RUSSIAN: For an extra chocolatey kick, swap regular Vodka for Chocolate Vodka (such as Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka) or add a splash of Crème de Cacao. For a finishing touch, drizzle some dark or white chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring in your drink to create a dessert-worthy upgrade.
- PEPPERMINT WHITE RUSSIAN WITH RUMCHATA: Switching out the cream for RumChata Cream Liqueur gives this creamy cocktail a completely different vibe. RumChata’s cinnamon and vanilla notes play beautifully with the Peppermint and Coffee liqueurs, adding warm, spiced undertones that are perfect for the holiday season.
- PARTY-SIZE PEPPERMINT SCHNAPPS WHITE RUSSIAN: Hosting a holiday party? Save yourself time (and extra trips to the bar cart) by preparing a big batch of Peppermint White Russians in advance. Mix the Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, and Peppermint Schnapps in a pitcher and refrigerate. Come party time, you can either pour the cream directly into the pitcher and stir, or let guests customize their drinks by offering cream and dairy-free options on the side. PRO TIP: Chill the pitcher beforehand so everything stays cold without needing ice that could water it down.
- PEPPERMINT WHITE RUSSIAN MOCKTAIL: If you’re skipping the alcohol, you can still enjoy the holiday spin on this Christmas cocktail. Just replace the Vodka and Coffee Liqueur with cold brew coffee for a similar flavor profile. For the minty flavor of the Peppermint Liqueur, a tiny splash of peppermint extract will do the trick. Just don’t overdo it as it’s quite strong. Add your choice of cream or a non-dairy substitute and garnish with crushed candy canes or whipped cream for a mocktail that looks as good as it tastes!
Peppermint White Russian Cocktail Recipe: The Wrap-Up
As the holiday season gets into full swing, there’s no better time to shake up your drink menu with this Peppermint White Russian. Its creamy texture, bold coffee notes, and minty finish make it a standout addition to any gathering or quiet evening at home.
Adding this cocktail to your rotation of holiday cocktail recipes is an easy way to bring a touch of seasonal cheer to your December celebrations. Serve it at your next party, gift it as part of a cocktail kit for friends, or simply enjoy it while unwinding by the fire.
Cheers to making this Peppermint White Russian recipe a delicious part of your holiday traditions!
Did You Make This Peppermint White Russian Drink Recipe?
If you gave this Peppermint White Russian recipe a try, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out or if you added any creative twists to this holiday treat. Your feedback helps build a community of fellow cocktail enthusiasts, and it’s always exciting to see how you make the recipe your own!
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A writer and photographer, Allie Albanese is the founder and curator of Parched Around the World. Here she seeks to tell stories about the intersection of food, drinks, cultures, and traditions in places near and far.
As the Beverage Director and Bar Manager of a high-volume cocktail bar, Allie spent years honing her mixology skills and learning about the fascinating world of drinks. In the time since, she’s worked as a wine and cocktail consultant for both private and corporate clients, as well as a freelance journalist writing about cocktails, wine, food, and travel for various publications across the United States and abroad.
When mixing a drink for herself, you’ll likely find Allie with a fresh Gin Gimlet or a spicy Old Fashioned in hand!
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Peppermint White Russian
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 Drink
Description
Learn how to make a festive Peppermint White Russian with this easy holiday cocktail recipe. Includes variations, garnish ideas, and tips for mixing the perfect seasonal drink!
Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 3/4 oz Peppermint Schnapps
- 2 oz Heavy Cream
- GARNISH: Mini candy cane
Instructions
- OPTIONAL: Begin by rimming your cocktail glass with crushed candy canes.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes. Pour in the Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, and Peppermint Schnapps, then give it a gentle stir.
- For a layered drink, slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon to float the cream on top. If you prefer simplicity, combine all ingredients (including the cream) in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold, then strain into a cocktail glass with ice.
- Finish with a garnish of your choice! I opted for a mini candy cane, but crushed peppermint candies, whipped cream, or chocolate syrup all make great options.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shake
- Cuisine: Cocktails
Hi Friends, I’m Allie!
I’m an Italian-German-Southerner with a deep passion for food, drinks & travel. After 15 years in NYC as a Certified Sommelier & cocktail creator, plus a stint in New Zealand learning how to make wine, I’m now back home in Georgia where I blend my love for culinary arts & travel into my work as a writer & photographer. Thank you so much for joining me here at Parched where I look forward to exploring the world together one bite, sip & adventure at a time!
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I was looking for white russian recipes and came across this one and had to try it. Loved it. Going to save the recipe to make for the holidays this year.
Fantastic! I’m so happy you stumbled across my recipe and gave it a try. It’s definitely a fun one for the holiday season!