Peppermint White Russian

The holiday season calls for cocktails that are cozy, festive, and a little indulgent—and the Peppermint White Russian hits all those marks perfectly. Imagine the classic creamy coffee-flavored cocktail you love, infused with the cool, minty freshness of peppermint. It’s the kind of winter cocktail that feels just as at home next to a crackling fire as it does at a bustling holiday party.

This twist on the traditional White Russian transforms it into a White Christmas drink, perfect for anyone who enjoys a sweet, creamy, and slightly boozy treat. The peppermint flavor gives it a playful, festive flair without overpowering the smooth richness of the vodka and coffee liqueur. It’s simple to make but feels luxurious enough to impress any guest—or treat yourself after a long day of holiday prep.

For those who love a good holiday white Russian, this cocktail brings an extra layer of charm and indulgence. It pairs beautifully with seasonal desserts like chocolate bark, gingerbread cookies, or even a rich slice of peppermint cheesecake. And because it’s easy to adjust the sweetness or mint intensity, it’s a versatile option for holiday gatherings of any size.

When it comes to the best Christmas cocktails, this peppermint twist consistently ranks near the top. It’s creamy, festive, and just boozy enough to warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking to add a peppermint cocktail to your collection of best Christmas alcoholic drinks or simply want a fun spin on a classic favorite, this Peppermint White Russian will quickly become a seasonal staple.

Why You’ll Love It

• Festively Creamy with a Peppermint Twist – The smooth, velvety texture of a classic White Russian gets an instant holiday upgrade with a hint of peppermint, making each sip feel celebratory.
• Perfect for Winter Gatherings – Whether you’re hosting a cozy night by the fire or a lively holiday party, this winter cocktail is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make, Impressively Delicious – No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just simple mixing that delivers a cocktail that looks and tastes like you spent hours crafting it.
• Versatile and Customizable – Want it stronger, sweeter, or extra minty? You can tweak it to your taste, so it fits perfectly with your holiday mood and party vibe.
• A Holiday Staple in a Glass – With its festive flavor and creamy appeal, it’s the kind of drink you’ll find yourself coming back to every winter—your go-to White Christmas drink.

Ingredient List

For the Cocktail:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 1 oz heavy cream
• ½ oz peppermint schnapps
• Ice cubes

For Garnish:

• Crushed peppermint candy or candy cane
• Whipped cream (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• I always use a good-quality coffee liqueur—it makes the White Russian rich and smooth without being too sweet.
• Don’t skip the peppermint schnapps! It gives the cocktail that festive, holiday white Russian twist.
• Heavy cream is key for that luscious, creamy texture. Full-fat cream works best—it makes every sip feel indulgent.
• Crushed peppermint on top isn’t just pretty—it adds a delightful crunch and extra minty flavor that screams holiday season.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Old Fashioned or Rocks Glass – Perfect for serving this creamy White Russian; I love a sturdy glass that feels substantial in hand.
• Mixing Spoon – For gently stirring the cocktail without breaking up the cream too much.
• Measuring Jigger – Keeps your vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps perfectly balanced every time.
• Cocktail Shaker (Optional) – If you like a slightly frothy cream layer, a quick shake does the trick.
• Muddler or Spoon (for garnish) – To crush peppermint candy or candy canes for a festive topping.

Instructions

Step 1: Chill Your Glass

• Place your Old Fashioned or rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes.
• Pro tip: A chilled glass keeps your Peppermint White Russian cold longer without watering it down with too much ice.

Step 2: Add Ice

• Fill the glass about halfway with ice cubes.
• Large cubes work best—they melt slower and keep the cocktail creamy and undiluted.

Step 3: Pour the Spirits

• Measure 2 oz vodka and 1 oz coffee liqueur, then pour them over the ice.
• Add ½ oz peppermint schnapps for that holiday peppermint twist.
• Pro tip: Use a jigger for accurate measurements—getting the balance right makes this cocktail taste professional.

Step 4: Add the Cream

• Slowly pour 1 oz of heavy cream over the back of a spoon so it floats on top.
• For a more blended drink, gently stir once or twice; for a layered look, leave it as is.
• Pro tip: Use full-fat cream for the richest, most decadent texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy or candy cane on top.
• Optional: Add a small dollop of whipped cream for extra holiday flair.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, minty magic of your holiday white Russian.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use large ice cubes to keep your cocktail cold longer without watering it down.
• Pour the cream slowly over a spoon for a beautiful layered effect.
• Chill your glass beforehand to make the drink feel extra luxurious.
• Stir gently if you prefer a blended drink, but don’t overmix—you want that creamy texture to shine.
• Always use freshly crushed peppermint for garnish; pre-packaged candy pieces can be too hard or uneven.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Swap vodka for a flavored vodka like vanilla or chocolate for a fun twist.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though it won’t be as rich.
• Use Irish cream instead of coffee liqueur for a sweeter, creamier holiday white Russian.
• Add a dash of cocoa powder for a chocolate-peppermint combo.
• Garnish with a mini candy cane instead of crushed peppermint for a cute, festive look.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving this Peppermint White Russian alongside gingerbread cookies—the spicy sweetness complements the creamy, minty cocktail perfectly.
• It pairs beautifully with a slice of peppermint or chocolate cheesecake for an indulgent holiday treat.
• Serve it as a cozy drink while watching a holiday movie marathon—it instantly feels like a warm winter hug in a glass.
• For festive gatherings, pour it into mini glasses with crushed candy cane rims—everyone loves a little visual wow factor.
• I also enjoy it with a small plate of roasted nuts or spiced popcorn—the salty crunch balances the creamy sweetness wonderfully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Best enjoyed fresh—this cocktail is at its creamiest and most flavorful right after mixing.
• If needed, pre-mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Keep cream separate until serving to maintain texture and richness.
• Do not heat—this drink is meant to be served cold; reheating will separate the cream.
• Stir gently before serving if stored briefly in the fridge to recombine the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Peppermint White Russian ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the cream separate and add it just before serving for the best texture.

Can I use flavored vodka?

Absolutely! Vanilla or chocolate vodka pairs beautifully with the peppermint and coffee flavors for a fun twist on the classic White Russian.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?

You can swap the vodka and coffee liqueur for cold brew coffee and a splash of peppermint syrup. It’s creamy, minty, and just as festive!

How can I make it extra creamy?

Use full-fat heavy cream and pour it slowly over the back of a spoon for a luxurious layer. A small dollop of whipped cream on top adds even more indulgence.

What’s the best garnish?

Crushed peppermint candy is classic, but a mini candy cane or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder works wonderfully too. It adds both flavor and holiday charm.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

Yes! If you like it sweeter, add a little more coffee liqueur or a tiny drizzle of simple syrup. For a lighter cocktail, stick with the base recipe and it will still taste delicious.

Did you try this Peppermint White Russian? Let me know in the comments how it turned out and what your favorite holiday twist was!