Like most people my age I was first introduced to the white russian with the 1998 movie The Big Lebowski. Throughout the movie, you see Jeff Bridges’ character “The Dude” preparing, holding, and sipping on white russians, or as he refers to them “Caucasians”. And while it’s just one small detail of an overall ridiculous movie it’s something that you can’t forget.
But today I want to show you a holiday spin on this classic cocktail with the peppermint white russian. It’s just as easy to make as the original version and in my opinion, tastes even better.
How to Make a Peppermint White Russian
To transform a regular white russian into a peppermint white russian all you have to do is make a simple adjustment. You see a white russian is basically 2 parts vodka, 1 part Kahlua, and a splash of heavy cream on the rocks. To make the peppermint version we simply need to sub out 1 part of the vodka with either peppermint schnapps or creme de menth.
Honestly, that’s it!
But if you’re making these for special guests there is one additional step that you really should do to really take the cocktail over the top.
A candy cane rim.
Trust me even if you’ve never rimed a glass for a cocktail before, this is super easy. You just need to crush up some candy canes in a bag and make a simple syrup by combining sugar and water. Then you simply dip the rim of your glass in the syrup which creates a sticky surface. Followed by dipping that rim in the crushed candy canes so that it adheres to the rim.
It’s a simple step that not only makes the presentation of the cocktail super cool but also adds additional peppermint flavor.
Tips, Tricks & Suggestions
- Creme de Menth vs Peppermint Schnapps – These ingredients are absolutely necessary for providing the minty flavor for our cocktail. And while either one can be used there are slight differences that should be noted. For starters, creme de menth is often much sweeter than peppermint schnapps. So if you want a sweeter drink then stick with the creme de menth. However, if you want a more minty flavor then stick with the peppermint schnapps, which is often more intense. But, be careful if you decide on peppermint schnapps because they can vary by alcohol content. Some are as low as 30 proof and will result in a fairly mellow cocktail, while others can get as high as 100 proof, which will result in a SUPER strong drink.
- Milk vs. Half & half vs Cream – Similarly you have an option as to what type of dairy you want to use in your cocktail. And basically, it all comes down to how rich and thick you prefer your drink to be. If you want a light and thin cocktail stick with regular milk. If you want and rich and thick cocktail go with the heavy cream. And if you want something in between use half & half.
- Make it even more decadent by topping the cocktail with whipped cream. And additional crushed candy canes.
- If you want to get super fancy then try making your own clear ice at home. It’s not all that difficult to make and will give your cocktails a very professional appearance.
- Check out some of our other great holiday cocktails like Hot Buttered Rum, Apple Pie Moonshine, and Apple Cider Cocktail.
Peppermint White Russian Recipe
Total time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients
For optional rim:
1 to 2 candy canes
2 Tablespoons of sugar
1 Tablespoon of water
For the cocktail:
1 oz. Peppermint schnapps, or creme de menth
1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Kahlua
Milk, Half & half, or heavy cream
Optional garnish:
Candy canes
Instructions
- Rim the glass with candy cane (optional): Place 1 or 2 candy canes in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to bust them up into small pieces.
Transfer the crushed candy canes to a plate and set them aside. Next, combine the 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved. If you need to you can heat this up in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to help the sugar dissolve. And finally, dip the rim of a lowball glass into the sugar solution, followed by a dip in the crushed candy canes so that they adhere to the rim.
- Make the drink: Pour the peppermint schnapps/creme de menth, vodka, and Kahlua into your lowball glass.
Fill the glass with ice cubes and top it off with either milk, half & half, or heavy cream. Stir these ingredients with a candy cane until combined.
- Serve the peppermint white russian immediately and enjoy!
Peppermint White Russian Recipe
Ingredients
For optional rim:
- 1 to 2 candy canes
- 2 Tablespoons of sugar
- 1 Tablespoon of water
For the cocktail:
- 1 oz. Peppermint schnapps or creme de menth
- 1 oz. Vodka
- 1 oz. Kahlua
- Milk Half & half, or heavy cream
Optional garnish:
- Candy canes
Instructions
- Rim the glass with candy cane (optional): Place 1 or 2 candy canes in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to bust them up into small pieces. Transfer the crushed candy canes to a plate and set them aside. Next, combine the 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved. If you need to you can heat this up in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to help the sugar dissolve. And finally, dip the rim of a lowball glass into the sugar solution, followed by a dip in the crushed candy canes so that they adhere to the rim.
- Make the drink: Pour the peppermint schnapps/creme de menth, vodka, and Kahlua into your lowball glass. Fill the glass with ice cubes and top it off with either milk, half & half, or heavy cream. Stir these ingredients with a candy cane until combined.
- Serve the peppermint white russian immediately and enjoy!
