Peppermint White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Peppermint White Russian Cocktail

A Peppermint White Russian combines vodka, coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and half-and-half in a cold, creamy drink. Floating the half-and-half over the darker mixture gives this version its pale upper layer. A crushed-candy rim, whipped cream, and a candy cane complete the finish. The measured schnapps is a starting point: its sweetness and peppermint strength vary by brand.

Ingredients for a Peppermint White Russian

• 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed candy cane or peppermint candy, for the rim and topping
• A few drops of simple syrup, for the rim
• Ice, enough to fill a short rocks glass about halfway
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur
• 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps, plus up to 1/4 ounce more if desired
• 2 ounces half-and-half
• About 2 tablespoons whipped cream
• 1 small candy cane

How to Make a Peppermint White Russian

1. Prepare the rim: Spread the crushed candy on a small plate. Apply a thin film of simple syrup to part of the rocks-glass rim, then dip it into the candy. Avoid using so much syrup that it runs down the glass.
2. Mix the spirits: Fill the glass about halfway with ice. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps. Stir gently until cold. Taste, and add a small splash more schnapps if desired, up to 1/4 ounce.
3. Float the half-and-half: Pour it slowly over the back of a spoon onto the spirit mixture. Leave the drink unstirred to keep a pale layer above the darker coffee-colored base; a soft transition between layers is fine.
4. Finish and serve: Add a mound of whipped cream, sprinkle with the remaining crushed candy, and hook the candy cane over the rim. Serve promptly, before the ice dilutes the drink and the candy softens.

Layering and Peppermint Flavor

Stirring the spirits over ice before adding the half-and-half helps keep the darker base visible. The layers will soften as the drink stands. For a uniformly creamy cocktail instead, stir in the half-and-half after pouring it.

Peppermint schnapps is the flavoring in this version. Peppermint syrup and extract differ in sweetness and concentration, so neither is an equal-volume substitute.

Serving and Storage

Add the half-and-half, whipped cream, and candy just before serving. You can measure the spirits ahead, but the finished dairy cocktail is best assembled and served promptly; a reliable storage time for the assembled drink is not established. Freezing the assembled cocktail is not recommended.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per cocktail, including the listed toppings: 400 calories, 3g protein, 11g fat, and 32g carbohydrates. Per 100g, assuming about 100g of ice: 145 calories, 1g protein, 4g fat, and 12g carbohydrates. Values vary with the brands used, how much of the garnish is consumed, and how much the ice melts.