Peppermint White Russian

Boozy, rich, and creamy, this Peppermint White Russian is the perfect cocktail to serve around the holidays! Peppermint schnapps infuses the drink with festive flavor, and the candy cane garnish is optional but highly recommended for added holiday cheer! 

All About White Russian Cocktails 

A classic white Russian is a simple yet elegant cocktail made with just vodka, Kahlúa (a creamy coffee liqueur), and heavy cream. It’s typically served over ice in a lowball or rocks glass. 

Contrary to what you might think, this popular cocktail didn’t originate in Russia! It’s a spin off of the black Russian cocktail, which is made with coffee liqueur and vodka. The black Russian was created in 1949 for the American ambassador to Luxembourg. It was called a black Russian simply because it was a vodka-based cocktail! 

The white Russian was created a few years later in Oakland, California. Heavy cream cuts the sharpness of the vodka in a traditional black Russian, while adding creaminess and richness. 

The white Russian exploded in popularity after being featured in the now-cult classic movie, The Big Lebowski, in 1998. 

What Does a White Russian Taste Like? 

A classic white Russian is very creamy and sweet from the Kahlúa and heavy cream, with a distinct coffee flavor. 

The combination of Kahlúa and vodka make for a strong cocktail that’s best sipped slowly. 

Difference Between a White Russian vs Black Russian 

The black Russian and white Russian are similar cocktails with one key difference: the heavy cream.  

• Black Russian =  coffee liqueur (usually Kahlúa) + vodka 
• White Russian = coffee liqueur (usually Kahlúa) + vodka + heavy cream 

What Makes a Peppermint White Russian Unique 

The festive white Russian recipe I’m sharing in this post is a creamy peppermint Christmas cocktail that everyone loves, plus it is a fun twist on the classic cocktail! 

Peppermint schnapps is combined with the usual white Russian ingredients for a burst of sweet mint flavor.  

Additionally, I often replace the Kahlúa with regular coffee liqueur when making this peppermint white Russian cocktail. The combination of Kahlúa, heavy cream, and peppermint schnapps is too rich and sweet for my taste, but you’re welcome to use Kahlúa if that’s what you prefer! 

The peppermint cocktail is then garnished with a mini candy cane and / or rimmed with crushed peppermint candies for that extra burst of peppermint flavor. 

This will be your new go-to cocktail during the holiday season, guaranteed! It’s a crowd-pleaser at Christmas parties and can also be served in lieu of dessert after a big meal. 

When to Serve a Peppermint White Russian

We prefer serving this Christmas white Russian after dinner as a digestif. The sweet and creamy cocktail pairs well with seasonal desserts but can also be enjoyed on its own. 

Because the cocktail contains three kinds of alcohol (coffee liqueur, vodka, peppermint schnapps), it’s best sipped slowly over good conversations with friends and family – perfect for a ​holiday party.

Cocktail Making Tools You’ll Need 

This elegant cocktail requires minimal bar tools to prepare it. Here’s what I recommend having on hand:  

• Lowball or rocks glass — the traditional choice for serving a white Russian. 
• Bar spoon — this cocktail is always stirred, never shaken. 
• Jigger — for measuring out the ingredients. 

Peppermint White Russian Ingredients

The ingredients list is short and sweet (pun intended!) for this holiday peppermint white Russian. 

• Vodka
• Peppermint Schnapps
• Coffee Liqueur (or Kahlúa) 
• Heavy Cream
• Crushed peppermint candies (optional) 

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make this dessert cocktail, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

What kind of coffee liqueur should I use? 

Kahlúa is probably the most common choice when making any variation of a white Russian cocktail. 

However, we prefer using the Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur. It’s less sweet and makes for a more well-balanced cocktail. 

What is peppermint schnapps?

If you’ve never made a cocktail with peppermint schnapps before, you’re in for a treat! 

Peppermint schnapps is essentially a clear grain spirit that’s been flavored with peppermint and sweetened with sugar.

It tastes like candy canes or peppermint candy, but if you’re not careful your cocktail will taste like mouthwash if you add too much peppermint schnapps! 

How to Make a White Russian Cocktail 

Making Christmas white Russians requires less than 5 minutes of prep, which is great for serving guests at holiday parties! 

1. Fill a lowball glass with ice. 
2. Measure the vodka, peppermint schnapps, and coffee liqueur directly into the glass. 
3. Stir until combined. 
4. Slowly pour the heavy cream on top of the cocktail to float it. 
5. Serve with a mini candy cane hanging on the edge of the class or a peppermint stick for stirring.

The above is simply a quick summary of this fun cocktail recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Peppermint White Russian Garnish Ideas

We typically garnish our peppermint cocktails with a mini candy cane or a peppermint stick for stirring the drink. 

Additional festive garnish ideas include rimming the glass with crushed peppermint candies or Christmas sprinkles. You could also finely crush some peppermint bark to rim the glass with! 

Tips for Making This Peppermint Cocktail 

Peppermint White Russian Recipe FAQs

Got questions about how to make this recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in a White Russian? 

If you prefer not to make the peppermint cocktail with heavy cream, you may replace it with half and half. Just note that the cocktail won’t be as rich! 

In a pinch, you could substitute whole milk — but I really don’t recommend doing so because the drink won’t be as thick and creamy. 

What kind of glass is a white Russian served in?

It’s traditionally served in an Old Fashioned glass, lowball glass, or rocks glass. However, you can use any glass or jar you have on hand. 

Is a white Russian stirred or shaken?

It’s stirred, although some people prefer shaking it with a cocktail shaker to make a creamier cocktail. Shaking a white Russian with ice also makes it colder. 

Is a white Russian served over ice?

Yes, it’s served over ice. Use one large cocktail ice cube if possible; it will melt slower and will prevent the drink from becoming watered down before you have time to finish it. 

Can I make this Peppermint White Russian cocktail ahead of time? 

If preparing peppermint white Russians for a group, you can stir together the peppermint schnapps, vodka, and coffee liqueur in a large pitcher. 

However, I recommend waiting until you’re ready to serve the cocktails to pour the mixture over ice and float the heavy cream on top. 

Can I make a Peppermint White Russian mocktail? 

Yes! To make the cocktail non-alcoholic, you’ll need to replace the coffee liqueur, vodka, and peppermint schnapps with alcohol-free alternatives. 

• Coffee liqueur: Try replacing with Lyre’s. 
• Vodka: Try replacing with STRYKK or CleanCo. 
• Peppermint schnapps: Try replacing with Arkay. 

Safety tip: Depending on the brand you use, some alcohol-removed spirits may still contain trace amounts of alcohol. Check before serving this drink to kids or drinking during pregnancy.

Try This Festive Cocktail at Home! 

Next time you’re looking for a festive peppermint cocktail, give this Christmas white Russian recipe a try!

Did you think it was the perfect drink for holiday get-togethers? Leave a comment below and give this recipe a review for others to see what you thought of it.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this peppermint Christmas cocktail. 

More Christmas Cocktail Recipes: 

Looking for more holiday cocktails? Here are a few favorites:

Peppermint Mocha Spiked Hot Chocolate takes traditional hot chocolate to the next level with the addition of the flavors of mocha, peppermint, and some optional Irish cream. Top it all off with Peppermint Mocha Whipped Cream and Marshmallows for an unbelievable sweet treat.

Get into the holiday spirit by making yourself a Gingerbread Martini! This Christmas martini is made with Baileys and vodka, and it tastes just like gingerbread! 

Sweet, creamy, and spiced, this Spiked Eggnog is the perfect holiday drink! It’s easier than you think to make your own eggnog. Read on to learn how to make eggnog with alcohol, how to safely use raw eggs in eggnog, and more.

This Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour is tart and boozy with a hint of sweetness and a flavor profile that is perfect for the winter holidays. You’ll love this holiday spin on the classic whiskey sour!

This Cranberry Rosemary Shrub Cocktail is the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail! A homemade cranberry shrub with hints of black pepper, rosemary, and cinnamon is combined with bourbon and seltzer for a festive and colorful drink.

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What are your favorite Christmas cocktails?