This luscious Peppermint White Russian showcases vodka, Kahlua, and peppermint schnapps for a minty variation of the traditional cocktail! It’s merry and ideal for winter gatherings.
If you’re in search of a cheerful winter cocktail that’s sweet and creamy, I would recommend the Peppermint White Russian. I don’t typically indulge in sweet cocktails, but this rendition of the classic White Russian has captivated me.
Through multiple rounds of recipe experimentation, I discovered that this minty twist might actually outperform the original. The peppermint doesn’t merely enhance flavor: it transforms the drink into a taste reminiscent of liquid peppermint bark with a caffeine jolt! (What’s not to appreciate?)
Ingredients in a Peppermint White Russian
The White Russian is an iconic cocktail that dates back to the 1950s, consisting of vodka, heavy cream, and coffee liqueur. It is a variation of another classic cocktail, the Black Russian, which simply combines vodka and Kahlua. You may recognize the White Russian from the 1998 film The Big Lebowski, though it has a much richer history.
For the Peppermint White Russian version, you simply incorporate peppermint schnapps to give each sip a minty finish. It softens the flavors into an even more intriguing balance. Here’s what you will require:
– Vodka: The primary spirit that allows the other flavors to shine
– Coffee liqueur: I usually opt for Kahlua, though Tia Maria is also a good choice
– Peppermint schnapps: This is where the enchantment occurs (more on selecting the right proof below)
– Heavy cream or milk: Provides that signature creamy consistency
Understanding Peppermint Schnapps Proof
Here’s a lesson I learned the hard way: you’ll find three distinct proof levels in most stores:
– 30 proof (15% ABV) – Milder and sweeter
– 60 proof (30% ABV) – Standard strength
– 100 proof (50% ABV) – Quite potent
If your bottle indicates 100 proof, use half the amount specified in the recipe and sample as you go. I made the error of using the full amount with 100 proof schnapps once, and the drink was overwhelmingly strong! The 60 proof variety is my preferred choice.
How to make a Peppermint White Russian
Creating the Peppermint White Russian is incredibly simple! You can assemble it directly in the glass: there’s no need to pull out a cocktail shaker or mixing glass. Here’s the process:
1. Pour the vodka, Kahlua, and peppermint schnapps into a lowball glass. Then, add the cream.
2. Gently stir to achieve the swirl effect. Stirring the drink immediately will turn it off-white. It’s more enjoyable to create the swirl effect! Stir gently just a few times, and the cream will swirl into a lovely pattern.
Tip: To elevate the drink, consider using clear ice that is crystal clear instead of cloudy standard ice. It gives the drink an upscale bar appearance!
How Sweet is This Drink?
The White Russian is infamously sweet, thanks to the Kahlua. This coffee liqueur adds a significant amount of sugar to the drink! Tia Maria offers a more refined version of the coffee liqueur, creating a slightly more balanced drink. You might think about this for a more elegant take here.
The peppermint schnapps also contributes sweetness; interestingly, the minty flavor helps balance the sweetness. In our view, the Peppermint White Russian tastes more harmoniously balanced than the classic, yet it remains quite a sweet beverage.
Cream Alternatives
This is a rather rich drink, so similar to my classic White Russian, I prefer using some alternatives to heavy cream. Here are a few I’ve experimented with:
– Half and Half: This is my preferred lighter substitute: it still creates swirls and has enough richness to feel satisfying.
– Whole Milk: This works but results in a slightly more diluted drink. You can make 2% work, although I would steer clear of 1% or skim.
– Full fat coconut milk (or oat milk): For a dairy-free White Russian, I enjoy coconut milk (canned, full fat) as it still creates the swirls. Oat milk can also be used, but it tends to be thinner.
Ways to Serve This Festive Cocktail
This Peppermint White Russian is perfect for serving as a holiday drink. Here are a few ways I like to present it:
Peppermint White Russian
This luscious Peppermint White Russian showcases vodka, Kahlua, and peppermint schnapps for a minty variation of the traditional cocktail! It’s merry and ideal for winter gatherings.
Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Yield: