Description
Indulge in this holiday twist on a classic! Creamy, minty, and spiked with peppermint vodka, this festive White Russian is the perfect cozy Christmas cocktail.
Ingredients
For the Cocktail (per drink):
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2 oz (60 ml) Premium Vodka (A smooth, neutral vodka like Tito’s, Stolichnaya, or Ketel One works perfectly)
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1.5 oz (45 ml) Peppermint Schnapps or Peppermint Liqueur (Such as Rumple Minze, Peppermint Schnapps, or a higher-end crème de menthe. For a clear drink, use a clear/white peppermint liqueur; for a festive red hue, use a red-tinted one like Arrow Peppermint Schnapps)
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1 oz (30 ml) Heavy Cream (or Half-and-Half for a slightly lighter version. For best results, let it sit out for 10 minutes to lose its fridge chill)
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Optional: ½ oz (15 ml) Coffee Liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa) for a “Peppermint Mocha” variation
For the Garnish & Rim (optional but highly recommended):
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Crushed Candy Canes or Peppermint Candies
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Simple Syrup or Grenadine (for wetting the rim)
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Fresh Whipped Cream (for topping)
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A small Candy Cane or Peppermint Stick (for stirring)
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Dark Chocolate Shavings or Cocoa Powder
Critical Equipment:
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Old Fashioned or Rocks Glass (short, sturdy glass)
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Jigger or measuring shot glass
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Bar spoon or teaspoon (for layering)
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Small plate for rimming
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Cocktail strainer (optional, if using ice from a mixing glass)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Festive Rim (Optional)
Place your crushed candy canes on a small plate. Take your serving glass and moisten the outer rim. You can do this by dipping it in a shallow dish of simple syrup, grenadine (for a red rim), or even just running a lime wedge along it. Invert the glass and dip the moistened rim into the crushed candy, twisting gently to ensure an even, generous coating. Set the prepared glass aside.
Step 2: Fill the Glass with Ice
Add a generous amount of fresh, large ice cubes to the glass. Ideally, use one large sphere or cube to minimize dilution. The ice chills the glass and provides the foundation for the beautiful layering.
Step 3: Pour the Vodka
Measure 2 ounces of vodka using your jigger. Pour it directly over the ice in the glass.
Step 4: Layer the Peppermint Liqueur
Now, for the signature layered look. Measure 1.5 ounces of peppermint liqueur. Using the back of a bar spoon or a regular teaspoon, hold it just inside the glass, bowl-side up, against the inner wall. Slowly and gently pour the peppermint liqueur over the spoon so it cascades down the side of the glass and floats on top of the denser vodka. With practice, you’ll create a distinct red or clear layer.
Step 5: Float the Cream
Measure 1 ounce of heavy cream. Again using the back of the spoon held just at the surface of the drink, pour the cream very slowly over the spoon. The cream, being the lightest, will float gracefully on top of the peppermint liqueur, creating a pristine white top layer.
Step 6: The Garnish
If desired, top with a small dollop of freshly whipped cream. For the final festive touch, insert a mini candy cane as a swizzle stick. You can also sprinkle a pinch of the remaining crushed candy cane or some dark chocolate shavings over the whipped cream.
Step 7: Serve and Instruct
Place the cocktail on a coaster or napkin. Serve immediately with a stirrer (the candy cane works perfectly). Instruct your guest to stir the drink thoroughly before sipping to integrate the layers into a unified, creamy, minty delight. The stir itself becomes a part of the experience, creating a beautiful marbled effect
Notes
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Old Fashioned (Rocks) Glasses
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Jigger
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Bar Spoon (or a regular teaspoon)
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Small plates for garnishing
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Measuring spoons
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 1g