Peppermint White Russian

The perfect Christmas cocktail: Peppermint White Russian with coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, coconut milk (to keep it vegan) and a candy cane rim. So festive, easy to make and delicious!

This fun and cheery peppermint white russian cocktail is made for special occasions. It's definitely not an everyday drink – it's super rich, decadent and well suited for sipping by the Christmas tree with a plate of cookies!

I love the combination of coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, vodka and cream. Just like my morning peppermint mocha, with a bit of a kick 😉

This cocktail would be PERFECT with these equally decadent double chocolate chip peppermint cookies. Or for something a bit lighter, these homemade peppermint patties.

This is such a fun cocktail for a holiday party (or in 2020, a relaxing evening at home with your family)! Don't skip the candy cane rim – it's just as delicious as it is festive.

What is a white russian cocktail?

A traditional white russian cocktail is a decadent combination of vodka, coffee liqueur (typically Kahlúa) and heavy cream or half and half.

It's thick, rich and so delicious – especially if you love coffee!

Our version is similar to the traditional recipe, but instead of heavy cream, we use full fat coconut milk for a vegan alternative. Plus, we add peppermint schnapps and a candy cane rim for a bit of Christmas flair!

Ingredients

• Full fat coconut milk: you want the creamy, full fat milk from a can, NOT from a carton (which is much thinner and meant for eating with cereal, etc. You can also sub with a vegan heavy cream alternative. The key is something super thick and creamy to add richness to the cocktail.
• Vodka: any brand will do, though we always suggest going with something you would actually drink. (i.e. Not the super cheap stuff you bought in college 😉)
• Peppermint schnapps: this clear, peppermint-flavored liqueur pretty much tastes like a liquid candy cane. It's readily available at most liquor stores (especially during the holiday season). A small amount goes a long way, so don't overdo it!
• Kahlúa: Kahlúa is a coffee liqueur originating from Mexico that contains rum, sugar and 100% arabica sugar. Feel free to use another coffee liqueur, but note whether or not it contains sugar. If not, you may want to add more to this recipe.
• Agave or simple syrup: a small amount of sugar balances out the peppermint and coffee.
• Crushed candy canes: You can pulse candy canes in a food processor or spice grinder or (my favorite method): place them in a plastic bag and smash with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer.

Instructions

Candy cane rim: Squeeze some agave nectar or simple syrup on a small plate. Place crushed candy canes on a separate small plate. Dip the rim of each glass in the agave, then roll in the crushed candy canes to coat.  

Make cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add coconut milk, vodka, peppermint schnapps, Kahlúa and agave. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds, then pour into a chilled glass (optional: fill glass with ice).

Garnish with a candy cane or fresh mint. Enjoy! 

More holiday cocktail recipes

• Cranberry Orange Whiskey Cocktail
• How to make Infused Liquors (5 Ways)
• Matcha Mojito
• Spiced Citrus Mulled Wine

If you make this peppermint white russian recipe, we’d love for you to leave a comment and rating below! We also love to see your creations on Instagram – tag us at @crowded_kitchen so we can see what you’ve been cooking.

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