As the temperature drops and the festive season approaches, there’s nothing quite like curling up by the fire with a luxurious Cutwater Peppermint White Russian in hand. If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a drink that combines the warmth of the holidays with a dash of elegance and a hint of nostalgia.
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How to make Cutwater Peppermint White Russian
Cutwater Peppermint White Russian is a ready-to-drink canned cocktail that combines the flavors of a classic White Russian with a peppermint twist.
Ingredients
- Vodka – 1.5 oz
- Coffee Liqueur – 1 oz
- Peppermint Schnapps – 0.5 oz
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half – 1.5 oz
- Crushed Candy Cane or Peppermint Candy – Optional garnish
- Ice – Enough to fill your glass
- Whipped Cream for topping
- Dark Chocolate Shavings, for a more decadent finish
Instructions:
Prepare Your Glass: Start by filling a small to medium-sized rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes. If you’re feeling fancy, wet the rim of your glass and dip it in crushed candy cane for a peppermint rim garnish.
Mix the Base:
In a cocktail shaker (or directly in the glass if you prefer a simple approach), combine:
- 1.5 oz of vodka
- 1 oz of coffee liqueur
- 0.5 oz Peppermint Schnapps
- Gently stir or shake for a few seconds to mix everything evenly.
Add the Cream: Slowly pour 1.5 oz of heavy cream or half-and-half over the back of a spoon into the glass to create a “layered” effect. The cream will float on top for a bit before blending naturally into the cocktail.
Garnish: For that extra holiday flair, top your drink with whipped cream if desired, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy, or even some chocolate shavings. It’s all about presentation—and flavor.
Serve and Sip: Gently stir the drink just before sipping, or let the cream mix in naturally as you enjoy it. Either way, it’s rich, festive, and delicious!
Tips for the Perfect Peppermint White Russian:
- Adjust Sweetness: Peppermint Schnapps and coffee liqueur are naturally sweet, but if you love your drinks extra sweet, consider adding a splash of simple syrup or vanilla syrup.
- Lighter Version: For a lighter option, use milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. It won’t be quite as creamy but still packs plenty of flavor.
- Serve It Chilled: This cocktail tastes best served extremely cold. Chill your vodka, peppermint schnapps, and even the glass in advance for the perfect icy sip.
- Use Peppermint Vodka for a Twist: If you don’t have Peppermint Schnapps on hand, peppermint-flavored vodka also works well. Swap it in for your regular vodka, and adjust the amount slightly to keep the peppermint flavor balanced.
- Batch It for a Party: Turn this festive drink into a party favorite by scaling up the ingredients for a batch recipe. Combine all ingredients except the cream in a pitcher (don’t add ice to the pitcher so it doesn’t dilute). When serving, pour the mixture over ice and top with cream individually for each guest.
What to serve with
The Cutwater Peppermint White Russian, with its creamy texture, coffee undertones, and festive peppermint flavor, is a decadent cocktail that pairs beautifully with a wide range of sweet treats and even some complementary savory bites.
a. Chocolate Desserts
- Chocolate Truffles: The smooth, rich chocolate pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the Cutwater Peppermint White Russian. Opt for mint chocolate truffles to match the peppermint vibe.
- Brownies: Fudgy or chewy brownies enhance the drink’s dessert-like quality. You can sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top for a festive touch.
- Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: These add a sweet-salty contrast to the Cutwater Peppermint White Russian and keep it fun and bite-sized.
b. Peppermint-Inspired Treats
- Candy Cane Bark: The combination of chocolate and crushed peppermint candies mirrors the cocktail’s flavors beautifully.
- Peppermint Cookies: Peppermint-flavored thumbprints, sugar cookies with crushed candy canes, or a simple chocolate chip cookie with peppermint extract are excellent choices.
c. Coffee-Flavored Desserts
- Tiramisu: This classic coffee-based dessert complements the coffee liqueur in the cocktail, creating a harmonious pairing.
- Espresso-Flavored Macarons: These delicate French cookies with a hint of espresso flavor offer a lighter but equally indulgent option.
d. Cakes and Pies
- Vanilla or White Chocolate Cake: The sweetness provides a creamy contrast to the bold flavors of the cocktail.
- Cheesecake: A classic New York-style cheesecake or a peppermint-flavored version can beautifully balance the Peppermint White Russian.
- Pecan Pie: For a nutty, caramelized pairing, pecan pie is a fantastic option.
Ingredients Substitutes
If you want to make your own Cutwater Peppermint White Russian at home but don’t have every ingredient on hand, fear not! There are plenty of easy substitutes for the key components while still maintaining the flavor and feel of this festive cocktail.
1. Vodka Substitutes
Vodka is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a clean, neutral alcohol base. However, if you don’t have vodka on hand or want to experiment, here are some alternatives:
- Peppermint Vodka: If you want to skip adding Peppermint Schnapps later, using peppermint-infused vodka kills two birds with one stone. It simplifies the ingredient list while keeping the flavor festive!
- Rum: Light or white rum works well as a substitute for vodka. Rum adds a milder, slightly sweet note to the cocktail, making it a good alternative if you’re looking for something less sharp.
- Whiskey or Bourbon: While untraditional, whiskey or bourbon can add warmth and depth to the cocktail. It’ll taste less like a classic White Russian and more like a peppermint-spiked cream liqueur. A fun twist!
- Gin: If this is what you have on hand, use a neutral gin or one that doesn’t overpower with floral notes. This can work, but you may lose the clean, simple profile vodka brings.
- Non-Alcoholic Vodka Substitute (For a mocktail option): Brands like Seedlip Garden (non-alcoholic spirits) or plain tonic water can act as non-alcoholic bases to give the mocktail some “character” without the vodka.
2. Coffee Liqueur Substitutes
The coffee liqueur is what gives the White Russian its signature espresso kick. If you’re out of traditional coffee liqueurs like Kahlúa, here are great substitutes:
- Homemade Coffee Syrup: Brew strong coffee or espresso, mix it with sugar (2:1 ratio, sugar to coffee), and boil it down to create a thick, sweet syrup. While non-alcoholic, it will still give the coffee flavor you need.
- Espresso + Simple Syrup: A quick and easy way to replicate the coffee flavor. Mix 1-2 oz of espresso or strong coffee with a dash of sugar or sweetener.
- Cream Liqueurs with Coffee Notes: If you don’t have coffee liqueur but have a cream liqueur (like Baileys Original or Baileys Espresso Crème), you can use that as a substitute to add the creamy and coffee flavors in one step.
- Amaretto + Coffee Extract: Mix a splash of amaretto liqueur with a few drops of coffee or espresso extract for a nutty, coffee-flavored substitute.
- Non-Alcoholic Coffee Liqueurs (For mocktails): There are plenty of non-alcoholic coffee liqueur brands made for low- or no-alcohol cocktails, such as Lyre’s Coffee Originale.
3. Peppermint Schnapps Substitutes
Peppermint Schnapps gives the Cutwater Peppermint White Russian its holiday-ready, minty twist. If you can’t find it, don’t worry—try one of these alternatives:
- Crème de Menthe: This sweet, mint-flavored liqueur is an excellent alternative, and it often comes in clear or green varieties. Use the clear version for the cleanest look.
- Mint Extract (Non-Alcoholic Option): A few drops of mint extract can mimic the peppermint flavor without alcohol. Be cautious—it’s potent, so start with one or two drops and adjust to taste.
- Peppermint Vodka: If you substituted peppermint vodka for regular vodka earlier in the recipe, you can skip adding Peppermint Schnapps altogether.
- Candy Cane Simple Syrup (DIY Peppermint Syrup): Dissolve crushed candy canes in hot water, add sugar to taste, and simmer until it becomes a peppermint-infused syrup. Use this to add sweetness and mint flavor without alcohol.
4. Cream Substitutes
Heavy cream or half-and-half is responsible for the richness of a White Russian. However, you can swap it out for a variety of alternatives, depending on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand:
Dairy Options
- Whole Milk: For a lighter version of the cocktail, you can use whole milk instead of cream. It won’t be as rich but will still pair nicely with the other ingredients.
- Evaporated Milk: Thick and creamy, evaporated milk is a great replacement if you’re out of fresh cream.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: If you like a sweeter version of the cocktail, you can use condensed milk, which adds both creaminess and extra sweetness. Cut back on other sweet ingredients to avoid overpowering it.
Non-Dairy Options
Coconut Milk or Coconut Cream: Coconut cream adds a luscious richness with mild coconut flavor, while coconut milk offers a lighter option. Both complement the minty flavors surprisingly well.
- Oat Milk: A creamy dairy-free alternative that works well as a substitute due to its natural smoothness. Opt for a barista-style oat milk for extra creaminess.
- Almond Milk: Almond milk works as a substitute, but keep in mind that it will be thinner and less creamy. Choose unsweetened versions to avoid unintended flavors.
- Cashew Cream (Dairy-Free, Homemade): Blend soaked cashews with water until thick and smooth—an excellent vegan-friendly substitute for heavy cream.
5. Ice Substitutes
Ice is a small but critical component of the cocktail. But sometimes, you might want to experiment beyond plain ice cubes:
- Flavored Ice Cubes: Add a splash of coffee, peppermint extract, or chocolate liqueur to water and freeze into cubes for a fun twist.
- Crushed Ice: If you want a slightly different texture, crushed ice works beautifully to chill the drink, giving it that frosty feel.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own version of a Cutwater Peppermint White Russian gives you the chance to personalize each sip. You can tweak the peppermint intensity, adjust the sweetness, or add seasonal garnishes for a drink that looks as good as it tastes.
More Drink Recipes:
Ingredients
- Vodka – 1.5 oz
- Coffee Liqueur – 1 oz
- Peppermint Schnapps – 0.5 oz
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half – 1.5 oz
- Crushed Candy Cane
- Ice – Enough to fill your glass
- Whipped Cream for topping
- Dark Chocolate Shavings
Instructions
Prepare Your Glass: Start by filling a small to medium-sized rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes. If you're feeling fancy, wet the rim of your glass and dip it in crushed candy cane for a peppermint rim garnish.
Mix the Base:
In a cocktail shaker (or directly in the glass if you prefer a simple approach), combine:
- 1.5 oz of vodka
- 1 oz of coffee liqueur
- 0.5 oz Peppermint Schnapps
- Gently stir or shake for a few seconds to mix everything evenly.
Add the Cream: Slowly pour 1.5 oz of heavy cream or half-and-half over the back of a spoon into the glass to create a "layered" effect. The cream will float on top for a bit before blending naturally into the cocktail.
Garnish: For that extra holiday flair, top your drink with whipped cream if desired, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy, or even some chocolate shavings. It's all about presentation—and flavor.
Serve and Sip: Gently stir the drink just before sipping, or let the cream mix in naturally as you enjoy it. Either way, it’s rich, festive, and delicious!
