Anybody else a fan of “The Big Lebowski” movie? Thanks to Jeff Bridges, we’ve been drinking White Russian cocktails for years here in the Gummerman house (it’s a drink his character loves in the movie), so I’m pretty familiar with that flavor profile already. I thought it would be a fun holiday twist to add some peppermint goodness to the White Russian and make it the signature drink at our upcoming holiday hangout.

Peppermint White Russian, serves one

4 oz Kahlua
2 oz peppermint vodka
splash of half and half
peppermint sticks for garnish

Start by placing a few peppermint sticks into a plastic bag. Use a hammer (a pink one preferably!) to gently break up the sticks into little pieces.To make some peppermint ice cubes, fill an ice cube tray almost to the top with water and freeze (those big ice cube trays are perfect for cocktails). Add a small layer of water to the top of your frozen ice cubes, sprinkle on some crushed peppermint, and place back in the freezer so the top layer will freeze the peppermint bits to the ice cube.

When you are ready to make your drink, place some honey (or agave syrup) on one small plate and dip the rim of your glass into the honey. Add your crushed peppermint onto the other plate and dip your sticky rim into the peppermint bits. Pour your Kahlua and peppermint vodka into the glass. Add a splash of cream and stir to combine. Place your peppermint ice cube into your glass and serve immediately! Yum! The crisp peppermint flavor goes so well with the creamy half and half and the warm coffee notes in the Kahlua, and with the colorful candy cane rim, it really is the perfect holiday cocktail. Easy drinks like this are also great for parties because they are simple to make so you can print out the recipe and have guests serve themselves—fun for them and you won’t be stuck behind the bar all night either! I think The Dude would approve for sure. Cheers! xo. Laura

Peppermint White Russian, serves one

Ingredients

4 oz Kahlua
2 oz peppermint vodka
splash of half and half
peppermint sticks for garnish

Instructions

Start by placing a few peppermint sticks into a plastic bag. Use a hammer to gently break up the sticks into little pieces.
To make some peppermint ice cubes, fill an ice cube tray almost to the top with water and freeze (those big ice cube trays are perfect for cocktails). Add a small layer of water to the top of your frozen ice cubes, sprinkle on some crushed peppermint, and place back in the freezer so the top layer will freeze the peppermint bits to the ice cube.
When you are ready to make your drink, place some honey (or agave syrup) on one small plate and dip the rim of your glass into the honey. Add your crushed peppermint onto the other plate and dip your sticky rim into the peppermint bits.
Pour your Kahlua and peppermint vodka into the glass. Add a splash of cream and stir to combine. Place your peppermint ice cube into your glass and serve immediately!