what is a candy cane mocha white russian?
A classic white russian contains vodka, kahlua, and heavy cream. While I love a classic, this candy cane mocha white russian is such a fun twist on an already yummy drink (plus it can be DAIRY FREE too!)! It’s so festive to make for a fun night in or to make for guests. Trust me, your friends are going to be talking about this drink and requesting it again year after year!
why does the candy cane mocha white russian contain cream plus milk?
When I was testing this drink, the full heavy cream version was just too heavy and not as enjoyable to me. Mixing a milk that is lighter in fat content with the heavy cream worked perfectly and brought a better balance to the whole drink overall. You can still use one or the other if you’d like, and it will probably still be delicious, but just know that it won’t quite have the same effect.
Don’t forget, you can also make this with dairy free heavy cream and full fat coconut milk or extra creamy oatmilk. All the details are listed in the notes section of the recipe below.
Can I make this with regular vodka instead of peppermint vodka?
Yes! You can definitely make this candy cane mocha white russian with regular vodka. Just add 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract when you add the vodka to the drink.
why should I make a candy cane mocha white russian?
I absolutely love a white russian, but this holiday spin is even better! It screams Christmas and it’s super simple to put together! Just combine the vodka, kahlua, and chocolate syrup, pour over ice, and top with heavy cream (or a dairy free option – see recipe notes)! This is my absolute favorite special Christmas drink and I think you’re going to love it too!
This cocktail is definitely qualifies as a decadent dessert so it’s perfect for an after dinner drink for a holiday gathering or a quiet night in.
Picture this: your favorite holiday movie, cozy pj’s, a warm blanket, and this drink in your hand.
My point is, you’re going to want this candy cane mocha white russian this weekend so don’t forget to add the ingredients to your shopping list 😉
For more holiday cocktail recipes, check these out!
Spiked Gingerbread Boba Oatmilk Macchiato
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candy cane mocha white russian
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
I absolutely love white russians (it’s spiked coffee and milk, what’s not to love?), but this candy cane mocha flavored twist on a classic will make any holiday just a little more special!
Ingredients
- 1 oz peppermint vodka (or regular vodka with 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract)
- 1 oz kahlua
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream or dairy free option (see notes)
- 1/3 cup milk (2% or extra creamy oatmilk work well)
- (optional) crushed candy canes and/or peppermint sticks for garnish
Instructions
- (optional step for garnish) In a old fashioned glass (or any glass you choose), line the rim with a little chocolate syrup (make sure to only use a small amount or it will drip down the sides), then dip the rim of the glass on a plate of crushed candy canes.
- Add to the glass 1 oz peppermint vodka, 1 oz kahlua, and 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup. Stir until chocolate is dissolved.
- Add some ice to the glass and top with heavy cream and milk or use dairy free options (see below).
- Garnish with peppermint stick or more crushed candy canes. Stir lightly to get a swirl effect or stir completely if desired.
Notes
to make this drink dairy free: for the heavy cream – use dairy free heavy cream, full fat coconut milk (the canned kind, whisked until uniform), or oat cream (the unsweetened kind). For the milk – use a dairy free option that is creamier in consistency and not watery. I recommend any unsweetened oatmilk that says “extra creamy.”
if you don’t have peppermint vodka: add in 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract with the vodka
tips for garnishing the glass: If your brand of chocolate syrup seems too drippy for the candy cane rim or if you’re making these for guests and want to garnish all the rims before they arrive, try using chocolate frosting instead for maximum sticking power. Just make sure the frosting still accommodates any gluten or dairy allergies.
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