Listen, I need to tell you about this Chocolate Mint White Russian that completely changed my cocktail game. I first made it last Christmas when I was looking for something special to serve at my holiday party, and it was love at first sip!
You know those Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies we all hoard in our freezers? Imagine that, but in a creamy, grown-up drink form. The first time I served it, my sister-in-law literally did a double-take and asked, “Wait, is this a cookie or a cocktail?” That’s exactly how perfectly it captures that chocolate-mint magic!
I’ve probably made this drink at least 20 times now (no judgment, please!), and I’ve learned all the little tricks to make it perfect every single time. Sometimes I make it for cozy movie nights, other times it’s my go-to for impressing guests.
Ready to become everyone’s favorite home bartender? Let’s make some magic happen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of chocolate and mint flavors
- Creamy, dessert-like texture
- Impressive presentation
- Customizable to your taste preferences
- Great for holiday entertaining
- Can be made dairy-free
- Perfect as a dessert cocktail
Quick Facts
A Decadent Chocolate Mint White Russian is a luxurious twist on the classic White Russian cocktail that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and mint with smooth vodka and creamy dairy. Each sip delivers the nostalgic taste of a liquid Thin Mint cookie in cocktail form. This sophisticated drink is built with layers of premium vodka, chocolate liqueur (like Godiva or crème de cacao), mint liqueur (crème de menthe), and a generous float of heavy cream.
Served over ice in a rocks glass and garnished with fresh whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, a dusting of cocoa powder, and a fresh mint sprig, it creates an impressive presentation that’s perfect for holiday entertaining, dessert cocktail hours, or anytime you’re craving something both refreshing and indulgent. The drink can be customized to suit different dietary needs with dairy-free alternatives and can be adapted into hot or frozen variations for year-round enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (including glass chilling)
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
Equipment Needed
- Cocktail Shaker or Mixing Glass: For properly combining the spirits
- Jigger or Shot Glass: For accurate 1 oz and 2 oz measurements
- Bar Spoon: For gentle stirring and layering techniques
- Rocks Glass (6-8 oz): The perfect size for serving
- Ice Scoop: For handling ice hygienically
- Mesh Strainer: For smooth pouring and catching any ice chips
- Rolling Pin: If crushing peppermint candies for garnish
Ingredients
Base Recipe
- 1 oz premium vodka
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur (Godiva or crème de cacao)
- 1 oz mint liqueur (crème de menthe)
- 2 oz heavy cream
- Ice cubes
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Fresh mint sprig
- Chocolate shavings
How To Make
First, put your rocks glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes to get it nice and frosty. While you wait, gather all your ingredients and get your garnishes ready – this makes everything easier once you start mixing.
Next, take your mixing glass or cocktail shaker and fill it about halfway with fresh ice cubes. Pour in 1 ounce each of vodka, chocolate liqueur, and mint liqueur. Gently stir everything together for about 30 seconds to make sure it’s well mixed and properly chilled.
Then, grab your chilled glass from the freezer and fill it with fresh ice cubes. Carefully strain your mixed liqueurs from the mixing glass into your chilled glass.
Now comes the fun part – slowly pour 2 ounces of heavy cream over the back of a spoon into your glass. This creates those beautiful, Instagram-worthy layers in your drink. The cream should float on top of the liqueur mixture.
Finally, add your garnishes. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream if you like, sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies over the top, dust lightly with cocoa powder, and add a fresh mint sprig. Serve right away while everything’s perfectly chilled.
Pro Tips
- Always use fresh, quality cream for the best texture
- Store spirits in the refrigerator for an extra-cold drink
- Layer ingredients from heaviest to lightest for best results
- Use premium vodka for a smoother taste
- Adjust mint liqueur to taste – some brands are stronger than others
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with chocolate truffles or cookies
- Serve as a dessert course alternative
- Offer alongside a cheese plate featuring dark chocolate
- Present in a vintage-style coupe glass for elegant occasions
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cream Curdling
- Problem: Cream appears separated
- Solution: Ensure all ingredients are well-chilled and fresh
Too Strong
- Problem: Drink tastes too alcoholic
- Solution: Add more cream or reduce spirits by ¼ oz each
Too Sweet
- Problem: Overwhelming sweetness
- Solution: Use dark chocolate liqueur or add a dash of coffee liqueur
Ingredient Alternatives
Spirit Substitutions
- Vodka: Vanilla vodka or white rum
- Chocolate Liqueur: Dark chocolate syrup + extra vodka
- Mint Liqueur: 2-3 drops peppermint extract
Dairy Alternatives
- Oat cream (best non-dairy option)
- Coconut cream
- Almond milk (for lighter version)
- Cashew cream
Storage Tips
- Pre-mixing: Combine spirits ahead and refrigerate up to 1 month
- Cream: Always add fresh when serving
- Garnishes: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance
- Complete Cocktail: Best consumed immediately, does not store well
Variations
Hot Version
- Heat cream before adding
- Use hot chocolate instead of chocolate liqueur
- Top with marshmallows
Frozen Version
- Blend with crushed ice
- Add 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- Freeze glass longer
Non-Alcoholic Version
- Use chocolate milk
- Add mint syrup
- Top with whipped cream
- Include crushed cookies
Additional Tips for Success
- Temperature Control: Keep all ingredients chilled
- Glass Selection: Choose a weighted bottom glass for stability
- Ice Quality: Use clear, fresh ice cubes
- Measurement Precision: Use exact measurements for best results
- Garnish Timing: Add garnishes just before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can mix the spirits ahead, but add cream and garnishes just before serving.
How long will the mixed spirits last?
The spirit mixture will last up to 1 month when refrigerated.
Can I make this in bulk for parties?
Yes! Multiply ingredients by desired servings. Mix spirits ahead, add cream per glass.
Is this suitable for vegans?
Yes, using plant-based alternatives like oat cream and vegan chocolate liqueur.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the texture will be thinner. Half-and-half is a good middle ground.
Thanks for trying out my favorite holiday cocktail recipe!
Remember, don’t stress too much about making it perfect. Sometimes my layers aren’t Instagram-perfect, but it still tastes amazing. Play around with the ingredients and make it your own. Add a little more cream if you like it extra smooth, or amp up the mint if you’re a mint lover like me. And if you’re making it for a party, feel free to pre-mix the liqueurs – just add the cream and garnishes right before serving.
I’d love to hear how your Chocolate Mint White Russian turned out. Drop a comment below and let me know if you tried any fun variations. Did your friends love it as much as mine do? And don’t forget to save this recipe for the holidays.
Recipe Card
Decadent Chocolate Mint White Russian Recipe
Ingredients
Base Recipe
- 1 oz premium vodka
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur Godiva or crème de cacao
- 1 oz mint liqueur crème de menthe
- 2 oz heavy cream
- Ice cubes
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Fresh mint sprig
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- First, put your rocks glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes to get it nice and frosty. While you wait, gather all your ingredients and get your garnishes ready – this makes everything easier once you start mixing.
- Next, take your mixing glass or cocktail shaker and fill it about halfway with fresh ice cubes. Pour in 1 ounce each of vodka, chocolate liqueur, and mint liqueur. Gently stir everything together for about 30 seconds to make sure it’s well mixed and properly chilled.
- Then, grab your chilled glass from the freezer and fill it with fresh ice cubes. Carefully strain your mixed liqueurs from the mixing glass into your chilled glass.
- Now comes the fun part – slowly pour 2 ounces of heavy cream over the back of a spoon into your glass. This creates those beautiful, Instagram-worthy layers in your drink. The cream should float on top of the liqueur mixture.
- Finally, add your garnishes. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream if you like, sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies over the top, dust lightly with cocoa powder, and add a fresh mint sprig. Serve right away while everything’s perfectly chilled.