Indulge in the creamy, decadent flavors of the holiday season with a Peppermint Mudslide. This festive cocktail combines the richness of coffee liqueur and Irish cream with the cool, refreshing touch of peppermint. It’s the perfect drink to celebrate cozy winter evenings or to wow your guests at holiday parties.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This cocktail is like dessert in a glass. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and perfectly balanced with a hint of mint. The Peppermint Mudslide is incredibly easy to make, and its beautiful presentation—complete with a drizzle of chocolate and a candy cane garnish—adds a festive flair that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this holiday favorite. Full measurements are listed below.
- Coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- Bailey’s Irish Cream or a similar cream liqueur
- Peppermint schnapps
- Milk or heavy cream
- Ice cubes
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling
- Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for garnish
Directions
- Drizzle chocolate syrup inside a chilled glass, swirling it around for a decorative touch.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add coffee liqueur, Bailey’s Irish Cream, peppermint schnapps, and milk or cream.
- Shake well until the mixture is cold and frothy.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings on top. Add a mini candy cane or peppermint stick for an extra festive look. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For a frosty texture, blend the ingredients with ice instead of shaking to create a peppermint mudslide slushie.
- Use a chilled glass to keep your cocktail cold and refreshing for longer.
- Adjust the peppermint schnapps to suit your taste—add more for a stronger mint flavor or less for a subtler hint.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an over-the-top indulgent dessert cocktail.
- Replace the milk or cream with a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version.
- For an extra chocolatey kick, add a splash of crème de cacao to the mix.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
The Peppermint Mudslide pairs beautifully with rich desserts like brownies, chocolate cake, or peppermint bark. It’s also a delightful standalone treat for holiday movie nights or as a sweet ending to a festive dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to prep in advance, mix the ingredients (excluding the ice and garnish) and store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes! Use coffee syrup instead of coffee liqueur, peppermint syrup in place of schnapps, and a mix of cream and chocolate milk for a kid-friendly version.
What’s the best garnish for this cocktail?
Crushed candy canes are classic, but you can also use whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Can I use a blender instead of a shaker?
Absolutely! Blending the ingredients with ice creates a creamy, slushie-style drink that’s equally delicious.
What if I don’t have peppermint schnapps?
You can substitute with crème de menthe or a few drops of peppermint extract for the same minty flavor.
Conclusion
The Peppermint Mudslide is a festive cocktail that combines holiday cheer with irresistible flavor. Its creamy texture and perfect balance of coffee, chocolate, and mint make it a must-have for your holiday drink menu. Gather your ingredients, shake it up, and sip your way to a deliciously merry season. Cheers!
Print
Peppermint Mudslide
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drinks, Cocktails, Dessert
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, minty decadence of a Peppermint Mudslide! This festive cocktail combines the richness of chocolate, the coolness of peppermint, and the smoothness of coffee liqueur, making it the perfect treat for holiday celebrations or cozy winter nights
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 2 oz heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Chocolate syrup (for garnish)
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Drizzle chocolate syrup inside a chilled glass to create a swirled pattern. Optional: Dip the rim in water or simple syrup and coat it with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and heavy cream to the shaker.
- Shake well for 20-30 seconds until chilled and combined.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Top with additional whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a frozen version, blend all ingredients with a handful of ice and serve in a large glass.
- Substitute heavy cream with almond or oat milk for a lighter, dairy-free option.
- Add a splash of chocolate liqueur for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg