Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour white granulated sugar into a shallow dish and spread it evenly. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your rocks glass so the sugar will stick, then dip the rim into the sugar and rotate it for even coverage.
- Add a generous handful of crushed ice to your cocktail shaker. Make sure your shaker is cold before adding the liquid ingredients.
- Pour exactly 2 ounces of vodka into a jigger to ensure consistency. Add the measured vodka to your shaker with the ice.
- Measure out 0.5 ounce of peppermint schnapps and pour it into the shaker.
- Add 0.5 ounce of white creme de cacao to the shaker.
- Pour 1 ounce of heavy cream or half-and-half into the shaker.
- Juice a fresh lemon and measure out 0.5 ounce, then add it to the shaker.
- Place the lid on your shaker and shake hard for about 15 seconds. You want to hear the ice rattling inside and feel the shaker getting cold in your hands.
- Using your strainer, pour the cocktail from the shaker into your sugar-rimmed glass. Hold the strainer firmly against the shaker's opening so ice stays behind while the liquid flows into the glass.
- Place a fresh mint sprig on top of the drink or balance it on the rim for a pop of color and aroma. Serve immediately while the cocktail is still cold.
Notes
Pro Tip: Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the cocktail if you have the time; this keeps the drink colder longer and prevents ice melt from diluting your work. Always use fresh lemon juice, never bottled. The proportions are balanced perfectly as written, so don't oversweeten by adding extra creme de cacao or schnapps. Serve immediately after straining for best results.