A quick recipe and everything you need to know for how to make a White Russian! This classic cocktail combines vodka, Kahlua, and cream. We whipped some of the cream and added it to the top for a whipped White Russian. It’s a fantastic cocktail and simple to make.
Check out more of our great cocktail recipes and more vodka cocktail recipes made at home!
Made popular by the 90’s cult classic, The Big Lebowski, the White Russian is the perfect mix of sweet and simple. A creamy vodka drink that’s palatable for everyone, no matter your liquor preference.
White Russians aren’t only easy to make, but easy to adapt to dietary restrictions or allergies. So grab your vodka, favorite coffee liquor, and let’s get to drinking!
If you love coffee in drinks and cocktails, check out these 15 delicious coffee drinks you can make at home.
How to Make a White Russian
This is a very simple cocktail to make! We added one extra step to create a whipped version, however, you can also skip that part if you want.
White Russian Ingredients
Vodka – Any brand of vodka you like.
Kahlua – A coffee liqueur that gives this cocktail flavor.
Cream – Use whole milk or light cream for the cocktail.
Heavy Whipping Cream – We use this for the whipped portion of this drink.
Depending on your preference or dietary restrictions you can substitute the milk for plant-based options like oat milk or almond milk.
Directions
First, fill a rock’s glass with ice.
Add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, then 1 ounce of coffee liquor.
Slowly pour 1 ounce your milk or cream on top.
Then carefully stir your ingredients together.
In a blender, whip heavy cream and add a dollop over the top.
You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon over the top for a festive cocktail!
Some prefer to keep their milk sat delicately on top of the liquor, to accomplish this gently pour your milk over the back of a spoon. Not necessary to make a decent cocktail but it is pretty.
All About Kahlua
Kahlua the coffee liquor traditionally used in White Russians has a coffee-front taste yet a sweet aftertaste instead of the traditional bitterness of black espresso.
Using this in your ingredients creates the perfect balance once blended with your choice of vodka.
What Is the Difference Between a Black Russian and White Russian Recipe?
Just straight-up vodka and coffee liquor will make you a Black Russian, a favorite amongst true vodka drinkers.
However, some of us don’t like to sip on total liquor and need a bit of a mixer to soften things up- that’s where the White Russian comes from.
What Does a White Russian Taste Like?
If you’ve never had this cocktail, you might be asking what a White Russian tastes like?
As we alluded to early, a White Russian is a blend of vodka, coffee liquor (usually Kahlua), and your choice of either milk or heavy cream.
Creating a great, sweet drink perfect for after-dinner conversation or during the holidays!
However, if you’re The Dude you might prefer this cocktail all the time.
What to Serve With White Russians?
To counteract the sweetness of the White Russian drink it’s great to pair it with something that also balances that sweet and salty flavor. It’s also a great cocktail to sip by a fireplace with some simple snacks and can be served as a dessert drink.
More Cocktails You’ll Love
Crafting the Perfect White Russian
While shopping for your White Russian ingredients think about what you like about the individual ingredients.
Perhaps you like a grain vodka like Tito’s instead of a potato vodka like Grey Goose, or maybe you like a more true coffee flavor instead of a sweeter one.
Which milk do you prefer? All these preferences factor into creating the perfect White Russian recipe for your individual pallet!
You’ll quickly see why this cocktail took off amongst the cult classics crowd and has stuck around throughout the decades. It’s absolutely delicious!
Also check out our favorite brunch recipes, the best-mixed drinks, tequila cocktails and cheap drinks to make at home!
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White Russian Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz cream, or whole milk
- 2 oz heavy cream, whipped for the topping
Instructions
- First, fill a rock’s glass with ice.
- Add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, then 1 ounce of coffee liquor.
- Slowly pour 1 ounce your milk or cream on top.
- Then carefully stir your ingredients together.Â
- In a blender, whip heavy cream and add a dollop over the top.
