Recipe Overview

Why you’ll love it: Perfect for the holidays or any chilly day, this hot white Russian dessert cocktail is cozy while still packing a bit of a punch and is a great adult alternative to hot cocoa.

How long it takes: less than 10 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: small saucepan, serving mugs
Servings: 1 (but you can easily increase the recipe to make as many servings as you like)

Footed clear glass mugs containing hot chocolate garnished with whipped cream, on white striped cloth, with bottle of Kahlua in background.

As I write this post, the weather outside is frightful. It really is. The outside thermometer reads 5°F and the windchill is -9°F! BRRRR! A warm dessert drink sounds like a very good idea to me right now as we cuddle up under a fleecy blanket and watch the snow fall.

Overhead of two mugs of white russian on white striped cloth.

Hot White Russian Dessert Cocktail

Fun twist on the classic. This cocktail recipe isn’t identical to a regular white Russian because it’s hot, and I also add extra coffee. If you’re liking the white Russian theme, try this really delightful twist: white chocolate white Russian with vodka, white chocolate liqueur, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream liqueur. Totally yummy!

Slightly lightened up. I use whole milk instead of cream. I find that whole milk is plenty creamy for me in this recipe, along with the other ingredients, but if you’d like to make yours using heavy cream, go for it. I wouldn’t recommend skim milk for this particular recipe because it won’t give you the same creaminess and has a higher tendency to curdle when heated.

Dessert drink. This dessert-type drink is so good served with cookies (milk and cookies, right?) Dark chocolate and pecan cookies are totally yummy and kind of decadent with these hot white Russian drinks, or maybe snickerdoodles, one of my favorite cookies.

Ingredient Notes

Hot coffee – Make sure to brew it nice and strong. You could also use espresso.
Kahlúa – This is a common coffee liqueur but there are different brands if you’d prefer.
Whole milk (or heavy cream) – You could also make the drink with skim milk for a lightened-up version if you’d like but be aware that skim milk curdles more easily when heated.
Vodka – Add as much vodka as you like or leave it out entirely. Just remember that Kahlúa also contains alcohol so this is definitely an adults-only hot chocolate.
Whipped cream – For a real dessert experience, top your white Russian with homemade whipped cream. It’s totally optional (but you’re going to want it). Canned whipped cream is okay, too.

Increase the Recipe

The recipe is written in parts so that you can easily make a big batch for a group if you’re hosting a holiday party. Be sure to refer to the tips at the end of the recipe card if you want to increase the recipe.

Front view of two mugs of white Russian hot chocolate with two spoons on cloth.

Mini History Lesson

A bit of history about the original white Russian: Originally made in Brussels, Belgium, the drink was created in honor of the U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg. Obviously not a Russian drink, it’s so named because vodka is a main ingredient. (Consider that little bit of information a gift from me to you. Use it to impress your guests with your amazing knowledge of trivia at your next cocktail party!) Source: Wikipedia

More Hot Chocolate Recipes

With alcohol: Spiked hot chocolate recipe with Godiva chocolate liqueur and crème de cacao
Lactose-free: Oat milk hot chocolate
Flavored: Orange hot chocolate and ginger spiced hot chocolate
For a crowd: Easy crockpot hot chocolate
Gift idea: Pop Rocks hot cocoa bombs

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Recipe