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)
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.
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.
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
More Holiday Sips
Hot White Russian
Ingredients
- 4 oz. (½ cup) freshly brewed coffee (2 parts)
- 2 oz. (¼ cup) Kahlúa (1 part)
- 2 oz. (¼ cup) whole milk (1 part)
- 1 oz. (2 tablespoons) vodka (½ part)
- whipped cream for topping, optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients and heat until warm (I recommend 150 to 155°F). Do not boil.
- Pour into mug(s) and serve immediately, topped with whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- To increase: The recipe is written for one drink, with 1 part = ¼ cup. To double the recipe, use ½ cup as a part which will make three 6-ounce servings or two 9-ounce servings (1 cup coffee, ½ cup Kahlúa, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup vodka). Multiply parts as needed to serve your group.
- Milk choices: If you’re feeling in the mood for decadence, use cream instead of whole milk. Skim milk is not recommended for this recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
I made a batch for Christmas boat parade and it was a huge hit. Kept us warm and in the “spirit”for the entire ride. Love it!!
Perfect! Sounds like a fun event!
It’s great to learn that the Hot White Russian drink is great for Christmas parties. My wife and I are preparing for the holiday’s and we are wanting to learn more recipes for our Christmas parties. I’ll be sure to let my wife know about the Hot White Russian recipe for our Christmas party.
I hope you love it!
Exceptional, looks so smooth and creamy, great recipe!
Thank you!
Oh yes ! I’m in. Thank you and have a very happy holidays !