White Russian Recipe – the best!

A Cozy Cocktail

Snuggle up with a blanket, a warm fire, and a creamy white Russian coffee. This easy cocktail is rich, sweet, and satisfying, and makes a great dessert or after dinner drink. I think you’re going to love this rather decadent cocktail!

White Russian Coffee Cocktail

A white Russian is simple: vodka, coffee flavored liqueur, and cream. A black Russian, is the same drink, but without cream. Neither cocktail has anything to do with Russia, other than the fact that the main ingredient is vodka, a traditional Russian beverage.

One of my most popular recipes is for a hot white Russian, a sweet warm mug of deliciousness on a cold evening, a great adult alternative to hot cocoa. And a perfectly chilled white chocolate white Russian is so delightful, too. 

Ingredient Notes

• Vodka: Buy any unflavored vodka that you prefer. According to Thrillist, the best vodka for a white Russian is cloud-distilled Aermoor, with flavors of “buttered popcorn, vanilla frosting and birthday cake” from Hilton Head Distillery. Tito’s is a great mid-range brand, too, but I’m sure you have your favorite brand. 
• Kahlúa: This is a coffee-flavored sweetened liqueur. It’s a common brand but you can use another brand of coffee liqueur, too.
• Heavy Cream: For the creamiest, richest cocktail, use heavy cream or whipping cream. Half & half can be substituted but it will be more difficult to whip.
• Ice Cubes: Make sure your ice is fresh. Stale ice can ruin a good cocktail.

How To Make A White Russian

You can make this cocktail in about 2 minutes.

There are three ways to enjoy a white Russian cocktail: with whipped cream, with the cream stirred in, or with layers. This is completely dependent on personal preference. I always mix mine, but some people prefer it to be kept in layers. Try one of each and decide what you like best.

Separate layers: Carefully pour the cream over the ice cubes or a spoon so it floats on top. If you pour the cream in slowly and carefully, you’ll get beautiful layers.

With whipped cream: Pour vodka and Kahlúa into a couple of lowball glasses with ice, and top with very lightly whipped heavy cream.

Mixed: Simply use a spoon to stir the cream into the vodka and Kahlúa.

And I’ll let you in on a secret, I often make this drink with 2% milk. I know, it’s like a crime! But it’s delicious drink even with a lower fat content. No judgment zone, right?

Recipe Variations

• Lower calorie: To lighten the calorie count, use half and half or even 2% or whole milk. Milk won’t float as nicely but it‘s a good option, especially if you stir it in.
• Lower alcohol: Reduce the amount of vodka and Kahlúa, and increase the cream. You can experiment with the ratio until you find what tastes best for you. You could also begin with a cup of strong coffee or espresso, and add Kahlúa and cream, to taste.
• Frozen white Russian: It’s similar to making a milkshake. Add all of the ingredients, including the ice, to a blender and process until it reaches the desired consistency. Add more ice or cream as desired. Ice will make it thicker, cream will make it thinner. Don’t over blend, or you’ll have whipped cream!
• More Kahlúa recipes: Wondering what you can do with the rest of the bottle? You have to try these fudgy Kahlúa brownies! Would it be over the top to serve the brownies with a white Russian cocktail? I don’t think so.

Make-Ahead Tips

I would recommend making this white Russian recipe right before serving. It takes so little time to make this cocktail. You can whip the cream ahead and keep it in your fridge until serving.

Try a new cocktail today!

I’m sure you’ll want to try one of these delicious cocktail recipes:

• Classic Gin and Tonic Recipe with tips to make the best!
• Orange Gin and Tonic with Cinnamon
• Apple Cider Mule (Fall Moscow Mule)
• Ginger-Cinnamon Apple Cider Mocktail (with cocktail option)
• Sparkling Pomegranate Punch
• Pomegranate Mojito Recipe
• Orange Mojito