Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, enjoying a White Russian Cocktail is a lot like sipping a boozy coffee milkshake.
This classic drink is quick, easy, and perfect for fall, winter, and celebrating!
As the seasons change, so do my preferred drinks. With fall, I find myself opting for cozy, warming, and sometimes indulgent drinks over a sweet and fruity Sex on the Beach or Blue Hawaiian. And, really, what could be more indulgent and warming than a White Russian? With just 3 ingredients, drinking a White Russian is a lot like sipping on a spiked coffee milkshake. It’s similar to a Mudslide, but even simpler!
What is a White Russian?
A White Russian starts the same as a Black Russian, with vodka and coffee liqueur, but heavy cream is added to not only sweeten and thicken the cocktail, but to also make it rich and almost luscious. Sipping on one of these is a lot like eating dessert.
This classic cocktail didn’t actually originate in Russia. It was created in Oakland, California in 1955, though it didn’t truly become a widely known cocktail until the world saw the “Dude” drinking them in The Big Lebowski in 1998. The “Russian” as part of the name, simply comes from the use of vodka, which is considered a Russian booze.
White Russian Recipe
White Russian Ingredients include only 3 items and some ice:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Vodka: You definitely want to use a decent, mid-range vodka for this recipe. It doesn’t have to be top shelf liquor but you will notice a difference using the cheapest vodka.
- Coffee liqueur: I used Kahlua, which is the most popular coffee liqueur, but any brand will work.
- Heavy cream: The ingredient that makes this classic cocktail white! Adds a rich, creamy texture, and flavor to the drink.
How to Make a White Russian
Add this cocktail to the list of things that could not get any easier to make. Don’t miss the printable recipe card below for details.
- Shake. Shake the vodka and coffee liqueur in a shaker with ice to chill the liquor.
- Pour and serve. Pour the liquor over ice in a glass. Add the heavy cream. Enjoy.
Use Quality Liquor
Recipe Variations
This classic White Russian cocktail has a strong boozy and coffee taste, but the cream mellows it a bit. All the flavors really compliment each other so well. But if that’s not your thing, here are a few options:
- Is there a way to make this with fewer calories? Yes, you can swap out the heavy cream for half and half.
- Is there a way to make this not as strong of a drink? Yes, you can add extra heavy cream to help take some of that bite off. If the coffee liqueur is too strong for you, try swapping it out for some Bailey’s.
- Can I make a frozen White Russian? Sure thing! Just place the ingredients in a blender with as much ice as desired and blend.
Serving Suggestions
White Russian cocktails should be served nice and cold over ice. Since they’re rich and sweet, they make a wonderful dessert or after-dinner drink. But, they’re also delicious before dinner, for happy hour, girl’s night, or holiday celebrations. Be sure to sip and enjoy before all the ice melts, so the flavors aren’t muted.
More Cocktail Recipes:
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
White Russian Cocktail
Ingredients
- crushed or cubed ice
- 2 ounces vodka , chilled
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
- 1 ounce heavy cream
Instructions
- Fill a low ball glass and shaker with ice.
- Pour the vodka and the coffee liqueur into the shaker and shake to chill the liquor.
- Pour the liquor into the glass.
- Top it with the heavy cream and enjoy.
Nutrition
Other Notes
