What’s better than a White Russian? This Baileys White Russian recipe! Adding Irish cream to this simple cocktail steps it up.

Baileys White Russian recipe

Want an easy way to step up your White Russian? Try the Baileys White Russian! Using Baileys Irish cream instead of heavy cream adds even more sophistication to this classic drink. In fact, it tastes a bit like a Mudslide, which also features Kahlua and Baileys. Here’s how to make this tasty cocktail.

What’s in a Baileys White Russian recipe?

The White Russian is a classic cocktail made with vodka, heavy cream, and coffee liqueur. You may know it from the 1998 movie The Big Lebowski, which revived interest in this classic drink. But the White Russian stems back to the 1950’s. It’s actually a variation on another classic cocktail, the Black Russian, which was invented in 1949 for the American ambassador to Luxembourg in a hotel bar in Brussels (here’s more about that).

What do you need for a Baileys White Russian recipe? Just swap out the heavy cream for Baileys Irish cream! It gives the drink a sophisticated flair and a more intriguing flavor, with notes of vanilla and milk chocolate. Here’s what you need for a Baileys White Russian:

  • Vodka
  • Coffee liqueur (Kahlua or other)
  • Baileys Irish cream
Baileys White Russian recipe

More about Baileys Irish cream

Did you know Baileys Irish Cream is the most popular liqueur sold worldwide? Here’s a little more about Baileys and what makes it so fan friendly:

  • Baileys Irish Cream a liqueur made with Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa that’s manufactured in Ireland. It’s the most popular liqueur worldwide. It’s low alcohol: the ABV is 17% (compared to 40% in spirits like gin, whiskey, and vodka).
  • How much does Baileys cost? Baileys is mid-priced: it costs about $20 to $25 for a large 750 ml bottle.
  • How to store Baileys? Store an opened bottle in the pantry for up to 2 years after its manufacture date. You can also refrigerate it: it’s good between 32 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • What other cocktails can you make with it? So many! Try popular Baileys drinks like the Mudslide, Chocolate Martini and B52 Cocktail.

How to make a Baileys White Russian

There’s not too much to a White Russian recipe! The best part about this classic drink is that you can build it in the glass: no cocktail shakers or mixing glasses required. Here are a few tips to making the best drink:

  • Add the vodka and Kahlua to a glass, then pour in the Baileys. 
  • Stir gently to get the swirl effect. If you stir the drink right away, it will be a beige color. It’s more fun to get the swirl effect! Stir it gently just a few times, and the cream will swirl into the vodka and Kahlua in a beautiful pattern.
  • To step it up: use clear ice! Clear ice is artisanal ice that’s crystal clear, instead of cloudy like normal ice. Cut it into large, organic shapes and it looks like something you’d find at an upscale bar! It’s easy to make: all you need is 24 hours and a small cooler. Go to How to Make Clear Ice.
Baileys white russian

More Baileys Irish cream cocktails

Love Baileys? Us too. There are so many different ways to use this creamy liqueur! Here are some of our favorite drinks that also use Baileys:

When to serve a Baileys White Russian recipe

The Baileys White Russian is a delicious sweet and creamy treat! It works before dinner, after dinner, or anytime in between. Serve it as a:

  • Happy hour drink
  • Afternoon cocktail
  • Late night drinks drink
  • Girls or guys night drink
  • Cocktail hour drink

Print
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Baileys White Russian

Baileys White Russian


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink 1x

Description

What’s better than a White Russian? This Baileys White Russian recipe! Adding Irish cream to this simple cocktail steps it up.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) vodka
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Kahlua (or other coffee liqueur)
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Bailey’s Irish cream
  • Ice, for serving (try clear ice)

Instructions

  1. Add the vodka and Kahlua to a low ball glass. Fill it with ice.
  2. Top with the Baileys. Stir until cold (or stir just a bit to get the swirl effect).
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Baileys White Russian recipe, Baileys White Russian

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you'll want to make again and again.

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2 Comments

  1. Hi there is a new Irish cream liqueur on the block. It is called Coole Swan any tips or ideas on how to mix and use that. It’s mostly pure Irish milk?

    Much appreciated.

    Regards