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Here’s how to make a White Russian! This classic cocktail starring vodka and Kahlua hits the spot anytime and in any season.
Here’s a drink that takes just 2 minutes and hits the spot anytime: the White Russian! This classic cocktail mixes vodka with coffee liqueur and cream in a decadently creamy, searingly sweet beverage.
You may know it from the 1990’s movie The Big Lebowski, but this drink has been around since the 1950’s. It’s a total treat, and this famous vodka cocktail couldn’t be easier to make! Here’s what you need to know to make the best White Russian around.
White Russian ingredients
The White Russian is a cocktail made with three ingredients: vodka, heavy cream, and coffee liqueur. It’s a variation on the Black Russian, a mix of coffee liqueur and vodka. The Black Russian cocktail stems back to 1949, when it was created for the American ambassador to Luxembourg in a hotel bar in Brussels.
Adding cream to make the White Russian cocktail started in 1955 in California, which adds a creamy richness that’s almost like latte. The drink exploded in popularity due to the 1998 cult-classic movie The Big Lebowski. After seeing the main character “the Dude” down drink after drink, you’ve got to try it for yourself!
How to make a White Russian
Want to mix up this drink recipe to impress guests? Here’s how to make a White Russian:
- Add 2 oz vodka and and 1 oz coffee liqueur to a glass. Fill the glass the ice.
- Pour in 1 oz heavy cream and stir gently 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. It looks much more impressive than a fully mixed, solidly beige drink.
Tip: Step up your White Russian with clear ice, ice that’s crystal clear instead of cloudy like ice from a tray. Cut into large, organic shapes, it looks like something you’d find at an upscale bar (all you need is 24 hours and a small cooler).
Alternatives to cream
Want to make a lighter version of this White Russian recipe? Use half and half, whole, or 2% milk. Here are the pros and cons:
- Half and half: Half and half is a nice alternative; it has less milk fat than cream, but it still makes for a rich and creamy White Russian.
- Milk: Milk makes a more watery, less nuanced drink than with cream, but it makes the cocktail easier to drink since it’s not as rich. Use only whole milk or 2% (avoid low-fat or skim milk).
Use Kahlua or coffee liqueur
Kahlua is a coffee liqueur made in Mexico with rum, sugar and coffee. It does have some caffeine, but only about 25% as much as the same volume of coffee. As a substitute, try other types of coffee liqueur, like Tia Maria or Sheridan’s.
Use up the rest of the bottle on Kahlua drinks, like a Mudslide, Bushwacker, Black Russian, or the famous Espresso Martini!
Best vodka for a White Russian
A rule of thumb for vodka in a White Russian? Use a mid-range vodka. Avoid high-end vodka, since the Kahlua and cream easily overpower it. Brands like Tito’s, Smirnoff and Grey Goose work well here.
But you don’t want to go too bottom shelf: a low-quality vodka can ruin the drink. Avoid vodka that is very cheap ($10 to $15 per 750 ml bottle range).
Classic White Russian
Here’s how to make a White Russian! This classic cocktail recipe starring vodka and Kahlua hits the spot anytime and in any season.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ounces* vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlua (or other coffee liqueur)
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
Instructions
- Add the vodka and Kahlua to a low ball glass. Fill it with ice.
- Top with the cream. Stir until cold (or stir just a bit to get the swirl effect).
Notes
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons.
White Russian variations
The White Russian is sweet and creamy, and works before dinner, after dinner, or anytime in between. There are several famous variations on the classic, including:
- The Black Russian is the original, a classic cocktail invented in 1949 with coffee liqueur and vodka.
- A Mind Eraser features vodka, coffee liqueur and bubbly soda water.
- A Colorado Bulldog is a White Russian with a splash of cola.
- The Baileys White Russian uses Baileys Irish cream instead of heavy cream.
Very useful post for us thanks.
What a great article. I love the in-depth details on the ingredients… I actually learned something new about Kahlua.
And the recipe is great, of course. Same measurements I use for my White Russians.
For any interested White-Russian-lover, I made a delicious riff on the White Russian not so long ago. It introduces Hazelnut to the mix, and hence is named Hazy Russian. Check it out if you’re interested. It’s nom nom :D
https://worldofmixology.net/hazy-russian/
Cheers
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A cocktail that is creamy and flavorful and full of Christmas IEEE cheer🌲🌲🥂definitely my go to holiday drink🎅🤶🧑🎄❤
Love your White Russians!
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