White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Skill Level

Easy

Taste

Sweet & Coffee

Preparation Time

2 Minutes

Glass Type

Rocks Glass

Ingredients

Parts ml

1 ⅓ Parts Absolut Vodka

40 ml Absolut Vodka
1 ⅓ Parts Kahlúa

40 ml Kahlúa
1 ⅓ Parts Cream

40 ml Cream
Ice Cubes

Ice Cubes

Number of Servings

The White Russian is a decadent dessert cocktail that has captivated cocktail enthusiasts for decades.

Famous for its smooth and velvety texture, the White Russian has gained widespread popularity as a beloved after-dinner drink or a luxurious nightcap.

Whether sipped leisurely during a cozy evening at home or enjoyed at a stylish cocktail party, the White Russian offers a luscious and satisfying drinking experience. Best of all, despite its sumptuousness, it’s one of the easiest cocktails to make.

How To Make a WHITE RUSSIAN COCKTAIL

Bar tools you’ll need

Jigger

Bar Spoon

How to Mix

Fill a Rocks Glass with Ice Cubes
Use a Jigger to measure and pour in Absolut Vodka, followed by Kahlúa.
Use a Jigger to measure Cream, then using the back of a Bar Spoon, pour the Cream into the glass.

Rico shows how to make a White Russian

Rate this recipe

4.3 from 357 votes

What is a White Russian Cocktail?

The White Russian is a rich, sweet and creamy Vodka cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is to fall in love with.

A White Russian contains Vodka, Kahlúa (a coffee liqueur), and heavy Cream. However, in recent years, some bartenders have started swapping the Cream for Milk, which creates a lighter cocktail.

The White Russian is the sister cocktail to the Black Russian but the layer of Cream on top makes it silkier and more opulent.

What Does a White Russian Cocktail Taste Like?

Rich and creamy with sweet, nutty notes of Coffee coming through from the Kahlúa. When stirred, a White Russian looks and tastes kinda like a spirited coffee milkshake! Yum!

The History of the White Russian

The White Russian cocktail dates back to the 1960s. It originated when a variation of the Black Russian was created by adding cream to the classic combination of Vodka and Coffee Liqueur. This simple addition transformed the appearance and flavor profile of the cocktail, giving rise to the now-iconic White Russian, hence the name.

Over the years, the White Russian has gained popularity as a creamy and indulgent cocktail, known for its smooth and rich taste. It became particularly famous in the 1990s, thanks in part to its prominent feature in a cult classic popular film, further solidifying its status as a beloved classic cocktail.

Today, the White Russian remains a beloved cocktail, cherished for its creamy texture, balanced sweetness, and timeless allure.

Variations of a White Russian Cocktail

Diary-Free White Russian
If you don’t do dairy, the recipe above works perfectly well with dairy-alternatives. We usually reach for unsweetened Cashew Milk, but experiment with different options – Soy Milk, Almond Milk, Oat Milk – to find whatever works best for you.
Black Russian
Leave out the Cream (or the Milk) out of your White Russian and you’ve got a Black Russian. A bold and straightforward cocktail, boasting the rich, unmistakable flavors of Kahlúa and Vodka. Find our recipe for a Black Russian right here.
Dirty Black Russian
Once again leaving out the Cream but this time adding Cola instead and you’ve got a Dirty Black Russian cocktail. Infusing the rich coffee flavors of Kahlúa and the smoothness Vodka, the sweet and fizzy flavors of Cola elevate the Black Russian to new heights.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a White Russian

Make it Creamy
If you’re looking to elevate your version of this cocktail above anyone else’s, you’ll want to shake the Cream a bit before you add it. That fluffy, almost whipped Cream consistency is going to blow you away. Pour the Cream over the back of a spoon for that beautiful, layered look that will make everyone salivate.
Stir it Up or Layer it Up
Some people like to stir their White Russian using a Bar Spoon to blend the colors, others like to leave this cocktail layered. The choice is yours. In any case, there’s no need for a Cocktail Shaker.

White Russian FAQ

Where Was the White Russian Invented?

Despite the name or any story you might’ve heard, the White Russian was not invented in Russia. It was, in fact, invented in Brussels, Belgium at the end of the 1940s.

What’s the Difference Between a White Russian and a Black Russian?

The only difference is that a Black Russian doesn’t contain any cream or dairy.

What Glass Should I Use to Serve a White Russian?

A Rocks Glass. However, if you decide to swap Cream for Milk, you’ll end up with a lighter cocktail, which we think works better in a Highball Glass rather than a traditional Rocks Glass. Learn more about the different types of cocktail glasses here.