White Russian

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

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 treat or a luxurious nightcap. 

Whether sipped leisurely during a cozy evening at home or enjoyed at a stylish cocktail party, the White Russian is the perfect choice for those seeking a luscious and satisfying drinking experience. Despite its sumptuousness, it’s one of the easiest cocktails to make.

Below we’ll show you how to make a perfect White Russian, layered or stirred. Let’s go!

How To Make a White Russian

What You’ll Need

• Rocks Glass 
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument
• Bar Spoon

How to Mix

1. Fill a Rocks Glass with Ice Cubes.
2. Add Vodka and Kahlúa.
3. Pour the cream over the back of a Bar Spoon.

What is a White Russian?

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, 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 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 boozy Coffee Milkshake! Yum!

The History of 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 popular cult-classic 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 the 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) from the 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 

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.