Fitness / August 25, 2023

White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Indulge in the velvety blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream with our White Russian Cocktail, a laid-back drink perfect for sipping.

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Who would’ve thought that mixing vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream would give life to the gorgeously smooth White Russian cocktail? Whoever they are, I need to thank them. This drink is creamy yumminess with a kick, and that’s why it’s found its comfy little spot in the cocktail world.

Imagine a dessert that gets you tipsy – that’s the White Russian. It’s the sibling of the Black Russian or, if we’re sticking with the ‘family tree’ analogy, the creamy cousin of the Espresso Martini. And while it might not be as sophisticated as that last one, it did have its moment in the Hollywood sun in The Big Lebowski – ‘The Dude’ couldn’t resist the luscious layers of his ‘Caucasian’. So let’s get going — to Russia or bust!

INGREDIENTS

Only a few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 oz. vodka
1 oz. coffee Liqueur
1 oz. heavy cream

equipment needed

old-fashioned glass
mixing glass
strainer
bar spoon
jigger or measuring tool

INSTRUCTIONS

Ice

Fill a glass with ice cubes.

Pour

Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of coffee liqueur.

Stir

Stir the cocktail to mix the vodka and coffee liqueur together.

Add

Top off with 1 ounce of heavy cream. Stir then serve!

How to Make a Healthy/Low-Calorie White Russian

Swap that heavy cream for something lighter, like skim milk or almond milk.
Instead of the regular coffee liqueur, opt for a sugar-free version or just pour in a little less.
To make a mocktail, skip the vodka and coffee liqueur and blend strong coffee, cream, and a sweetener like agave syrup.

(FYI vodka has no carbs, so keep that 2 oz serving; it only adds to the drink’s kick.)

Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect White Russian

Since vodka is a primary ingredient, opt for a decent-quality brand to significantly impact the overall flavor.

A glass filled with ice not only chills the beverage, but it also subtly waters it down a touch
The White Russian benefits from a gentle stir. Shaking could cause the cream to froth up and change the texture.
If you’ve got the time, make your own coffee liqueur. You can then adjust the sweetness to your liking.
If you like your drink a bit stronger, cut back on the cream.

FAQs

how do i Enjoy a White Russian?

The White Russian isn’t meant to be rushed (despite the pun in the name). Take it slow, enjoy each sip, and let its creamy charm and delicate flavor balance seep onto your taste buds. No need for fancy garnishes or fuss. Want to get creative? Stir in the cream or keep it layered – either way, prepare for a flavor party in your mouth.

Why is it called a ‘White Russian’?

The ‘Russian’ tag no doubt comes from the vodka component of the cocktail — a spirit that’s pretty much the pride and joy of Russia. As for the ‘White’? That would be the cream.

What other cocktails are cousins to the White Russian?

Well, let’s see. There’s the Black Russian – same familia, just no cream. Then you’ve got the Mudslide – think of it as White Russian 2.0, but with the addition of Baileys and Kahlua. And let’s not forget the Colorado Bulldog that brings a fizzy kick by adding cola into the mix or the Espresso Martini.

white russian cocktail recipe featured image 3

White Russian Variations

Blind Russian: Swap out the traditional cream for Kahlua and Irish Cream.

White Mexican: Replace vodka with tequila to add an earthy flavor profile.

White Canadian: Instead of vodka, use maple-flavored Canadian whisky.

how to prep and store a white russian

If you’re throwing a shindig and wanna get a head start, mix the vodka with coffee liqueur and chill it in the fridge. Then, when your guests start pouring in, just pour the mix over some ice, splash it with cream, give it a little swirl.

Any leftovers can be kept in your fridge for a couple of days. Just make sure to store it in a sealed container. And remember, this cocktail isn’t the best candidate for a long shelf life because of the cream, so try to get through it as soon as you can.