White Russian Cocktail
Enjoy the iconic White Russian Cocktail with this easy recipe! Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream for a perfect layering effect.
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About White Russian Cocktail
A classic drink that’s perfect for any occasion, this white Russian cocktail is a creamy and delicious spirit that your guests (and you!) are guaranteed to enjoy.
Made with just a few simple ingredients, this cocktail is easy to make but sure to impress – and this recipe will explain exactly how to get that perfect layering effect.
So whether you’re a seasoned cocktail pro or a newcomer to mixology, you won’t want to miss this tasty treat. Grab your shaker and let’s get started!
What is a white Russian cocktail?
The White Russian is a classic cocktail made by combining vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, all served over ice in an old-fashioned glass. To make it, you can either shake the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker (like the one shown here), or you can pour the components carefully to create a stunning visual effect with the layers of cream and alcohol.
The name “White Russian” comes from the heavy cream used in the recipe, and the “Russian” part is a nod to the origins of vodka in Russia. This cocktail was first created and served at the Hotel Metropole in Belgium during the 1940s.
What’s in this drink?
To whip up your own classic white Russian, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Vodka – A classic ingredient for cocktails, and any brand can be used. You can also mix things up by using any flavor of vodka that would pair well with coffee. I typically use brands such as Smirnoff when for mixed drinks.
- Kahlua – Another staple to a white Russian: coffee liqueur.
- Heavy whipping cream – The essential ingredient that gives the “white” Russian its name. If you find heavy cream to be too much, you can replace it with milk or other dairy alternatives. However, bear in mind that using a thinner cream may result in less layering effect in the drink.
What is the difference between a Black Russian cocktail and a White Russian cocktail?
While these two cocktails share two of the same main ingredients (vodka and coffee liqueur) and a similar preparation (poured over ice) the key difference between them is the cream. A white Russian cocktail includes a splash of cream while a black Russian cocktail does not, so the naming difference is all about how the cream impacts the hue – and, of course, the flavor – of the drink.
Notes & tips for this cocktail
- This drink is specifically poured to create a visual separation between the cream and the spirits, but if the presentation doesn’t matter to you and you’d rather have a more uniform taste, you can whip this cocktail up in a classic cocktail shaker. Just add all the ingredients, shake, then pour!
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How to make a white Russian cocktail
This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.
Step 1 – In a short cocktail glass, add some ice, filling it up about halfway.
Step 2 – Pour vodka and Kahlua over the ice.
Step 3 – Pour in the heavy whipping cream! TIP: For a more even spread of cream, hold a spoon upside down over the mouth of the glass, then pour the heavy cream over the spoon so that the cream drizzles down.
Step 4 – Serve and enjoy!
White Russian Cocktail
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail glass halfway with ice.
- Pour vodka and Kahlua into prepared glass.2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce Kahlua
- Hold a spoon over mouth of glass, upside down. Very slowly, pour heavy cream over back of spoon so that cream slides off into glass.1 ounce heavy whipping cream
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
I do my best to provide nutrition information, but please keep in mind that I’m not a certified nutritionist. Any nutritional information discussed or disclosed in this post should only be seen as my best amateur estimates of the correct values.
