People have been sipping on white Russians morning, noon, and night for the past 60 years. A great substitute to your morning cup of joe, this creamy cocktail developed out of the black Russian family when someone added heavy cream to the classic Kahlúa drink. Check out this lesson on how to perfect your own white Russian recipe as well as some tips on how to personalize the drink.
White Russian
The classic white Russian cocktail combines heavy cream with Kahlúa and vodka for a delicious, creamy, and coffee-flavored drink.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 1 ounce Kahlúa
- 2 ounces vodka
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the heavy cream, Kahlúa, and vodka.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Popular Variations
Given the white Russian's really easy recipe, mixologists have enjoyed putting their own personal touch to the drink for decades. Take a look at some of the different ways you can transform the classic white Russian into something entirely new.
Tropical White Russian
Swapping out vodka for dark rum and cream for coconut cream, this tropical white Russian is perfect for your summer vacation getaways.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces coconut cream
- 1 ounce Kahlúa
- 1 ounce dark rum
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the coconut cream, Kahlúa, and dark rum.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Nutty White Russian
Making a nutty white Russian is really simple - just whip up a glass of the regular cocktail and add a splash of amaretto liqueur to it.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 1 ounce Kahlúa
- 2 ounces vodka
- Ice
- Splash amaretto
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the heavy cream, Kahlúa, and vodka.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Top with a splash of amaretto.
Strawberry White Russian
If you love strawberry milk, you'll love this strawberry white Russian recipe which combines heavy cream, Kahlúa, Tequila Rose, and vodka.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 1 ounce Kahlúa
- 1 ounce Tequila Rose
- 2 ounces vodka
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the heavy cream, Kahlúa, Tequila Rose, and vodka.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Peppermint White Russian
Perfect for the winter season, this peppermint white Russian adds peppermint schnapps and festive garnishes for a drink that'll be a hit at your next holiday party.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 1 ounce Kahlúa
- ½ ounce peppermint schnapps
- 2 ounces vodka
- Ice
- Whipped cream for garish
- Crushed peppermint candy
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the heavy cream, Kahlúa, peppermint schnapps, vodka.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass or similar filled with ice.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy.
Salted Caramel White Russian
Swap out your salted caramel latte for something with a bigger bite; this salted caramel white Russian cuts as the creamy sweetness of the original recipe by adding a pinch of salt and caramel syrup.
Ingredients
- Pinch sea salt
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 1 ounce Kahlúa
- 2 ounces vodka
- Ice
- Caramel syrup for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the sea salt, heavy cream, Kahlúa, and vodka.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Top with caramel sauce and mix together using a cocktail spoon.
Chai Russian
Most people drink chai tea by itself, but mixing it with the white Russian's ingredients creates a delightful new drink called the chai Russian.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce chai tea
- 1 ounce Kahlúa
- 2 ounces vodka
- Ice
- Dash ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the chai tea, Kahlua, and vodka.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass or similar.
- Garnish with a dash of cinnamon and serve.
Ways to Garnish a White Russian
Since white Russians always end up like coffee, you'll want to add a garnish or two to your glass to really bring it to life. Here are a few of the ways you can garnish your next drink:
- Coat the inside of your glass with different flavored syrups like caramel and chocolate.
- Coat the rim of your glass with crushed candies for a sweet touch.
- Top off your drink with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top of your finished drink.
- Place an edible flower or sprinkle some edible glitter on top for a pop of color.
- Toss a dash of spices like ground cinnamon on top to add some heat and depth to your drink.
Get Your Coffee Fix Without the Caffeine
It's no wonder white Russians have continued to be a mainstay of the modern bartender's repertoire; from college students to retirees, this creamy, coffee-flavored cocktail can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. Whether you like the traditional recipe best or enjoy mixing things up with syrups, liqueurs, or garnishes, you can always get your coffee fix without the jittery effects of the caffeine when you make yourself a white Russian cocktail, or try a cola variation on the classic, the Colorado bulldog cocktail.
