The Timeless White Russian is a rich and creamy cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream, all served over crushed ice in a lowball glass.
This iconic drink was created in 1949, along with its counterpart, the Black Russian, which is simply a White Russian minus the cream. Despite its name, the White Russian didn’t originate in Russia—the name comes from the vodka base. This cocktail gained massive popularity as an after-dinner drink and saw a resurgence in fame thanks to the movie The Big Lebowski.
White Russian Ingredients
Ice: The White Russian is traditionally served over ice, and I prefer using crushed ice in an old-fashioned or lowball glass.
Vodka: Vodka is the main ingredient in a classic White Russian. Choose your favorite brand for this recipe. If you’re out of vodka, you can substitute it with rum (spiced rum is great for a holiday twist), gin, bourbon, or even Bailey’s Irish Cream.
Kahlua: Kahlua is a coffee-flavored liqueur that adds depth to the drink. If you want a less potent cocktail, you can substitute Kahlua with a shot of espresso or brewed coffee.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream, with its minimum of 30% fat content, adds the signature richness to the White Russian. If you’re in a pinch, you can use milk or even coffee creamer instead.
What Does a White Russian Taste Like?
This cocktail is strong but smooth, with a flavor reminiscent of iced coffee for adults. It’s slightly sweet, but not overly so, making it an enjoyable drink to sip. Pair it with chocolate-covered Ritz crackers or chocolate-covered pretzels for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- Crushed ice
- 2 ounces (60 ml) vodka
- 1 ounce (30 ml) Kahlua or another coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce (30 ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Fill a lowball glass with crushed ice.
- Add the vodka and Kahlua to the glass.
- Top the drink with heavy cream and stir gently to combine.
Enjoy your Timeless White Russian, a cocktail that’s both decadent and delicious!
