Perfect White Russian
Learn how to make a perfect white Russian cocktail with vodka, Kahlua, and cream. This simple cocktail is incredibly delicious, plus I’m sharing a few easy ways to make it your own. My perfect white Russian ratio is 2 parts vodka, 1 part Kahlua (or other coffee liqueur), and 1 part cream, but you can adjust to your tastes (see variations below)! For more simple cocktail recipes, try our kir royale, my favorite bourbon Manhattan, or this spiked cider. Key Ingredients Vodka: I prefer vodka for a classic White Russian, but you can also try gin, bourbon, or dark rum for a different twist. Coffee Liqueur: I usually use Kahlua, but any coffee-flavored liqueur works (Tia Maria or Trader Vic’s Kona are good options). If you want to switch it up, crème de cacao makes a chocolatey cocktail, or amaretto gives it a nutty, almond flavor. If you have some coffee liqueur leftover, try my tiramisu recipe! Cream: Heavy cream is my go-to for a rich, luxurious White Russian, but if it’s too heavy for you, half and half or even whole milk can be substituted. It might not layer as nicely, but it’ll still taste great. Vodka: I prefer vodka for a classic White Russian, but you can also try gin, bourbon, or dark rum for a different twist. Coffee Liqueur: I usually use Kahlua, but any coffee-flavored liqueur works (Tia Maria or Trader Vic’s Kona are good options). If you want to switch it up, crème de cacao makes a chocolatey cocktail, or amaretto gives it a nutty, almond flavor. If you have some coffee liqueur leftover, try my tiramisu recipe! Cream: Heavy cream is my go-to for a rich, luxurious White Russian, but if it’s too heavy for you, half and half or even whole milk can be substituted. It might not layer as nicely, but it’ll still taste great. How to Make a White Russian To make a white Russian, fill a small glass with ice. Add vodka and the Kahlua, then slowly pour cream on top. To get the cream to sit perfectly on top of the vodka and Kahlua, drizzle it slowly over the back of a spoon. Then, when you are ready to drink, swirl the cream into the drink. There are also a few fun variations you can try: Vegan White Russian: Swap the cream for coconut milk or your favorite nut milk (almond, oat milk, or cashew milk works well). Bailey’s White Russian: This one’s simple: just swap the cream for Bailey’s Irish Cream. It’s like dessert in a glass! Pumpkin Spice White Russian: Add 1/2 teaspoon of homemade pumpkin spice or stir in a little pumpkin butter. White Russian with Whipped Cream: Swap the heavy cream for a big spoonful of homemade whipped cream. Vegan White Russian: Swap the cream for coconut milk or your favorite nut milk (almond, oat milk, or cashew milk works well). Bailey’s White Russian: This one’s simple: just swap the cream for Bailey’s Irish Cream. It’s like dessert in a glass! Pumpkin Spice White Russian: Add 1/2 teaspoon of homemade pumpkin spice or stir in a little pumpkin butter. White Russian with Whipped Cream: Swap the heavy cream for a big spoonful of homemade whipped cream. Perfect White Russian PREP 5 mins TOTAL 5 mins PREP 5 mins TOTAL 5 mins Use our white Russian cocktail recipe below as a guide. You can (and should) tweak the recipe to your tastes. If you like it boozy, increase the vodka or add cream for a more decadent cocktail. There are lots of substitutions you can make with this cocktail, too. See our article for popular variations. Makes 1 drink You Will Need 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) vodka 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) coffee liqueur such as Kahlua, Tia Maria, or Trader Vic’s Kona 1 to 2 ounces (2 to 4 tablespoons) heavy cream Ice Directions 1Fill a small glass (or rocks glass) with ice. 2Add the vodka and coffee liqueur and stir to mix. 3Top with cream. To create a layered look, slowly pour the cream over the back of a spoon held over the surface of the drink. 4Swirl the cream into the drink before drinking. 1Fill a small glass (or rocks glass) with ice. 2Add the vodka and coffee liqueur and stir to mix. 3Top with cream. To create a layered look, slowly pour the cream over the back of a spoon held over the surface of the drink. 4Swirl the cream into the drink before drinking. Adam and Joanne's Tips Kahlua substitutes: Try swapping out the coffee liqueur with crème de cacao or amaretto. Vodka substitutes: Try swapping vodka for gin, bourbon, or dark rum. The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We assumed 1 ounce of cream. Kahlua substitutes: Try swapping out the coffee liqueur with crème de cacao or amaretto. Vodka substitutes: Try swapping vodka for gin, bourbon, or dark rum. The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We assumed 1 ounce of cream. Nutrition Per Serving Serving Size 1 drink / Calories 317 / Protein 1 g / Carbohydrate 14 g / Dietary Fiber 0 g / Total Sugars 14 g / Total Fat 11 g / Saturated Fat 7 g / Cholesterol 41 mg / Sodium 12 mg AUTHOR: Adam Gallagher We’re Adam and Joanne, a couple passionate about cooking and sharing delicious, reliable recipes since 2009. Our goal? To inspire you to get in the kitchen and confidently cook fresh and flavorful meals.More About Us Previous Post: Creamy Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce Next Post: Perfect Cilantro Lime Rice