Right here’s the way to make a White Russian! This traditional cocktail starring vodka and Kahlua hits the spot anytime and in any season. Right here’s our White Russian recipe, elements, and the historical past of the drink.

Right here’s a drink that takes simply 2 minutes to make and hits the spot in any season: the White Russian! This cocktail mixes vodka with espresso liqueur and cream in a decadently creamy, searingly candy beverage. Maybe you understand it from the 1990’s film The Large Lebowski, however this drink has been round for the reason that 1950’s. It’s a complete deal with, and couldn’t be simpler to make. Right here’s what you’ll want to know to make the very best White Russian round.
Reading: What is in a white russian
Table of Contents
What is a White Russian?
The White Russian is a cocktail made with vodka, heavy cream, and occasional liqueur. It’s a variation on the Black Russian: merely espresso liqueur and vodka. The Black Russian stems again to 1949, apparently created for the American ambassador to Luxembourg in a resort bar in Brussels (right here’s extra about that). So, the drink is not Russian in origin: it was merely named for the vodka. Including cream to make a White Russian started in 1955 in Oakland, California. It provides the drink a creamy mouthfeel and a richness that’s nearly like latte (a spiked one, at that!).
The White Russian exploded in recognition as a result of 1998 cult-classic film The Large Lebowski. This by the way is the place we realized about this drink! After seeing the principle character, “the Dude” down drink after drink…you’ve acquired to attempt it for your self.

White Russian elements
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This White Russian recipe is a three ingredient drink that’s past straightforward to make. It’s a type of cocktails you’ll be able to merely combine collectively in a glass: no cocktail shaker or mixing glass required! The White Russian elements are:
- Vodka
- Espresso liqueur like Kahlua
- Cream or milk
The everyday ratio for these elements are 2 components vodka to 1 half espresso liqueur and 1 half cream. Combine the vodka and occasional liqueur, add ice, and pour in the cream.
The right way to make a White Russian…completely
Wish to make this drink recipe to impress friends? We’ve acquired a few methods to serve it that make it look spectacular. Right here’s the way to make a White Russian:
- Add 2 ounces vodka and 1 ounce espresso liqueur to a glass. Add ice, then 1 ounce of heavy cream.
- Stir gently to get the swirl impact. Stir a White Russian vigorously and it’s a solidly beige drink. However need to get the swirl impact? Stir it gently simply a few occasions, and the cream will swirl into the vodka and Kahlua in a lovely sample. It appears to be like way more spectacular!
- To step it up: use clear ice! Clear ice is artisanal ice that’s crystal clear, as an alternative of cloudy like regular ice. Minimize it into massive, natural shapes and it appears to be like like one thing you’d discover at an upscale bar! It’s straightforward to make: all you want is 24 hour and a small cooler. Go to The right way to Make Clear Ice.

Utilizing milk vs cream
Wish to make a lighter model of this White Russian recipe? Use 2% milk or complete milk. Listed here are the professionals and cons to utilizing milk in this traditional drink recipe:
- Con: Milk is not practically as tasty as with cream.
- Professional: It makes this cocktail simpler to drink because it’s not as wealthy, and reduces the energy. You additionally may need milk available extra repeatedly than cream (it’s true for us!).
White Russian variations
There are a number of well-known variations on the traditional White Russian — or, predecessor drinks! Listed here are all of the drinks in the household:
- Black Russian is the unique, a traditional cocktail invented in 1949 with espresso liqueur and vodka
- Thoughts Eraser is a layered Black Russian, topped with bubbles!
- Colorado Bulldogis a White Russian with a splash of cola

Extra about Kahlua
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Kahlua carries a lot of the magic in this White Russian. However what truly is it? Right here’s what to find out about this espresso liqueur and different varieties you need to use:
- Kahlua is a espresso liqueur that’s made in Mexico: it’s made with rum, sugar and occasional. It does have some caffeine, however solely about 25% as a lot as the identical quantity of espresso.
- How a lot does Kahlua price? It prices about $20 per bottle.
- What to make use of as an alternative of Kahlua? Attempt different forms of espresso liqueur, like Tia Maria or Sheridan’s.
- What different cocktails use Kahlua? Use it to make different Kahlua drinks like a Black Russian, Mudslide, Bushwacker, or an Espresso Martini.
Need extra espresso cocktails? Go to Prime Espresso Cocktails Price Attempting.
When to serve this White Russian recipe
The White Russian is candy and creamy! It really works earlier than dinner, after dinner, or anytime in between. Serve it as a:
- Completely satisfied hour drink
- Afternoon cocktail
- Late night time drinks drink
- Ladies or guys night time drink
- Cocktail hour drink
Extra vodka cocktails
The White Russian is a well-known vodka cocktail, one in all many tasty drinks with this spirit! Listed here are a few extra vodka cocktails so as to add to your assortment:
- Traditional Moscow Mule The refreshing, bubbly traditional! Copper mugs, ginger beer, and lime.
- Vodka Tonic or Vodka Soda Two of the simplest combined drinks! These two-ingredient cocktails are bubbly, citrusy, and refreshing.
- Cosmopolitan This vibrant pink drink is good for celebrations of all types: right here’s our new and improved model.
- Traditional Bloody Mary The shop-bought model can’t maintain a candle to this brilliantly flavored selfmade combine.
- Vodka Cranberry The simplest cocktail: simply vodka and cranberry juice!
- Transfusion Combine grape juice, lime and ginger ale for a tasty highball.
Final up to date: March 2021
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