White Russian Cocktail
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White Russian Cocktails are simply made by mixing Kahlua, Vodka and cream in an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice. They make the perfect after dinner drink.
A White Russian Cocktail is one of my favorite after dinner sippers. It’s similar to a Kahlua and Cream, but has the addition of vodka, to add a bit more kick. Who couldn’t use a little more kick?
The pretty sister cocktail to the Black Russian, which is just vodka and coffee liqueur, the White Russian gets the addition of cream. Ironically, neither drink has any Russian ties, the addition of the vodka is where that part came in.
In 1998 a movie called The Big Lebowski was released, making the White Russian popular again by the character Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, who throughout the movie, chooses it as his drink of choice. Jokingly, on a number of occasions, he refers to the drink as a “Caucasian.” Explaining why it’s sometimes called the “Caucasian Russian.”
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Every year at Christmas I make a batch of homemade Kahlua. It’s so much better than the store purchased kind, especially if you love the rich coffee flavor it’s known for! We love putting it in our coffee, drinking it with a dash of cream over ice, or in this delicious White Russian Cocktail recipe.
A couple of fun twists on this traditional white Russian drink are to warm it up and drink it hot like coffee or the exact opposite and toss it all in the blender and make a frozen version. That way you are covered year round!
What does Kahlua Taste Like?
Kahlua is a sweet coffee liqueur. It’s best when mixed into cocktails, spiked coffee drinks, and desserts.
Sometimes people confuse Kahlua for Baileys. When actually they are quite different. Baileys is an Irish Whiskey, that originated in the Republic of Ireland in 1974. It has a more chocolaty taste.
Kahlua is coffee liqueur originating in Mexico in 1936. Incidentally, I have a recipe for Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream, too.
White Russian Holiday Cocktails
Drinks like these are perfect for toasting at the holidays. They are delicious on their own, but easy to dress up, too, to make them a little more “glitzy” for the holidays.
Garnishing with spices, or rimming the glass in powdered sugar or in shaved white chocolate looks gorgeous! And don’t they look cute in those retro-looking punch glasses? I felt like they gave the drink a little of that Mad Man feel to them.
I always seem to have cream on hand, especially during the holidays. But if you don’t you can substitute Half & Half or Milk, especially if you want to “lighten up the calorie content and make them a little healthier.
Just know that if you use milk, the taste will change quite a bit. You’ll lose the creaminess of the consistency. You can purchase fat-free half & half and that will lighten things up a bit, too.
^ Pin this for the Holidays! ^
In the notes section of the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, you will find the measurements and instructions for mixing up a large batch of White Russian Cocktails, perfect for holiday entertaining!
How to make a White Russian Cocktail
Honestly, it couldn’t be easier! Mix three ingredients together and pour over ice.
Ingredients in a White Russian Cocktail:
- Kahlua
- Vodka
- Cream
- Ice
Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice. Add two liquors. Top with cream. Stir and Serve.
Alternately, you can let the consumer of the beverage give it a stir and it’ll look like a layered cocktail in the glass.
Have fun with it! Garnish with ground nutmeg or cinnamon. If you like a certain spice in your coffee, chances are you’ll dig it in your White Russian. I love these big ice cubes, don’t you?
Love it? Pin it!
Don’t forget where you found the recipe for the BEST White Russian Cocktail! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!
Recipes that Use Kahlua
If you make your own Kahlua or purchase it at the store after you have a White Russian Cocktail (or two) you can use some of that coffee liqueur to make up some of these other sweet treats! OR these Salted Caramel Layered Shots from my friend, Jen.
I love these Kahlua Crinkles on my holiday trays, but they don’t have to be pigeon-holed into being a holiday cookie. They are perfect for any time.
Recipes that Use Kahlua:
- No-Bake Mocha Chocolate Chip Icebox Cake
- S’More Banana Bread with Caramelized Kahlua Bananas
- Kahlua Cappucino
- Dirty Chai Cocktail
- Black Russian Cake
- Peppermint Mocha Frozen Whipped Cream (uses the peppermint Kahlua)
- Bootleg Black Gold Whiskey Cocktail
- Kahlua Cheesecake Minis
Did you know that I have my own storefront on Amazon? I have all sorts of items that I love to use, as well as some that are on my wish list. One section is completely full of barware. A great one to browse to up your cocktail game.
Cheers to you, my friends, at the holidays, and every day! 
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White Russian Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 shots Kahlua
- 2 shots Vodka
- approximately 2 ounces heavy cream
Instructions
- Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice.
- Add two liquors.
- Top with Cream
- Stir and Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on December 12, 2014. It was updated to improve user experience and reshared on October 2, 2020.
Such a classic cocktail, and so easy too!
This is such a treat, so creamy and absolutely delicious! And easy! A real winner, especially for the holidays!
White Russians are one of my all-time favorite winter beverages! Absolutely scrumptious!
You can’t beat a White Russian – this is so delicious and one of my favourite tipples.
This drink will surely make my evening perfect. Love the delicious combination and the creaminess of the drink. Yum
Will definitely try this for my husbands party! <3 very easy and refreshing!
This is one of my favourite cocktails to order. I really should try making it myself – it looks delicious.
It’s only noon and I reeeeally want one of these white russians! I can’t wait to make one after dinner!
Your pictures make this look like winter in a glass! They are so pretty!
Add two shots of tequila to the White Russian and it becomes a Brave Bull. Love them. They will give you notice of when to stop by a warm feeling going from the top of your head down. Do not ignore that feeling.
Haha!! Sounds good!! And I will head the warning when I try it!
Where can I purchase the clear glass cups used in White Russian cocktail?
The ones pictured here were purchased at Crate & Barrel!
Substitute regular vodka for raspberry vodka he gives it a truffle taste. Yummy!
yum!