The Perfect White Russian Cocktail

We’ve crafted and tested countless White Russians over the years, and we’re here to share our definitive recipe that strikes the perfect balance between coffee liqueur, premium vodka, and rich cream. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or new to this classic drink, you’ll find our expert guidance will help you craft the perfect serve.

A white russian with a cinnamon stick sits on a sunlit tiled surface.

Watch 🎥: How to Make a White Russian Cocktail

What Is a White Russian Cocktail?

No, not Mommy’s chocolate milk… well, kind of. A White Russian is a decadent cocktail combining vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. An evolution of the Black Russian (created in 1949), this creamy variation emerged in the 1960s and has become a beloved classic, especially after being featured in the cult film “The Big Lebowski.”

A white russian sits on a table in warm lighting, casting a decorative leaf shadow in the background.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

RICH COMPLEXITY: The interplay between premium vodka, Kahlúa’s coffee notes, and fresh cream creates layers of flavor that evolve as you sip.
CREAMY: You control the richness by adjusting the cream-to-spirit ratio, making each serve uniquely yours.

What You Need to Make a White Russian Cocktail

Vodka: Choose a premium vodka like Grey Goose or Belvedere for their clean, smooth profiles.
Kahlúa: The original coffee liqueur brings authentic depth and sweetness.
Heavy Cream: Fresh cream creates that signature silky mouthfeel.

How to Make a White Russian Cocktail

Fill an old-fashioned glass with crystal-clear ice cubes
Pour 2 oz vodka and 1 oz Kahlúa over the ice
Float 1 oz fresh heavy cream on top
Stir gently to create subtle marbling effects

Expert Recipe Tips

Tip 1: Chill your glass beforehand to maintain the perfect temperature
Tip 2: Use filtered ice cubes (aka, craft ice) for crystal-clear presentation
Tip 3: For a lighter version, use half-and-half

How to Serve This White Russian Cocktail

Serve in an old-fashioned glass with a fresh cinnamon stick garnish. Present unstirred to showcase the beautiful layering effect.

A glass of white russian cocktail garnished with a cinnamon stick sits on a tiled surface with shadows cast across it.

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Total Time:5

Ingredients

2 ounces vodka
1 ounce Kahlúa
1 ounce heavy cream

Instructions

Add ice to a rocks glass.
Pour the Kahlua and vodka over the ice.
Add the heavy cream and stir.
Serve with a cinnamon stick

Video

Servings: 1 cocktail

Author: Kita

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute with oat cream for a remarkably similar mouthfeel.

Should I shake or stir?

Always stir. Shaking will over-dilute and disrupt the signature layering.

Which vodka works best?

Never skimp. Premium vodkas shine here – their smooth character enhances rather than competes with the coffee notes.

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