The White Russian is an easy classic cocktail that you know and love. Our perfect ratios ensure that it is just as magical as you want it to be!
About a billion years ago, I got married. I was in my very early twenties, and when I look back at the pictures I look so young, it almost looks like two little kids playing dress up.
My wedding was a blast – as it should be. All of your favorite people in one room celebrating you finding the love of your life should definitely be a good time. There was so much dancing and singing and hugging, and just love. At one point, someone handed me a White Russian, and I remember just standing at the edge of the dance floor watching everyone having a great time as I sipped.
So for me, White Russians instantly transport me to a magically good time. Even if you don’t have magical memories attached to this delicious cocktail, I bet you can make some with this recipe. This creamy cocktail is perfect for the holidays, ideal for sipping by the fire around Christmas time.
White Russian Ingredients
While the list of what’s in a White Russian cocktail is simple with only three ingredients, the quality and ratio of ingredients are what will make a big difference in how your cocktail tastes.
- Vodka: Use good-quality vodka. See below for my recommendations.
- Coffee liqueur: Kahlúa is the most common coffee liqueur and a great option for this drink. It gets amazing flavor from coffee, rum, and sugar. A White Russian is one of the most popular Kahlúa cocktails. Tia Maria is another brand of coffee liqueur.
- Heavy cream: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half and half or milk. The thicker options are more popular because they make the drink creamier. Milk is a staple in most kitchens and something most people will have on hand compared to heavy cream, but will make the drink thinner. Almond, oat, or soy milk can be used as a dairy-free option.
Best Vodka For a White Russian
I would recommend using a mid-level vodka for your White Russian cocktail. The key is to use something you like the flavor of. Fortunately, you can find good vodka at every price point.
- The best quality vodkas for the price are Grey Goose and Belvedere.
- For a budget-friendly vodka, I recommend using Tito’s.
- Finally, if you can grab a bottle of Kirkland’s vodka at Costco it’s just about the best for the money. It often wins in blind taste tests.
How to Make a White Russian
This classic White Russian recipe comes together in one glass. For the full recipe including the measurements for the ingredients, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Combine the vodka and coffee liqueur. Put lots of ice cubes your tumbler.
- Add the cream. Stir to combine and enjoy!
Serving White Russians
White Russians are typically served in a tumbler filled with ice, as you can see pictured here. The glasses used here are some that I picked up from GoodWill (they are my treasure trove for great photo props) but I just love the ones I’ve linked below.
Variations
Try one (or all) of these variations on the Kahlua White Russian drink!
- By skipping the cream, a Black Russian is made by combining vodka and coffee liqueur.
- Add Bailey’s Irish Cream instead of heavy cream for a sweeter cocktail that is like a Mudslide.
- A Colorado Bulldog is a White Russian with a splash of Cola.
- Add some chocolate liqueur to make a Chocolate White Russian.
- Replace the cream with ice cream to make a White Russian Float.
- At the holidays, pop in some eggnog instead of heavy cream to make an Eggnog White Russian.
Other Classic Cocktail Recipes
If you try this White Russian cocktail recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a comment and let me know what you think!
White Russian
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
- 1 ounce heavy cream
Instructions
- Combine the vodka and coffee liqueur in a tumbler filled with ice.
- Top with the heavy cream, stir, and enjoy.
Cassandra says
Hi Lisa-it’s Cassandra. I love your Cocktail Recipes. The White Russian is a favorite. Your Recommendation of Grey Goose is, of course, my favorite. During one of my Girly Trips to Denver, A Bartender introduced me to “Vox” Vodka, of course, on the Rocks for the taste. A must for a time of sipping one of the finest Vodkas around. Thank you for all you do…Cassandra
I’ll have to try that, thanks Cassandra!
Betty says
The White Russian and Black Russian are my two favorite Cocktails. My next favorite is Kaluah and Coffee as well as Bailey and Coffee. I have enjoyed your History of different Cocktails. I have decided to join your Website.
I hope you enjoy my recipes!
Linda Workman says
Hi Lisa, Use to drink White Russian’s back in my partying day’s which is a very long time ago. Lol Loved the other suggestions but don’t know why I can’t copy those ideas along with the recipe. Is there a way to do that.. Have enjoyed many of your recipes keep them coming.
Those recipes are on a different website, so you would need to go there to print those. Enjoy!