Learn how to make our favorite white Russian recipe that is a delicious, simple cocktail made with vodka, Kahlua, and cream.
The best white Russian is made the ratio of 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.
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
How to Make the Best White Russian
These are really simple to make, but to make them extra special, serve them with the cream sitting on top of the cocktail. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a small glass with ice. Then, top with vodka and the Kahlua.
- 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 (see photo).
- When you are ready to drink, swirl the cream into the drink.
Our Favorite White Russian Variations
Here are a few fun variations you can try:
- Vegan: Swap the cream for coconut milk or your favorite nut milk (almond, oat milk, or cashew milk works well).
- Bailey’s: This one’s simple: just swap the cream for Bailey’s Irish Cream. It’s like dessert in a glass!
- Pumpkin Spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon of homemade pumpkin spice or stir in a little pumpkin butter.
- Whipped Cream: Swap the heavy cream for a big spoonful of homemade whipped cream.
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
Perfect White Russian
- PREP
- TOTAL
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.
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.
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.
Love these! My husband and I were curious after watching the Big Lebowski recently, this cocktail is now in our repertoire.
So glad you enjoyed your cocktail 🙂
Looks and sounds delicious! Thanks for linking up to my mojitos! 🙂
looks refreshing and soothing, love the photo.
I seem to rarely drink anything with vodka because I have trouble getting past the alcohol’s wallop. But Baileys (and nutmeg) might just do the trick
Bailey’s will definitely help — plus, if you really don’t want the vodka, you could just skip it in the recipe – the drink will still be delicious.
-Joanne