The White Russian is a classic cocktail that combines the rich flavors of coffee liqueur and vodka, topped with a creamy finish. It's a smooth and indulgent drink that's perfect for a cozy evening or a sophisticated gathering.
While most of the ingredients for a White Russian are common, you might not always have coffee liqueur and heavy cream on hand. Coffee liqueur can be found in the liquor section of your supermarket, often near other cocktail mixers. Heavy cream is usually located in the dairy section, near the milk and half-and-half.
Ingredients For White Russian Cocktail Recipe
Vodka: A clear distilled alcoholic beverage that forms the base of the cocktail.
Coffee liqueur: A sweet, coffee-flavored liqueur that adds depth and richness to the drink.
Heavy cream: A thick, high-fat cream that gives the cocktail its signature creamy texture.
Technique Tip for This Cocktail
When preparing a White Russian, ensure that the vodka and coffee liqueur are well-chilled before mixing. This helps maintain the drink's temperature and prevents the ice from diluting the flavors too quickly. For a smoother texture, gently pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
vodka - Substitute with gin: Gin can provide a different botanical flavor profile while still maintaining the alcoholic strength needed for the cocktail.
vodka - Substitute with white rum: White rum offers a slightly sweeter and more tropical note, which can complement the coffee liqueur.
coffee liqueur - Substitute with chocolate liqueur: Chocolate liqueur can add a rich, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the creaminess of the heavy cream.
coffee liqueur - Substitute with espresso and simple syrup: A shot of espresso mixed with simple syrup can mimic the coffee flavor and sweetness of the liqueur.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream adds a tropical twist and a similar creamy texture, making the cocktail dairy-free.
heavy cream - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half provides a lighter, less rich alternative while still maintaining the creamy consistency.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Cocktail
How to Store / Freeze This Cocktail
- To store your White Russian cocktail, first ensure you have a clean, airtight container. This will help maintain the freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
- Pour the mixed vodka and coffee liqueur into the container, but do not add the heavy cream yet. The cream should be added fresh when you are ready to serve.
- Seal the container tightly and place it in the refrigerator. The mixture can be stored for up to 3 days.
- When you're ready to enjoy your cocktail, fill a rocks glass with ice, pour in the stored mixture, and top it with fresh heavy cream. Stir gently to combine.
- If you wish to freeze the cocktail base, pour the vodka and coffee liqueur mixture into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Seal the container and place it in the freezer. The alcohol content will prevent it from freezing solid, but it will become very cold and slightly thickened.
- When ready to serve, remove the container from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to thaw slightly.
- Pour the chilled mixture over ice in a rocks glass and top with fresh heavy cream. Stir gently and enjoy your perfectly preserved White Russian.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the White Russian cocktail into a small saucepan.
- Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring gently to ensure the vodka and coffee liqueur are well mixed.
- Heat until the mixture is just warm, being careful not to let it boil, as this could affect the flavor and texture.
- Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe mug to reheat. Pour the cocktail into the mug and microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds. Stir and check the temperature, repeating if necessary.
- Once warmed, pour the mixture back into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with heavy cream and give it a gentle stir before serving.
Best Tools for Crafting This Cocktail
Rocks glass: A short, wide glass perfect for serving cocktails over ice.
Ice: Essential for chilling the drink and diluting it slightly for balance.
Jigger: A measuring tool to ensure precise amounts of vodka and coffee liqueur.
Bar spoon: Used for gently stirring the vodka and coffee liqueur together.
Pour spout: Helps control the flow of liquids when pouring from bottles.
Small pitcher: Ideal for holding and pouring the heavy cream smoothly over the cocktail.
How to Save Time on Making This Cocktail
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out your vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream in advance to save time when mixing.
Use a shaker: Combine vodka and coffee liqueur in a cocktail shaker with ice, then pour into the glass to streamline the process.
Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of the vodka and coffee liqueur mixture and store it in the fridge for quick assembly later.
Ready-to-pour cream: Use a small pitcher for the heavy cream to easily top off the drink without fumbling with containers.

White Russian Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Coffee liqueur
- 1 oz Heavy cream
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add vodka and coffee liqueur. Stir gently. Top with heavy cream and serve.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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