A sweet and creamy after dinner drink, the White Russian is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
The White Russian and it’s precursor, the Black Russian, are both simple drinks, combining vodka, coffee liqueur and cream (where we get the ‘white’). The original was created in 1949 by Gustave Tops for the socialite Perle Skirvin Mesta, the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg at the time. She was known for her lavish parties and fondly known as the original ‘hostess with the mostess’.
As you may of guessed, neither of these drinks Russian in origin. Instead the name is a reference to vodka as an ingredient – a spirit often associated with Russia. The White Russian saw a surge in popularity after it featured in the 1998 film The Big Lebowski. It was The Dude’s drink of choice, and he often referred to it as The Caucasian.
I like to use an even 1:1:1 ratio of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream for my recipe, although many out there will double the vodka. It’s up to your taste preferences of course. This cocktail benefits from a sweeter liqueur, so don’t be afraid to add a little splash of sugar syrup if you’re using a dry coffee liqueur. You can replace the cream with milk, or if dairy isn’t your thing, try coconut milk or another nut milk.
There are many a variation on these drinks. Some of my personal favourites:
- Dirty Russian – made with chocolate milk
- White Cuban – using rum instead of vodka
- Blonde/Blind Russian – swap the cream for Bailey’s Irish Cream
Watch the video here. If you make this one, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! I love to see it!
White Russian
Ingredients
- 30 mL vodka
- 30 mL coffee liqueur
- 30 mL heavy cream
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour over vodka and coffee liqueur.
- Add cream into a jar or small bottle and secure the lid. Shake for 15 seconds to aerate slightly. Pour over the top of your cocktail.
Notes
- Subsitute cream for milk or a dairy free alternative.
Check out some of my other cocktails!
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