White Russian
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Posted: 11/25/19
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A White Russian is a creamy coffee-flavored drink perfect for any occasion. They are often served before or after dinner. With only three ingredients, Vodka, Coffee Liqueur and cream, it’s a quick and easy cocktail to make when hosting guests, especially during the holidays. It’s so smooth you will hardly notice there is alcohol in it.
If you’re looking for a holiday cocktail to serve this year you definitely need to try a classic White Russian. It’s a creamy coffee-flavored cocktail with vodka that’s served cold over ice and I think you’re going to love it!
I love coffee drinks and these White Russians are one of my favorite cocktails to make this time of year, although they’re delicious year-round, too! They’re great for parties because it’s easy for guests to make their own drinks since there are only three ingredients, but I also just keep the ingredients on hand for those unexpected visitors that drop by during the holidays. It’s so easy to whip up a batch!
When we have get-togethers with other families I love to make these or warm drinks like Hot Buttered Rum or Irish Coffee for the grown-ups and Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate for the kiddos so everyone has a special holiday drink to sip on!
This is a rich and creamy drink that is so great for holiday entertaining! We love cold-weather cocktails around here for the holidays so be sure to check out my Grasshopper recipe and Winter Sangria, too!
The history of a White Russian Cocktail
Despite the name, the White Russian did not originate in Russia but it was first developed in Europe before it gained popularity in the US. The drink was developed sometime during the 1930s and 1940s along with its cousin the Black Russian which is just coffee liqueur and vodka.
It’s unclear which one came first but both drinks, especially the White Russian, have been popular ever since. Most people agree the name came about because the drink has vodka which is a Russian liquor, although vodka is made all over the world these days.
The holiday season is the perfect time to give this easy cocktail a try – I hope you love this smooth and creamy White Russian!
How to Make a White Russian
White Russians have vodka, coffee liqueur and heavy cream or whole milk. The ingredients are poured into a glass with ice and then stirred. It’s an easy cocktail to make and it’s super smooth so be careful with them! They’re so smooth you can hardly tell there’s alcohol in the drink!
- Vodka – We recommend a high quality vodka since there are only three ingredients in this drink and it will make a big difference.
- Coffee liqueur – Kahlua is the most popular coffee liqueur and it’s made with rum, sugar, vanilla, and coffee.
- Heavy cream or whole milk – For a creamier, richer drink use the heavy cream – if it’s a little too rich try using the whole milk instead.
Place ice cubes in a glass. Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur over the top. Add the cream (or milk) and stir – that’s it! So easy, right?!
What cream is used?
It really depends on your tastes, so you have options! Heavy cream is often used and it will give your White Russian a very rich and creamy consistency, but you can substitute a lighter cream or even milk depending on how rich you want your drink. Here are all of the options:
- Like I mentioned, heavy cream will make a very rich and creamy drink!
- Whipping cream is very similar to heavy cream, but just a tad bit lighter in fat than heavy cream, but not by much. If you can’t find heavy cream, whipping cream is a good substitute.
- Half and half, which is half milk and half cream, is a good alternative if you want to cut the richness but still have a creamy feel to your drink.
- Whole milk has less fat than cream and half and half, so your drink won’t be as creamy but will still have a touch of richness.
- Of course, you can always try 2% milk or even skim milk if you’re watching the calories, but the drink won’t be the same! I say treat yourself and at least use whole milk – it will be a much better drink!
More easy Cocktail Recipes!
When entertaining it’s fun to serve up a simply cocktail to guests. Here are a few of our favorite recipes everyone is sure to enjoy!
- Irish Coffee – Only needs four basic ingredients, including coffee, brown sugar, Irish Whiskey and whipped cream, and everyone will love them!
- Amaretto Sour – Classic cocktail recipes with a few ingredients, perfectly light and refreshing.
- Aperol Spritz – Pretty vibrant orange hue gives this cocktail a fun look. Only three ingredients!
WATCH THE STEP BY STEP VIDEO FOR THIS RECIPE BELOW:
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Try it and love it? Rate it, please!!! ? Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day! If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your amazing Coffee Cakes!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
White Russian
White Russians are an easy, smooth cocktail recipe with only three ingredients perfect for serving before or after dinner.
Video
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Coffee Liqueur we used Kahlua
- 1 oz heavy cream or whole milk
Instructions
- In a rocks glass combine vodka and coffee liqueur over ice.
- Add milk or cream and stir.
Tips
- Vodka - We recommend a high quality vodka since there are only three ingredients in this drink and it will make a big difference.
- Coffee liqueur - Kahlua is the most popular coffee liqueur and it's made with rum, sugar, vanilla, and coffee.
- Heavy cream or whole milk - For a creamier, richer drink use the heavy cream - if it's a little too rich try using the whole milk instead.
- Like I mentioned, heavy cream will make a very rich and creamy drink!
- Whipping cream is very similar to heavy cream, but just a tad bit lighter in fat than heavy cream, but not by much. If you can't find heavy cream, whipping cream is a good substitute.
- Half and half, which is half milk and half cream, is a good alternative if you want to cut the richness but still have a creamy feel to your drink.
- Whole milk has less fat than cream and half and half, so your drink won't be as creamy but will still have a touch of richness.
- Of course, you can always try 2% milk or even skim milk if you're watching the calories, but the drink won't be the same! I say treat yourself and at least use whole milk - it will be a much better drink!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 326.02kcal (16%), Carbohydrates: 14.06g (5%), Protein: 0.61g (1%), Fat: 10.58g (16%), Saturated Fat: 6.56g (41%), Cholesterol: 38.84mg (13%), Sodium: 13.61mg (1%), Sugar: 13.3g (15%), Vitamin A: 416.75IU (8%), Calcium: 18.43mg (2%)
Cindy says
This is my all time favorite drink!!!
Julie says
Glad you enjoy it!