You will love sipping on this smooth and creamy White Russian. An easy coffee flavored cocktail with a fun twist! Try adding my special ingredient to make it taste like dessert.
It should come as no surprise that a White Russian is one of my favorite cocktails. It tastes like an iced coffee (one of my most favorite things ever) and it is one-third cream. Yes, CREAM, my friends. This is a sweet, cold and creamy cocktail that you are bound to fall in love with!
My mind has shifted into holiday mode. I’m dreaming of pumpkin bread, sweet potato casserole, chilly weather and crunchy leaves. I’m ready to sit next to a warm fire sipping on a White Russian. Who’s with me?!
MORE COCKTAILS: APEROL SPRITZ – STRAWBERRY SANGRIA – APPLE CIDER SANGRIA – STRAWBERRY MARGARITA– GRASSHOPPER – FROZEN MARGARITA – HOT BUTTERED RUM
I consider a White Russian a year-round cocktail (any time is a good time for spiked coffee goodness!), but I especially think of it as a holiday cocktail. The classic flavors, the touch of decadence, and the fact that calories don’t count during the holidays. It’s perfect for these last few months of the year.
White Russian Recipe
Let’s talk about how to make a traditional White Russian, then I’ll get to sharing my favorite version (pssst… there’s ice cream involved).
- Vodka
- Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
- Cream
Add the vodka and Kahlua to a glass filled with ice, then add a generous splash of cream and give it a stir. The ratios are often 1 part vodka, 1 part Kahlua and 1 part cream, but when I am making White Russians at home, I change it up a bit.
The first change I make is swapping the cream for half and half or whole milk. Although cream is delicious, I find that half and half or whole milk still adds plenty of richness without making it too heavy.
I usually follow a ratio of 1 part vodka, 2 parts Kahlua and 3 parts half and half. This creates a nice creamy cocktail that has plenty of coffee flavor without too much of a punch from the vodka.
A fun twist
Now, if you wanted to (hint: you do) you could skip adding the ice to your White Russian and instead plop a big fat scoop of vanilla ICE CREAM into it. Guys, please try this at least once. It’s like a spiked coffee milkshake (without dirtying a blender), and it is so dang delicious! Note: instead of using vanilla ice cream, you could also use coffee, chocolate or caramel ice cream. Swoon.
My recipe makes a single serving. You can easily increase the portions to make multiple cocktails, or even a whole pitcher. Use the ratio 1 part vodka, 2 parts Kahlua, 3 parts whole milk/half and half/cream to make the quantities needed. And of course, adjust to suit your taste. That’s the beauty of making cocktails at home, you can get them just the way you want them everytime.
I’ll leave you with one last little warning: These White Russians are dangerous. They are smooth and tasty and they go down easily. Too easily. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya! Enjoy!
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White Russian Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 part vodka
- 2 parts Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
- 3 parts half and half, cream or milk, I prefer half and half
- Ice cream, optional
Instructions
- Combine vodka and Kahlua in an ice filled glass. Slowly add the half and half. Taste and adjust the proportions to suit your taste.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This post originally appeared on Real Housemoms where I am a contributor.
Nancy
Quick question: Your calories are based on how many ounces total?
Celebrating Sweets
Approximately 6 ounces total (each “part” being equivalent to 1-ounce). The nutrition facts do not include the optional ice cream.
wilhelmina
I wish I was sipping on one of these right now! So delicious!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Love how simple and easy this recipe is! I’ll be making it again!
Suzy
We sneaked in some ice cream and it was SO GOOD!
Meagen Brosius
Such a great recipe. I always feel like these are so fancy but they’re SO easy to make! One of my favorites Yum!
Foggy
and… lol instead of ice cream, give it a shot of coca-cola!!!!! it makes it fizz up and like it has ice cream (oh yeah!). this drink has several names: Colorado Bulldog, Tire Biter and Paralyzer!
Celebrating Sweets
Great idea! That sounds delicious!
Ashley
Simple, easy to make and just what I was looking for. Thank you!
Sandi
You are speaking my love language with those White Russians!! Gorgeous.
JJ
This drink is a standard White Russian and is very good. However, your calories cannot be correct if each “part” equals one ounce. One ounce of vodka equals 64 calories. One ounce of Kahlua equals 91 calories. So, the vodka and Kahlua would equal 246 calories before you add the cream. Just sayin’.
Celebrating Sweets
Hi, JJ. You are correct. There was an error in my nutrition calculator. It has been fixed. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. 🙂
Gail Atkinson
If I may add my version…i use mostly original almond milk, prob 2/3 and 1/3 heavy cream. The small amount if cream adds the needed creamy flavor but isn’t quite as hevy and a lot less calories. PLUS, I sometimes add 1 part creme De menthe for a mint coffee flavor. Delicious.
Allison
Sounds great! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂