White Russian Cocktail Recipe – Vodka, Coffee & Cream Indulgence

The White Russian is a cocktail that has earned its place in both mixology history and pop culture. Combining smooth vodka, rich coffee liqueur, and velvety cream, this indulgent drink is as simple to make as it is luxurious to sip. Whether layered for visual flair or stirred into a silky blend, the White Russian delivers dessert-like richness in every glass. In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step recipe, share tips for perfecting texture and sweetness, and even explore fun variations like the Black Russian and frozen White Russian. Creamy, boozy, and effortlessly cool—it’s the cocktail you’ll come back to again and again.

9/11/20251 min read

📖 Ingredients (1 serving):

2 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa is the classic choice)
1 oz heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter texture)
Ice cubes

🍫 Garnish (optional):

Grated chocolate
Cocoa powder
A light dusting of nutmeg

🛠️ Equipment Needed:

Old fashioned (rocks) glass
Jigger or measuring tool
Bar spoon

🍹 Instructions:

Fill the glass with ice – A rocks glass works best. Use one large cube if you prefer slower dilution.
Build the base – Pour in 2 oz vodka and 1 oz coffee liqueur directly over the ice.
Add the cream – Slowly pour 1 oz heavy cream over the back of a spoon so it floats on top for that signature layered look.
Stir (optional) – You can leave the layers separated for presentation or gently stir to combine into a smooth, creamy mix.
Garnish – Sprinkle grated chocolate, cocoa powder, or nutmeg if you’d like to give it a dessert-like flair.

✨ Tips for the Perfect White Russian:

Cream vs. milk: Heavy cream gives the richest texture, while milk or half-and-half makes it lighter and less decadent.
Balance sweetness: Coffee liqueurs vary—Kahlúa is sweet; if you prefer less sugar, cut the liqueur slightly or use a drier style.
Variation: Skip the cream and you have a Black Russian. For a frozen version, blend with ice for a boozy milkshake-style drink.