Classic White Russian Recipe
Learn how to make a Classic White Russian Recipe! This simple three-ingredient cocktail recipe combines vodka, Kahlúa, and half and half over ice for the most delicious after dinner drink!
White Russian Cocktail with Kahlua
Creamy after dinner cocktails are my jam. They serve as a cocktail AND a dessert in my book (aka ADULT MILKSHAKES) and I’m fine with drinking my dessert as long as it’s delicious. We save these for special occasions, of course, because they are on the indulgent side.
We normally keep all of these simple ingredients stocked 365 days/year. Since I add half and half to my coffee, this is a cocktail I can make on the quick.
Why This Recipe Works:
- SUPER SIMPLE – You’ll need just three simple ingredients for this delicious cocktail – plus some large ice cubes. Make the ice cubes well in advance!
- INDULGENT – The half and half makes this Kahlúa drink rich and delish. You can use cream to make it even more indulgent. Remember to sip slowly and enjoy.
- PERFECT FOR COMPANY – While we love serving rich chocolate desserts for dessert (Chocolate Buttermilk Cake or Triple Chocolate Brownies), this simple drink is perfect to serve to guests when you want to make it quick. Plus your guests will love these!
Ingredients needed for White Russian Cocktails:
A VERY simple three ingredient cocktail plus ice. SO quick and easy. You can, of course, play with the proportions according to your taste buds, but we like this concoction. A lot!
- Vodka – Use a good quality vodka. We prefer Kettle One.
- Kahlúa – Kahlúa is a coffee-flavored liqueur from Mexico. It is made from Arabica coffee beans, sugar, vanilla, and rum. Kahlúa is dark brown in color, with a rich, sweet, and strong coffee flavor. (Beyond cocktails, Kahlúa is also used in desserts and baking, like tiramisu, cheesecakes, and for topping ice cream.)
- Half and Half – Half and half is a blend of equal parts whole milk and light cream. Feel free to use another dairy option of your choosing. You could use heavy cream for more indulgence or whole milk for a little less.
- Ice – I made round ice cubes because they are cute 🙂 and don’t melt as fast as smaller cubes.
How to make White Russians:
Step 1
Prep ice cubes in advance (optional). Make some large ice cubes a day before you make these cocktails. This is an optional step but really nice. Ice cube trays are linked below.
Step 2
Prep glasses. Choose some pretty cocktail glasses for these cocktails and add one large ice cube to each one.
Step 3
Add ingredients. To each glass, pour in the vodka, Kahlua, and half and half. Stir to combine.
Step 4
Sip. Sip and savor this delicious cocktail!
Snacks to enjoy with White Russians:
If you’re serving the White Russians as a party appetizer, here are some excellent choices!
Recipe FAQs:
The Black Russian is simply coffee liqueur (Kahlúa, in this case) and vodka. The White Russian adds the dairy component – half and half in this case – in addition to the the coffee liqueur and vodka. Both are delish, and now you have two simple additions to your bar tending arsenal. You’re welcome!
A White Russian is typically served in an old-fashioned or rocks glass. But get creative and use anything because there are no rules!
Traditionally, this classic drink is stirred, not shaken.
Adjust the ratio of vodka for a stronger/weaker drink or add more cream/milk for a creamier/lighter version.
Other Creamy Cocktails:
- Creamy Homemade Eggnog – Add rum for a delicious cocktail!
- Chocolate Martinis – A special occasion indulgence, but worth it. 😀
- Grasshopper Drink Recipe – My mom’s recipe from back in the day, and one we make every single year over the holidays.
- Frozen Kahlúa Cocktails – Another ice cream drink that you’ll love too!
Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)
xoxo ~Sue
Classic White Russian Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 oz. vodka
- 4 oz. Kahlúa
- 5 oz. half and half – or a dairy option of your choosing
- ice – I made round ice cubes
Instructions
- Prep ice cubes in advance (optional). Make some large ice cubes a day before you make these cocktails. This is an optional step but really nice. Ice cube trays are linked below.
- Prep glasses. Choose some pretty cocktail glasses for these cocktails and add one large ice cube to each one.
- Add ingredients. To each glass, pour in the vodka, Kahlua, and half and half. Stir to combine.
- Sip. Sip and savor this delicious cocktail!
Notes
- A White Russian is typically served in an old-fashioned or rocks glass. But get creative and use anything because there are no rules!
- Adjust the ratio of vodka for a stronger/weaker drink or add more cream/milk for a creamier/lighter version.
A simple recipe that even I can make!
Would love it for you to make one for me! 🙂