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Learn how to make a Classic White Russian Recipe! This simple three-ingredient recipe combines vodka, Kahlúa, and half and half over ice for the most delicious after-dinner drink!

Side shot of two glasses of White Russian cocktails, on a white surface.

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.

Do you know how the White Russian differs from the Black Russian? Let me tell you!

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!

Overhead shot of a creamy White Russian cocktail with a round ice cube.

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 liqueur from Veracruz, Mexico, containing rum, sugar, and 100% arabica coffee. (Wikipedia)
Half and Half – 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.

Three small jars with the drink ingredients inside, and labeled.

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 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.

Step 4
Sip. Sip and savor this delicious cocktail!

Snacks to enjoy with White Russians:

Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans – These store great in the freezer, so make them ahead of time.
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese – Simple but so addictive! You definitely need to try these.
Ricotta Crostini – This one is a regular for our Friday Night Charcuterie Board. You’ll love it, trust me!

Side shot of two Kahlua White Russians, with the cream rising.

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.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

xoxo ~Sue