White Russian Cocktail Recipe
Creamy, boozy, and smooth as a velvet tracksuit, the White Russian is the cocktail equivalent of kicking back in a recliner after a long day. It’s rich, decadent, and ridiculously easy to make, which might explain why it’s been winning hearts (and hangovers) since the 1960s.
Originally a spin-off of the Black Russian (which skips the cream), this drink found its place in pop culture history thanks to The Big Lebowski, shout-out to The Dude. But it’s more than a movie prop; it’s a damn good cocktail with real staying power.
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just someone who likes a cheeky dessert drink with a caffeine kick, the White Russian is worth a shake.
What Is a White Russian?
The White Russian is a simple, three-ingredient cocktail built in a glass, no shaking, no faffing. It’s a twist on the earlier Black Russian, which mixed vodka and coffee liqueur. The White Russian adds cream (or milk if you’re trying to be "healthy") for that iconic silky-smooth texture.
Key ingredients:
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Vodka – the clean base that lets the other flavours shine
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Coffee liqueur – typically Kahlúa, for a rich, sweet caffeine bite or better yet. We have a pre-mixed cocktail you can use. Our Good George Espresso Martini is the perfect solution to simplify the cocktail process.
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Cream or milk – adds that dessert-like vibe and creamy mouthfeel
Flavour-wise, it’s smooth, lightly sweet, a bit boozy, and tastes like a boozy iced mocha. No wonder it’s become a cult favourite, it’s approachable, indulgent, and feels fancy without requiring any bartending skills.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
This is the kind of drink for people who want their cocktail to double as dessert, or who just love the taste of coffee and cream with a kick. It’s perfect for chilly nights, after-dinner sipping, or impressing your mates with minimal effort.
Why it works:
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Only 3 ingredients, and you probably already have them
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No shaker or fancy tools needed, just a glass and a spoon
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Great for winding down, kicking back, or classing up your coffee break
Sweet tooth? Sorted. Love an espresso martini but can't Be Fucked with the shaking? This is your low-effort fix.
White Russian Variations
Feeling adventurous? The White Russian is the gift that keeps on giving. Here are a few cheeky riffs to try:
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Black Russian – ditch the cream for a leaner, bolder mix
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Dirty Russian – drizzle in some chocolate syrup for a mocha-style upgrade
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Blind Russian – swap cream for Irish cream liqueur for added richness
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Coconut Russian – use coconut milk and vanilla vodka for a tropical twist
Once you get the hang of the basic build, the possibilities are endless. Just follow your cravings.
Tips to Create the Perfect White Russian
Here’s how to make sure your White Russian hits the mark:
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Use heavy cream for richness, or milk for a lighter feel
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Float the cream on top for a layered look, or stir it through for a uniform mix
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Chill your glass and use big ice cubes to slow dilution
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Balance is key — taste as you build and adjust to your liking
White Russian Recipe
Ingredients
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50ml vodka
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25ml coffee liqueur
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25ml cream or milk
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Ice
- Or if you want a simple variation, grab our award-winning Good George Espresso Martini to replace the vodka and coffee liqueur bottles.
Instructions
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Fill a rocks glass with ice
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Add vodka and coffee liqueur
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Gently pour cream over the back of a spoon to float on top for the classic look
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Or give it a stir for a creamy mix throughout
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Optional: Garnish with a coffee bean or dust of cocoa powder
Equipment
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Rocks glass
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Bar spoon (or just a regular spoon, we won’t judge)
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Jigger or shot glass
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Optional: Small jug or spoon for floating the cream
Serving Suggestions
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Serve after dinner in place of dessert
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Add a chocolate twist for extra indulgence
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Looks slick with a swirl of cream or a layered presentation
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Serve at winter parties, movie nights, or lazy Sundays
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Batch a few (without ice) and chill in the fridge for mates
Enjoy Your Perfect Homemade White Russian
Simple, indulgent, and cooler than a jazz playlist on vinyl, the White Russian is a drink that’ll never go out of style. Whether you float your cream like a pro or just chuck it all in and give it a stir, it’s all good.
Just remember: quality ingredients make all the difference. Start with a smooth, clean vodka and your favourite coffee liqueur, and you’re halfway there.
