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Classic White Russian Cocktail

The White Russian is a timeless cocktail that combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream for a rich, smooth, and indulgent drink. Originating in the mid-20th century, this cocktail gained widespread popularity after being featured in films and pop culture. The key to a perfect White Russian lies in achieving the right balance of ingredients and using proper shaking techniques to create a silky texture. Unlike its cousin, the Black Russian, which omits the cream, this version offers a luxurious mouthfeel and a harmonious blend of coffee and vanilla notes. Whether enjoyed as an after-dinner treat or a sophisticated nightcap, the White Russian remains a staple in cocktail culture. Serve it chilled in a stemmed glass for an elegant presentation.

After-Dinner | Beverage | Cocktail | Heavy Cream | Kahlua | Vodka | Shaking | Straining | Cocktail Party | Elegant Dinner | Quick
Time to complete

Prep

5min

Cook

0 minutes

Wait

0 minutes

Total

5min

Ingredients (Makes 1 cocktail)
  • 30 ml (1 oz) vodka
  • 30 ml (1 oz) Kahlúa coffee liqueur
  • 22 ml (¾ oz) heavy cream
  • Ice cubes, for shaking
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 7.5
  • Protein: 1.2
  • Carbohydrates: 14
  • Fiber: 0
Directions

Mixing the Cocktail

  • 1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, Kahlúa, and heavy cream.

Chilling the Mixture

  • 2. Fill the shaker with ice, seal tightly, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.

Straining and Serving

  • 3. Unseal the shaker and strain the cocktail into a stemmed glass using a Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice cubes and a fine-mesh strainer to catch smaller ice chips. Serve immediately.
Cookix's Secrets

Balancing Sweetness

  • Adjust the ratio of Kahlúa to vodka based on your preference for sweetness.

Bold Flavor Enhancement

  • Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced twist.

Enhancing Texture

  • For an extra smooth texture, use freshly chilled heavy cream and shake vigorously.

Glassware Choice

  • Serve in a stemmed cocktail glass for an elegant presentation, or a rocks glass for a more casual feel.

Lighter Version

  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.

Seasonal Tweaks

  • Try using peppermint-flavored vodka for a festive holiday variation.

Vegan Alternative

  • Use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.