White Russian

Made particularly popular in the late '90s after the release of the movie The Big Lebowski, the White Russian is a creamy, indulgent cocktail that comes together in seconds—no cocktail shaker required. Kahlúa and heavy cream help to mask the intensity of the vodka, but sip slowly. Melting ice is intended to help mellow the drink.

The ratio for a classic White Russian is easy to remember: 2 parts vodka, 1 part coffee liqueur, 1 part cream. But feel free to play around! Below are some of our favorite ways to adapt the recipe:

1. Swap in half-and-half for a lighter creaminess.
2. Substitute a flavored vodka that will complement the drink's coffee and cream notes—vanilla, chocolate, or even berry would work well.  
3. For a dessert-like twist, drizzle a bit of chocolate or caramel syrup around the insides of the glass before mixing the drink.

How do you make a White Russian drink?

To make a classic White Russian cocktail, simply combine vodka and coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) in a small glass, add ice, then pour over cream. 

What is the different between Black Russian and White Russian cocktail?

A Black Russian is essentially the same cocktail as a White Russian, except that it lacks the heavy cream. Both drinks are served over ice, preferably in a small rocks or old fashioned glass.