Classic White Russian Recipe
Learn how to make the classic white Russian cocktail with vodka, Kahlua and cream. This simple cocktail is delicious and perfect for any time of the year.

My husband is a big fan of a good white Russian cocktail, and is also a fan of the Big Lebowski, the 1998 Coen brothers’ cult comedy classic. In this film you meet the bowling alley obsessed, bathrobe-wearing slacker, Jeffrey “the Dude” Lebowski (played by Jeff Bridges), who downs White Russians throughout the movie. In fact, you first meet The Dude while he’s shopping for White Russian ingredients in the grocery store.
When we first started dating, I didn’t realize how easy his favorite cocktail really is to make. Sometimes referred to as “White Russians” or other times “Caucasians,” the traditional white Russian combines vodka, Kahlua (or another coffee liqueur) and cream, but you can also easily substitute ingredients for fun variations.
“The Dude abides” no matter what substitutions you use for this classic cocktail.

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Ingredients Needed for a White Russian Cocktail

To make a White Russian, you’ll only need 3 ingredients:
- Vodka
- Coffee Liqueur
- Cream
You’ll also need:
- A small glass
- Ice cubes
- A spoon

The classic White Russian is made with vodka as the main ingredient, but you can experiment with other spirits like rum, bourbon or even gin for a different twist. I usually use Tito’s vodka for my vodka recipes, but any decent vodka will work for this decadent cocktail.
Any coffee-flavored liqueur can work for this recipe, but I usually use Kahlua. Tia Maria is another good option. This is an easy recipe to switch up using amaretto for a nutty flavor or even crème de cacao for a yummy chocolatey cocktail.
I use equal parts vodka and Kahlua, but you might prefer a different taste. Experiment with what you like to create your own perfect white Russian cocktail recipe.
Heavy cream is my preferred cream for this cocktail as it really makes this drink taste rich, but we don’t always have it on hand at home. I’ve also used light cream like half and half and whole milk before with great results. Low-fat milk and almond milk can also be used, but it won’t be the same consistency.
No cocktail shaker is needed for this simple recipe that also requires zero prep time. Traditionally an after-dinner drink, this creamy cocktail is now enjoyed any time.

How to Make a White Russian Cocktail
This easy cocktail recipe is ready in a snap!
To make a White Russian, start by filling an old-fashioned rocks glass (or another small glass) with ice cubes. This will keep your White Russian cocktail cold.
Pour the vodka and then the Kahlua over the ice in the glass.

Then, slowly pour the cream over the back of a spoon or by drizzling it gently over the coffee liqueur. This creates a beautiful layering effect with the cream floating on top of the darker liquids.

Use a cocktail stirrer or a long spoon to gently stir the ingredients together. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as you want to maintain the layered appearance with the cream on top. Serve and enjoy!

White Russian Variations
This is a great recipe to make small tweaks to for fun variations. Here are some easy ones I’ve tried:
Pumpkin Spice White Russian: Add 1/2 teaspoon of homemade pumpkin spice or stir in a little pumpkin butter for a fun twist for fall.
Bailey’s White Russian: This one’s simple: just swap the cream for Bailey’s Irish Cream. This version of an Irish coffee is like dessert in a glass!
Christmas White Russian: This one is so fun: add a big dollop of whipped cream to the top, and sprinkle red and green sugar sprinkles over the top. This tasty drink is perfect for a holiday party.
Rum White Russian: Swap the vodka for a dark rum.
Vegan White Russian: Swap the cream for coconut milk or your favorite nut milk (almond, oat milk, or cashew milk works well).
Black Russian: Eliminate the cream, and combine just the vodka and coffee liqueur. Similar taste to espresso martinis without the shaker.
You might also enjoy these recipes:
Spiked Hot Chocolate with Vodka

Classic White Russian Recipe
Learn how to make the classic white Russian cocktail with vodka, Kahlua and cream. This simple cocktail is delicious and perfect for any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
- 2 oz (60 ml) coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 2 oz (60 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- To make a classic White Russian, start by filling an old-fashioned rocks glass (or another small glass) with ice cubes. This will keep your White Russian cocktail cold.
- Pour the vodka and then the Kahlua over the ice in the glass. Then, slowly pour the cream over the back of a spoon or by drizzling it gently over the coffee liqueur. This creates a beautiful layering effect with the cream floating on top of the darker liquids.
- Use a cocktail stirrer or a long spoon to gently stir the ingredients together. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as you want to maintain the layered appearance with the cream on top. Serve and enjoy!
I hope you love this recipe, and have fun enjoying it the next time you’re watching the cult classic or for your next happy hour.
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