Perfect White Russian (2024)

How to make a White Russian co*cktail with Kahlua, vodka and cream.

How to Make the Best White Russian

Not only is a traditional White Russian simple to make, it is very easy to adapt. The basic recipe calls for coffee liqueur, vodka and cream. Below, we’ve shared lots of examples of how you can adapt the co*cktail to your taste. We’ve even included a (delicious) vegan option.

To make the basic recipe, fill a small glass with ice. Add vodka and the coffee liqueur (we use Kahlua) then slowly pour cream on top. To get the cream to perfectly sit on top of the vodka and Kahlua, drizzle it slowly over the back of a spoon. Then when you are ready to drink, swirl the cream into the drink.

Substitutions and Adaptations

• White Russian with half and half or milk: If the cream is too heavy for you, try half and half, which is a combination of whole milk and cream. Or just use whole milk. Whole milk won’t sit perfectly on top of the Kahlua, but the drink will still be tasty.
• How to make a vegan White Russian: Swap out the cream for coconut milk. Or try a nut milk like almond or cashew.
• Kahlua substitutes: Try swapping out the coffee liqueur with crème de cacao or amaretto.
• Vodka Substitutes: The vodka can be swapped for gin, bourbon or dark rum.
• Make a White Russian with Bailey’s Irish Cream: Swap the cream for Irish cream.

Perfect White Russian

Use the recipe below as a guide. You can (and should) tweak the recipe to your tastes. If you like it boozy, increase the vodka or add more cream for a richer co*cktail. There are lots of substitutions you can make with this co*cktail. Check the notes below for a few suggestions.

Makes 1 drink

Nutrition Per Serving Serving Size 1 drink / Calories 317 / Protein 1 g / Carbohydrate 14 g / Dietary Fiber 0 g / Total Sugars 14 g / Total Fat 11 g / Saturated Fat 7 g / Cholesterol 41 mg / Sodium 12 mg

AUTHOR: Adam and Joanne Gallagher

• MonicaNovember 15, 2017, 9:15 am

  Love these! My husband and I were curious after watching the Big Lebowski recently, this co*cktail is now in our repertoire.

  Reply
  • AdamOctober 18, 2023, 1:49 pm

    So glad you enjoyed your co*cktail 🙂

    Reply
• JulieDOctober 31, 2011, 1:17 pm

  Looks and sounds delicious! Thanks for linking up to my mojitos! 🙂

  Reply
• AliOctober 30, 2011, 12:53 pm

  looks refreshing and soothing, love the photo.

  Reply
• JavelinWarriorOctober 29, 2011, 5:30 pm

  I seem to rarely drink anything with vodka because I have trouble getting past the alcohol’s wallop. But Baileys (and nutmeg) might just do the trick

  Reply
  • inspiredtasteOctober 30, 2011, 9:37 am

    Bailey’s will definitely help — plus, if you really don’t want the vodka, you could just skip it in the recipe – the drink will still be delicious.

    -Joanne

    Reply