White Russian recipe

A White Russian is three things: vodka, coffee liqueur and cream – built over ice. It should taste creamy and coffee-forward, not watery or flat.

Recipe (1 drink)

• 5 cl vodka
• 2.5 cl coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlúa)
• 2.5–3 cl whipping cream or coffee/cooking cream
• Ice

Method

1. Fill a lowball/old fashioned glass with ice.
2. Pour vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice.
3. Stir briefly with a bar spoon.
4. Pour the cream gently on top – preferably over the back of the spoon if you want a layer.
5. Stir lightly if you prefer it fully mixed.

Use a jigger so the ratio is consistent every time.

White Russian vs Black Russian

A Black Russian is vodka + coffee liqueur – no cream. Add cream and you have a White Russian.

Vanilla twist

Add 0.5–1 cl Monin Vanilla Syrup with the vodka and liqueur. It lifts sweetness and aroma without turning the drink into dessert if you keep the cream amount.

Tips that save the drink

• Cold ingredients. Warm cream separates more easily visually and tastes flat.
• Firm ice. Small wet cubes dilute too fast.
• Cream with enough fat. Skim milk makes a thinner drink.

FAQ

Should you shake a White Russian?

No. It is normally built in the glass. Some shake vodka+liqueur with ice and strain over fresh ice before adding cream – that is optional.

Can you use milk?

Yes, but the texture is lighter. Cream is classic.

Which glass?

Lowball / old fashioned with room for ice.

Ready to serve?

• Jiggers · Glassware · Monin Vanilla
• BarGear ApS – ships from Køge, Denmark.