White Russian

White Russians are the ultimate nightcap, and this recipe is the BEST! Made with just 3 ingredients, it has the perfect balance of flavor and sweetness and is our favorite after dinner drink.

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to dessert I’d almost always prefer it in the form of a drink. Whether it’s coffee or tea or something a little more boozy… there’s something about ending the night with a drink that just feels right.

And this classic White Russian is one of my absolute FAVORITES!

I love that it’s creamy, and coffee flavored, and vodka based… and I love that it actually tastes like dessert. I tested several different combos using different ingredients, different amounts, and a couple add-ins, and THIS recipe was the clear winner.

Not only is it deliciously balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, but it’s SO incredibly easy to make. And let’s be honest. If we’re making a nightcap at all, it better be easy!

☕️ Ingredients

• 2 ounces coffee liqueur
• 2 ounces half & half
• 2 ounces vodka

📋 Instructions

• Fill an old fashioned glass 2/3 full with ice.
• Add coffee liqueur, then vodka, then half & half.
• Watch the half & half swirl around in the glass 🙂
• Stir until mixed.

🥛 White Russian vs. Black Russian

The only difference between these two cocktails is the addition of half & half or cream. Black Russians are made with a combination of coffee liqueur and vodka, served over ice.

🍦 Recipe variations

• Use Kahlua in place of coffee liqueur. Kahlua is rum + coffee liqueur; it has a stronger coffee flavor and is not as sweet.
• Use heavy cream in place of half & half for a thicker, creamier cocktail.
• Use flavored vodka – such as vanilla, whipped cream, or coffee flavored – for an added kick of flavor.
• Play around with the measurements. For a more coffee forward drink, use more coffee liqueur. For a more vodka forward drink, use more vodka. Everyone’s tastes are different, so find the combination that tastes best to you!

🍶 Making a large batch

To make a large batch, simply keep the 2:2:1 ratio in mind.

• To serve 4, combine 1 c. coffee liqueur, 1 c. half & half, and 1/2 c. vodka
• To serve 8, combine 2 c. coffee liqueur, 2 c. half & half, and 1 c. vodka
• To serve 12, combine 3 c. coffee liqueur, 3 c. half & half, and 1.5 c. vodka

🍰 Dessert pairings

• Cherry Chocolate Eclair Cake
• Frosted Brownies
• Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Baileys Chocolate Sheet Cake
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cakes
• Chocolate Fudge Pudding Cake

🥃 Related recipes

• Irish Mudslide
• Strawberry Shortcake Martini
• Pumpkin Spice Mudslide
• Baileys Mint Martini
• Eggnog Mudslide
• Chocolate Strawberry Martini
• Homemade Irish Cream

White Russian

White Russians are the ultimate nightcap, and this recipe is the BEST! Made with just 3 ingredients, it has the perfect balance of flavor and sweetness and is our favorite after dinner drink. Best of all, it couldn't be easier to make. All you need is an old fashioned glass, some ice, and a few simple ingredients, and you're well on your way to this delicious classic cocktail that's sure to become your new favorite!

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1

Calories: 417kcal

Author: Cathy Trochelman

Ingredients

• 2 ounces coffee liqueur
• 2 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces half & half

Instructions

• Fill an old fashioned glass 2/3 full with ice.
• Add coffee liqueur and vodka; mix.
• Pour half & half over the top.
• Mix & enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 43mg | Sugar: 25g

White Russians are the ultimate nightcap, and this recipe is the BEST! Made with just 3 ingredients, it has the perfect balance of flavor and sweetness and is our favorite after dinner drink.