White Russian Drink Recipe + Video
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This easy White Russian Drink Recipe makes a creamy, smooth, and absolutely irresistible cocktail. With just three ingredients, it delivers the rich coffee-and-cream flavor everyone loves, all poured over ice and ready in minutes. A Kahlua White Russian can even be customized with seasonal flavors or blended into a boozy milkshake. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, date nights, or cozy weekends at home.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS KAHLUA AND VODKA COCKTAIL
- A creamy, delicious three-ingredient cocktail made in minutes.
- Vodka, coffee liqueur, and vanilla creamer create the perfect balance.
- Works beautifully with heavy cream or fun seasonal creamers.
- Smooth, sweet, cozy, and Chad-approved.
- Ideal for holidays, date nights, or anytime you want a dessert-in-a-glass vibe.
White Russian Drink Recipe
This cocktail always reminds me of Chad’s entire White Russian era. He made these constantly and loved changing the creamer flavor with the seasons.
Honestly, he’s the cocktail genius in our house. Every drink on our site comes straight from Chad’s Bar. I just get to enjoy the delicious results!
And me? I love a Kahlua White Russian because it’s the easiest cocktail on the planet. Three ingredients. One glass. Pure bliss.
It tastes like dessert and nightcap had a baby, and I am absolutely here for it!!
WHITE RUSSIAN DRINK RECIPE VIDEO
Want to see how easy this comes together? Watch our quick recipe video 👇
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Vodka: Use your favorite brand. Mid-range is perfect. No need for top shelf.
- Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa is the classic choice, but any coffee liqueur works.
- French Vanilla Creamer: Sweet, creamy, and nostalgic. Heavy cream is the best swap for a traditional flavor. We prefer International Delight.
- Seasonal Creamers: Chad-approved flavors include pumpkin spice, sugar cookie, peppermint mocha, and sweet cream.
- Ice: Use large cubes, if possible, so the drink chills without diluting quickly.
VARIATIONS
- Bailey’s White Russian: The booziest version of this drink! Add Bailey’s Irish Cream to Kahlua and vodka in place of the coffee creamer.
- Cinnamon Roll Twist: Sprinkle cinnamon on top or use cinnamon creamer.
- Pumpkin Spice White Russian: Swap vanilla creamer for pumpkin spice.
- Mocha Version: Add a splash of chocolate syrup with the other White Russian drink ingredients.
- Sugar Cookie White Russian: Use holiday sugar cookie creamer.
- Frozen Version: Blend all ingredients with ice for a boozy milkshake.
- Rumchata White Russian: Try out this variation for a spicy cinnamon taste! Rumchata takes the place of Kahlua and makes the drink much sweeter.
- Salted Caramel Sweetness: Add ¼ ounce of caramel syrup or use caramel creamer.
- Lighter Version: For a thinner, less sweet cocktail, swap out the coffee creamer with plain milk. Great for those seeking a low-sugar recipe for a White Russian.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Add a Fun Rim: Dip the top of the glass in a little bit of creamer, then coat in crushed candy canes or cocoa krispie cereal.
- Salty-Sweet Snacking: Munch on chocolate-covered pretzels or spiced pecans as you sip.
- Dessert Options: This cocktail pairs well with chocolate desserts like brownies, mousse, or my triple layer cake.
- Garnish Station: Let guests add a cinnamon stick, peppermint candies, a pirouette cookie, or chocolate-covered coffee beans.
KAHLUA WHITE RUSSIAN FAQ
Nope! Add White Russian drink ingredients to a rocks glass with ice and stir everything with a spoon if you want it fully combined.
Avoid using low-fat, skim milk, or most non-dairy milks. High-fat creamers keep the mixture emulsified when combined with acidic liquors.
Yes! Any classic recipe for a White Russian includes a coffee liqueur that gives sweet, slightly bitter notes of mocha. That’s why we love using coffee creamers instead of plain heavy cream. It’s like a boozy cold brew coffee!
While both are delicious vodka cocktails made with Kahlua, a Mudslide also includes some Bailey’s Irish Cream and is typically served as a frozen cocktail.
White Russians are all about balance: the strong warmth of vodka, the deep coffee sweetness of Kahlúa, and the silky cream that ties everything together.
After experimenting with dozens of ratios over the years (especially when Chad was on his seasonal-creamer kick), he discovered the perfect combination: 2 ounces vodka + 1 ¼ ounces coffee liqueur + 1 ¼ ounces creamer.
This is hands-down the best White Russian drink recipe… smooth, bold, and creamy without being heavy.
CHAD’S PRO TIPS
- Pour the cream slowly for beautiful swirls.
- Stir gently if you prefer a fully combined drink.
- For extra chill, freeze your glass ahead of time.
- Use large ice cubes so the drink stays cold and undiluted.
- Add whipped cream on top for a dessert-style cocktail.
TOOLS NEEDED
- Rocks Glass: For mixing and serving. No shaker needed.
- Spoon for Stirring: A slender bar spoon won’t get trapped in the ice cubes.
- Jigger or Small Measuring Cup: Accuracy means better balance and flavor.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) THE QUICK VERSION
- A creamy, delicious three-ingredient cocktail made in minutes.
- Vodka, coffee liqueur, and vanilla creamer create the perfect balance.
- Works beautifully with heavy cream or fun seasonal creamers.
- Smooth, sweet, cozy, and Chad-approved.
- Ideal for holidays, date nights, or anytime you want a dessert-in-a-glass vibe.
Best White Russian Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 1/4 ounces coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa
- 1 1/4 ounces French vanilla coffee creamer, or heavy cream
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Fill the Glass: Fill a lowball or rocks glass with ice cubes. A full glass gives the drink the perfect chill and helps it stay creamy without getting watered down too quickly.
- Add the Spirits: Pour 2 ounces vodka and 1 1/4 ounces coffee liqueur over the ice. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
- Finish with Cream: Slowly pour 1 1/4 ounces French vanilla coffee creamer (or heavy cream) over the top. It will swirl beautifully into the liqueur mixture.
- Serve: Give it one more gentle stir if you like a fully blended drink, or leave the layers for a dramatic presentation. Enjoy immediately.
Video
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published November 2012, updated and republished December 2025
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
I’m not usually one for coffee/creamy cocktails, but after my mom made these for us during christmas I had to have the recipe. They were amazing!