White Russian

The White Russian cocktail is among a few classic drinks that every home bartender needs in their tool belt. This three-ingredient cocktail couldn’t be easier to make—if you have Kahlúa, vodka, and heavy cream, you’re well on your way to making this after-dinner drink. Whether you’re an espresso martini lover looking for their next go-to drink or feel like embodying the Dude for a night (The Big Lebowski fans—you get it), this is the rich and creamy cocktail that will make your evening. Here’s how to perfect it:

History of the White Russian:
The history of this drink starts with another classic cocktail: its predecessor, the Black Russian. This 2-ingredient cocktail was created in Brussels in the 1940s; eventually, heavy cream was added, and the White Russian was born. The drink’s popularity skyrocketed in the '90s when it was featured in the Coen brothers film, The Big Lebowski, as the titular Dude's drink of choice. Whether you can quote the movie by heart or have never seen it, we can guarantee you’ll love this drink based on taste alone.

The best vodka for a White Russian:
No need to splurge here. This cocktail is all about simplicity—use a decent vodka you enjoy drinking, but no need to spring for the fancy bottle. The Kahlúa is the prominent flavor profile here; the vodka should be more of a minor player. Use your favorite brand, or check out our list of best vodka brands.

The heavy cream:
Heavy cream is an important part to this decadent cocktail, but if you’re in the mood for something lighter, you can swap it out for half-and-half, whole milk, or a plant-based milk. Keep in mind that your drink will be less rich and creamy than the classic.

Variations:
Once you’ve mastered this simple cocktail, you can get creative with your flavors and additions. Take inspiration from our pumpkin spice White Russians, tiramisu White Russians, and peppermint White Russians. 

If you’ve tried this recipe, make sure to let us know how it came out in the comments below!