White Russian
Velvety vodka and coffee liqueur softened with a cap of cream—an indulgent sipper immortalized by *The Big Lebowski*.
20%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
rocks
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The White Russian emerged in the 1960s when bartenders began softening the Black Russian with a float of cream, a move first documented in an Oakland newspaper in 1965. Though it faded for decades, the Coen brothers' 1998 film *The Big Lebowski* revived the drink as the Dude's laid‑back signature. Today craft bars update the formula with house coffee liqueurs or alternative milks, but the core remains a sweet, boozy coffee treat.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Add vodka and coffee liqueur to a rocks glass filled with ice
Stir gently to combine
Float cream on top
Serve with a stirrer
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Layer the cream by pouring over the back of a spoon
Use freshly made coffee liqueur for better depth
Swap in half-and-half for a lighter body if desired
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
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Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the White Russian.
1:1:1 White Russian
Equal parts of all ingredients for extra sweetness and cream.
Changes
IBA Ratio
Follows the official IBA spec of 5:2:3.
Changes
White Cuban
Uses light rum instead of vodka.
Changes
White Mexican
Swaps vodka for tequila for agave bite.
Changes
Dirty Russian
Drizzles in chocolate syrup for a mocha profile.
Changes
Anna Kournikova
A lighter take using skim milk instead of cream.
Changes
Colorado Bulldog
Served in a tall glass and finished with a splash of cola.
Changes
Blind Russian
Adds Irish cream liqueur for extra richness.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Black Russian
A minimalist mix of vodka and coffee liqueur that delivers bold, roasty sweetness—essentially a White Russian without the cream.
Espresso Martini
Dick Bradsell's caffeinated classic shakes vodka, coffee liqueur and hot espresso into a frothy, bittersweet nightcap.
Mudslide
A 1970s Cayman Islands indulgence of vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream and heavy cream—essentially a boozy dessert in a glass.