White Russian
A creamy classic in which vodka and coffee liqueur meet under a gentle layer of cream.
Ingredients
- Vodka50 ml
- Coffee liqueure.g. Kahlúa25 ml
- Ice, cracked ice cubesfill the glass
- Cream, double or whipping cream, poured gently over a spoon25 ml
Method
- Fill a rocks glass to the brim with ice.
- Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice.
- Stir briefly so the two are mixed and chilled.
- Pour the cream slowly over the back of a spoon so it floats on top as a gentle layer.
- Serve straight away, ideally with a straw to drink through the layers.
About this drink
The White Russian became popular in the 1960s as a sweeter take on the Black Russian, and found a whole new life when The Dude sipped it throughout The Big Lebowski. It remains one of the most relaxed dessert cocktails you can mix, precisely because it asks so little technique and gives so much pleasure.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between a White Russian and a Black Russian?
Cream: a White Russian is a Black Russian with a layer of cream poured on top, which gives it a creamy, dessert-like finish.
Should I stir the cream in or leave it on top of a White Russian?
It's a matter of taste: leave it for the classic layered look, or stir it in for an evenly creamy drink from the first sip to the last.
