White Russian
Indulge in the creamy, decadent delight of a classic White Russian cocktail. This iconic drink, famously enjoyed by 'The Dude' in The Big Lebowski, is remarkably simple to make yet impressively satisfying. Combining smooth vodka, rich coffee liqueur, and luscious heavy cream, the White Russian offers a perfect balance of sweetness and boozy warmth. Served over ice in a lowball glass, it's an ideal after-dinner treat, a comforting sipper for cooler evenings, or a crowd-pleasing addition to any party. Learn the easy steps to create this timeless classic at home and impress your guests, or simply treat yourself.
Ingredients
- 5 cl vodka
- 2 cl coffee liqueur
- 3 cl whipped cream
- ice cubes
Accessories
- 1 lowball glass
Instructions
Fill a lowball glass with ice cubes.
Pour the vodka over the ice.
Add the coffee liqueur.
Gently float the heavy cream on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon held just above the liquid's surface. This creates the signature layered look.
Serve immediately. Stirring before drinking is optional, based on personal preference.
Trivia
- What is a White Russian cocktail?
A White Russian is a classic cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream (or sometimes milk), served over ice in an Old Fashioned or lowball glass. It's celebrated for its creamy texture and sweet, coffee-infused flavour, and it gained significant pop culture recognition from the film 'The Big Lebowski'.
- How do you make the perfect White Russian?
To achieve the perfect White Russian, start with quality vodka and coffee liqueur. Fill a lowball glass completely with ice cubes. Add 5 cl of vodka, followed by 2 cl of coffee liqueur. Finally, gently float 3 cl of heavy cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. This technique ensures distinct layers. Serve unstirred for presentation.
- What's the difference between a White Russian and a Black Russian?
The primary difference lies in the addition of cream. A Black Russian consists solely of vodka and coffee liqueur served over ice, offering a more potent, less sweet profile. A White Russian incorporates a layer of heavy cream or milk, which adds its characteristic creamy texture, visual appeal, and softens the overall flavour.
- Can I use milk instead of cream in a White Russian?
Absolutely, milk (preferably whole milk for better texture) can be substituted for heavy cream to create a lighter version of the cocktail, sometimes referred to as a 'Skinny White Russian' or 'Anna Kournikova'. However, using heavy cream provides the traditional richness, decadent mouthfeel, and superior layering effect.
- What type of glass is best for a White Russian?
The White Russian is traditionally and best served in a lowball glass, also known as an Old Fashioned glass or rocks glass. This short, sturdy tumbler is the ideal size for holding the ice and ingredients while effectively showcasing the drink's distinct layers before it's stirred.
- Is a White Russian considered a strong cocktail?
Yes, despite its creamy and sweet taste that can mask the alcohol, a White Russian is moderately strong. It typically contains about 7 cl (around 2.4 ounces) of spirits (vodka and coffee liqueur). Its alcohol content is comparable to other classic cocktails like the Negroni or Old Fashioned. Enjoy responsibly.