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    Home » Liqueurs » Kahlúa White Russian

    Published: Oct 17, 2022 · Modified: Feb 6, 2023 by Lisa · This post may contain affiliate links, which means we make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.

    Kahlúa White Russian

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Kahlua, Vodka and Cream in a low ball glass.
    Stirred Kahlua White Russian in lowball glass.
    Cream being poured into lowball glass filled with Kahlua.

    This decadent Kahlúa White Russian cocktail requires 3 ingredients and 5 minutes. Why decide between dessert and an after-dinner drink when you can have them both in one glass?

    Low ball cocktail glass filled with ice and kahlua with cream being poured in. this recipe

    A Kahlúa White Russian cocktail is my go-to after-dinner drink. How can you go wrong with dark, rich Kahlúa balanced with smooth vodka and finished with a splash of cream? Short answer: You can't.

    It's pretty much the perfect drink.

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love this cocktail
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Expert Tips for the best Kahlúa White Russian
    • More After Dinner Drinks
    • Recipe

    Why you will love this cocktail

    ✔️ It's fool-proof. What can be more straightforward than 3 ingredients over ice with a quick stir?

    ✔️ It's easy to customize. Use vanilla vodka or salted caramel Kahlúa to change the flavor profile.

    ✔️ Short ingredient list. Kahlúa and vodka are staple components of any well-stocked home bar. Pick up some fresh heavy cream at the store and you are set.

    Ingredients

    You only need 3 ingredients for this tasty drink.

    Bottles of Kahlua, vodka and heavy cream.

    Ingredient notes:

    Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is worth the extra calories given the richness it adds to the drink. You can use milk, but it will taste a little decadent and the consistency will be thinner.

    Vodka: Use a good quality vodka in a drink that has such a small ingredient list. It definitely makes a difference in the smoothness of the cocktail.

    Instructions

    Just measure, pour and stir and your Kahlúa White Russian is ready.

    Steps 1-4 of making a Kahlua White Russian. Measuring liquids and stirring.

    Fill a lowball glass with ice and add Kahlúa, vodka, and heavy cream. Stir and serve immediately.

    FAQs

    What is Kahlúa?

    Kahlúa is a liqueur that has been around since the 1930s. It originated in Mexico and is made with rum, vanilla bean, coffee, and sugar. It's naturally gluten- and dairy-free. Now that you have a bottle on hand, try shaking up a Kahlúa Espresso Martini.

    Can I make a non-dairy Kahlúa White Russian?

    Absolutely. It may not be as rich, but it will still be delicious. Simply swap out the whipping cream and use your favorite non-dairy beverage. Oat milk or almond milk would be tasty options.

    What are variations are possible?

    The easiest way to change the flavors in this Kahlúa White Russian is to swap vanilla vodka for regular vodka or use a different Kahlúa flavor. Salted Caramel and Blonde Roast Kahlúa are just a few of the options. Get creative!

    Lowball glass filled with ice, Kahlua and vodka with a layer of cream on top.

    Expert Tips for the best Kahlúa White Russian

    ▶︎ Use lots of ice. Cold drinks are the best drinks.

    ▶︎ Measure your ingredients. The right ratio of Kahlúa, vodka, and cream is critical for a balanced Kahlúa White Russian.

    ▶︎ Use heavy whipping cream. Yes, it adds a few calories but the richness it adds to the drink is worth it.

    ▶︎ Use good vodka. The vodka you use makes a difference. When you have a drink with only 3 ingredients the quality of each ingredient is important. Our go-to brands are Stolichnaya, Tito's, or Loonman (a local favorite!).

    ▶︎ Upgrade your glassware. A good drink calls for a good glass. We love a heavy glass with a thin rim around the top. Perfect for sipping any cocktail.

    Stirred Kahlua White Russian in lowball glass with ice.

    More After Dinner Drinks

    Sometimes a cocktail after dinner is better than dessert! Here are some more of our after dinner favorite sips.

    • Bourbon Aperol Cocktails
    • single low ball glass filled with drink and cherry for garnish.
      Perfect Manhattan Cocktail
    • square image of kahlua chocolate martini
      Kahlúa Chocolate Martini
    • martini being poured into chocolate swirled glass.
      Godiva Chocolate Martini
    
    
    Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 
    
    Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us and your fellow readers! 
    
    
    

    Recipe

    Kahlua White Russian in lowball glass with ice.

    Kahlua White Russian

    Garnish With Lemon
    You can never go wrong with a classic sipper like this Kahlua White Russian recipe.
    4.80 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Liqueurs
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 drink
    Calories 413 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Low Ball Glasses
    • Mini Measuring Beaker Set
    • Bar Spoon

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 ounces Kahlúa
    • 2 ounces Vodka
    • 1 ounce Heavy cream

    Instructions
     

    • Fill a low ball glass with ice.
    • Pour Kahlúa and vodka into glass and top with a splash of heavy cream.
      3 ounces Kahlúa, 2 ounces Vodka, 1 ounce Heavy cream
    • Stir and serve immediately.

    Notes

    ▶︎ Use lots of ice. Cold drinks are the best drinks.
    ▶︎ Use heavy whipping cream. Yes, it adds a few calories but the richness it adds to the drink is worth it.
    ▶︎ Use good vodka. The vodka you use makes a difference. When you have a drink with only 3 ingredients the quality of each ingredient is important. Our go-to brands are Stolichnaya, Titos, or Loonman (a local favorite!).

    VIDEO

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6ouncesCalories: 413kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 1gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 14mgSugar: 23g

    Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.

    Did you make this recipe?Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment!

    « Bourbon Aperol Cocktails
    Cranberry Margarita »

    About Lisa

    Hi, I’m Lisa! Looking for the party? It’s probably at my house. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing good food with friends and family. That and a seriously good cocktail.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lauren Kelly Nutrition says

      November 20, 2014 at 8:35 am

      Perfect winter cocktail! I wish I could drink some with you ladies!

      Reply
    2. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says

      November 20, 2014 at 7:57 am

      Loving this classic drink! Pass it over here!

      Reply
    3. Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says

      November 20, 2014 at 7:14 am

      White Russians are my husband and I's favorite winter drink! Its a dessert and cocktail all in one. Can't beat that! 🙂

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        November 20, 2014 at 7:36 am

        Couldn't agree more, Meg! Cheers!

        Reply

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