10 White Russian Variations to Try at Home
May 22, 2024 by Anna-Bet Stemmet
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Move over, dude. The creamy cocktail from The Big Lebowski is a worldwide favorite, but beyond the beloved original, a whole bunch of White Russian variations are waiting to be explored! We’re talking super exciting twists on the classic vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream recipe that add daring flavors and unique dimensions to this delightful drink.
Here are 10 of our favorite White Russian drink variations that you can easily mix up at home for just about any occasion:
1. Mudslide
Let’s settle the White Russian vs. Mudslide debate once and for all—one is not better than the other, they are both divine. Simply put, the Mudslide leans heavily into the creamy side of things and brings some chocolate to the mix. It’s basically an adult version of a coffee milkshake with layers of delicious flavors.
Make it with: SKYY Vodka
2. Vegan White Russian
If you love a creamy cocktail but can’t stomach dairy, there’s a super simple way to turn your White Russian into a vegan delight. All you need to do is swap out the heavy cream in the recipe for a creamy oat milk so all your guests can enjoy this indulgent yet delicious after-dinner drink.
Read next: Your Guide to Making Creamy Vegan Cocktails
3. Tiramisu White Russian
The White Russian and Tiramisu are both classics that share a rich coffee flavor, so a meeting of these two titans was inevitable. The Tiramisu White Russian is the best of both worlds, with rich flavors and a luxurious texture. It’s an Italian-inspired drinkable dessert and a must-try for Tiramisu fans.
Make it with: Appleton Estate Rum
4. Peppermint White Russian Mocktail
The Peppermint White Russian Mocktail is a must-have festive beverage that will elevate any celebration without missing a beat. Picture yourself cozied up by the fireside, blissfully sipping away as you immerse yourself in the fuzzy scenes of a Christmas movie. It’s the perfect blend of holiday magic and mocktail bliss, paving the way for an unforgettable experience at all your festive gatherings.
5. Black Russian
The dapper Black Russian actually predates the White Russian and brings the recipe down to its (non-creamy) essentials. So, if you love the idea of a coffee liqueur and vodka combo but would rather forgo the creaminess, this is the java-laced sipper for you. It comes together in two ticks and makes a great after-dinner option if you’re serving a crowd.
For the coffee lovers: 7 Best Coffee Tequila Cocktails to Try in 2024
6. Chocolate White Russian
Why yes, of course, there is a White Russian devised especially for the chocolate lovers out there! To make a Chocolate White Russian, fill a rocks glass with ice, and drizzle half an ounce of chocolate syrup over the ice. Add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 2 oz heavy cream, and give it a stir. Garnish with chocolate shavings and serve.
Like it creamy? Also see: Grasshopper Cocktail | Brandy Alexander Cocktail
7. Rum White Russian
What is a White Russian with rum called? You guessed it—a Rum White Russian, of course! This tweak to the recipe adds an extra layer of caramel-tinged warmth that is an absolute delight from start to finish. You simply swap out the vodka in the original White Russian recipe for 2 oz golden or dark rum, and Bob’s your uncle.
8. Bourbon Milk Punch
If you’re looking for drinks similar to the White Russian with some beautiful bourbon in the mix, you’ve got to try Bourbon Milk Punch. To make one, add 2 oz bourbon, 3 oz whole milk, 1 oz simple syrup, and two dashes of vanilla extract to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain it into a rocks glass, garnish with freshly grated nutmeg, and serve.
Make it with: Wild Turkey Bourbon
You might also like: The 10 Most Popular Cocktails in the World (2024)
9. Hazelnut White Russian
Nuts for coffee? Then you’ll love a Hazelnut Espresso Martini. This spin-off of the classic Espresso Martini is an absolute showstopper of a drink, easy to shake up, and the perfect nutty treat for special occasions. To give this nutty martini a White Russian twist, add a splash of heavy cream and serve it over ice.
Make it with: Frangelico
10. Salted Caramel White Russian
If you want to see how far indulgence can truly go, the Salted Caramel White Russian is a good place to start. To make one, pour 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 2 oz cream into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until frosty. Add fresh ice to your prepared glass, strain the mixture over the top, drizzle with a little caramel sauce, and sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top. Gorgeous!
As we’ve seen, the White Russian is a blank canvas for creativity! From nutty twists to booze-free kicks, there’s a variation out there to satisfy every craving. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different liquors, coffee flavors, and cream alternatives. Play around and invent your own signature White Russian variation! After all, the best part of this journey is the fun of discovery. See the SKYY Vodka, Wild Turkey Bourbon, and Appleton Estate Rum websites for more inspiration.
