How to Make a White Russian

Guide Note

The White Russian is a classic cocktail and the libation of choice for Jeff Bridges' "The Dude" in 1998's The Big Lebowski.

Sometimes called a "Caucasian," the drink is a simple combination of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream. This guide to How to Make a White Russian will have you sipping in splendor in no time.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What You'll Need
• Making A White Russian
• Variations
• References

White Russian Tips

1. Kahlua is the traditional choice for the coffee liqueur.
2. Make sure the cream is fresh.
3. Milk can be substituted for cream.
4. Don't go overboard with an expensive vodka, as the sweet liqueur will hide the taste.
5. Adjust proportions to your preference.

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• by Susan MacDowell

Introduction

• Although a White Russian has only three simple ingredients, there are dozens of variations on the drink.¹ The International Bartenders Association recommends a ratio of 5 parts vodka, 2 parts coffee liqueur and 3 parts cream, but the exact proportions will always come down to personal taste.²

What You'll Need

(CC photo by Jacob Munk-Stander)

Making a White Russian

(CC photo by Jill Robidoux)

1. Fill a 8 oz. rocks glass with ice.
2. Add vodka.
3. Add coffee liqueur.
4. Stir.
5. Add cream.
6. Stir slowly to combine.

• Some people don't stir, preferring to have a layer of cream "floating" above the vodka-coffee liqueur combination.⁴

Variations

1. Skinny White Russian: Substitute skim or soy milk for the cream.⁵
2. Russian Quaalude: Use both Irish Cream and Amaretto.⁶
3. Eggnog Russian: For the holiday season, substitute Eggnog for the cream.⁷
4. White Russian Milkshake: Add ice cream and Creme de Cacao.⁸
5. White Chocolate White Russian: Substitute Godiva white chocolate liqueur for the Kahlua.⁹
6. Hot White Russian: Add the traditional White Russian ingredients to brewed coffee.¹⁰

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References for How To Make a White Russian

1. ↑ Wikipedia: White Russian
2. ↑ International Bartender Association: Official Cocktails: White Russian
3. ↑ AllRecipes: White Russian Recipe
4. ↑ wikiHow: How to Make a White Russian
5. ↑ Kahlua Drink Recipes: Skinny White Russian
6. ↑ AllRecipes: Russian Quaalude Recipe
7. ↑ AllRecipes: Eggnog Russian Recipe
8. ↑ Food Network: Kicked Up White Russian Milkshake
9. ↑ RecipeZaar: Godiva White Russian
10. ↑ Epicurious.com: Hot White Russian

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