Irish Cream White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Irish Cream White Russian Nutrition Facts

Calories:350

Fat:15g

Protein:2g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Irish Cream White Russian is a delicious twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, which was created in the 1960s. This version adds the rich and creamy flavor of Irish cream to the mix, making it a favorite among those who enjoy indulgent, dessert-like cocktails. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream creates a smooth and satisfying drink that's perfect for sipping after dinner or during a cozy night in.

How Irish Cream White Russian Tastes?

The Irish Cream White Russian has a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet taste with notes of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla. The vodka adds a subtle kick, while the Irish cream and coffee liqueur create a velvety, indulgent texture.

Interesting facts about Irish Cream White Russian

  • The White Russian is named after the Russian spirit, vodka, which is a key ingredient in the cocktail.
  • The Irish Cream White Russian is sometimes called a 'Blind Russian' due to the addition of Irish cream.
  • The Big Lebowski, a 1998 film, helped popularize the White Russian cocktail, as it was the favorite drink of the main character, The Dude.

Ingredients

A few good options for Irish Cream White Russian are:

  • Absolut
  • Belvedere
  • Ciroc

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

Vodka is the canvas of our boozy artwork – it adds the kick without interfering with the flavor profile of the coffee liqueur and Irish cream. Opt for 1.5 oz, as we don't want the vodka to outshine the other elements. Skip it, and you'll miss the spirit of the White Russian. Alternative: try a flavored vodka (like vanilla) for an extra twist.

Emma Rose

Coffee Liqueur

The dark, sweet coffee liqueur, at 0.75 oz, is the essence of this cocktail, imparting deep, roasted notes. Less would make a less flavorful Russian; more could turn it into a caffeinated syrup. Swap it for espresso for a stronger coffee punch, though you'll lose some sweetness.

Alex Green

Irish Cream

1 oz of Irish Cream adds silky smoothness to the drink, with a hint of Irish charm. Too little, and you've got a dull Russian; too much and you're in dairy overload. If you run out, a mix of cream and whiskey can somewhat emulate the flavor profile.

Mary Mitkina

Heavy Cream

The 1 oz of heavy cream adds a luxurious layer that gives the White Russian its iconic look and creamy mouthfeel. Leave it out, and you'll miss the richness that balances the strong flavors. Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.

Emma Rose

Ice Cubes

Ice keeps the cocktail chilled and diluted just right. Without ice, you might as well be drinking a shot of vodka with cream. No good substitutes here – unless you prefer your cocktails warm (weird, but you do you).

Alex Green

Grated Chocolate (Optional)

A sprinkle of grated chocolate garnish adds a playful touch and a nod to the sweetness within. Skip it, and you'll still have a fantastic drink, but with a little less pizzazz. Substitute with cocoa powder for a hint of chocolate without the texture.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Irish Cream White Russian Drink

  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour 1.5 oz of vodka, 0.75 oz of coffee liqueur, and 1 oz of Irish cream over the ice.
  3. Gently pour 1 oz of heavy cream over the top, allowing it to float on the surface of the drink.
  4. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of grated chocolate.
  5. Stir gently before sipping to combine the flavors.

Pro Tips

  • To create a more visually appealing cocktail, pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon to help it float on top of the drink.
  • For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
  • To make the drink colder and thicker, you can shake the vodka, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream with ice before straining it into the glass.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Cheesecake: The richness of cheesecake would be complemented wonderfully by the creamy and coffee notes of the cocktail.
  • Chocolate Truffles: Much like the optional grated chocolate garnish, chocolate truffles can enhance the sweet and rich profile of the cocktail.
  • Salted Caramel Desserts: The salty-sweet dynamic would play off the smoothness of the Irish Cream White Russian in a delightful way.

Drink Pairings

  • Coffee: A nice cup of joe could accompany the cocktail for those who enjoy a boost of caffeine alongside their alcohol.
  • Sparkling Water: For those looking for a palate cleanser between sips, sparkling water is perfect without overwhelming the cocktail's flavors.

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What you could change in Irish Cream White Russian

  • Vodka: You can use any unflavored vodka, but a high-quality one will yield a smoother cocktail.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa is a popular choice, but you can also use Tia Maria or any other coffee-flavored liqueur.
  • Irish Cream: Baileys is the most well-known brand, but you can also use other brands like Kerrygold or Carolans.

Explore all drinks starting with I here

And of course - twists🍹

Mocha Mint White Russian

  • Substitute coffee liqueur with mint chocolate liqueur and sprinkle with crushed candy cane. This cool twist brings a festive minty freshness to the creaminess.

Caramel Irish Cream White Russian

  • Use caramel vodka instead of regular vodka. Drizzle caramel sauce along the interior of the glass before pouring the drink. A sweet and sticky transformation that'll remind you of a caramel latte!

Spiced Irish Cream White Russian

  • Add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg on top for a spiced-up version perfect for fall. Maybe even a cinnamon stick for stirring! It’s like a warm Irish hug on a crisp autumn evening.

In case you forgot basics how to make Irish Cream White Russian

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Irish Cream White Russian

What is the origin of the name 'White Russian'?

The 'White Russian' is a twist on the Black Russian cocktail, which was first created in Brussels, Belgium. The 'White Russian' gets its name from the addition of cream to the 'Black Russian', and it has no direct connection to Russia, except for the use of vodka, which is a Russian spirit.

Is there a version of the Irish Cream White Russian that doesn't contain alcohol?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Irish Cream White Russian. You can replace the vodka with sparkling water or a clear soft drink, the coffee liqueur with brewed coffee or non-alcoholic coffee syrup, and there's a non-alcoholic variant of Irish cream you can use instead.

Can I use a different type of alcohol to vodka in this cocktail?

While vodka is the standard spirit used in an Irish Cream White Russian, you could also try using a dark or white rum. Keep in mind this will alter the flavor of your cocktail.

Can I make a vegan version of the Irish Cream White Russian?

Yes, to make a vegan Irish Cream White Russian replace the regular Irish cream with a vegan Irish cream and use a non-dairy milk in place of the heavy cream.

Can I add additional garnishes to my Irish Cream White Russian?

Absolutely, while grated chocolate is a common garnish, feel free to get creative! Consider using mint leaves, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

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