Shake very hard and fine strain into a chilled coupe
Espresso Martini
Rich coffee, clean vodka, and a dense crema-like foam.
Build over ice, float the cream, then fold it through gently
White Russian
A built after-dinner classic that floats cream over a cold coffee-and-vodka base, then folds it in slowly.
Edited by CocktailSteps Editorial Team
- Time
- 3 minutes
- Level
- Easy
- Glass
- Rocks glass
- Approx. ABV
- 16% · Medium
- Tradition
- American
- Profile
- Sweet · Bitter
Ingredient totals
Ingredients
Amounts below make one drink. The method, Quick Check, and guided Make use these one-glass amounts.
1 ozCoffee liqueurRecommended brandKahlúa Original Coffee Liqueur
1 ozVodkaRecommended brandAbsolut Original Vodka
1 ozHeavy creamRecommended brandOrganic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream
Measured method · one drink
How to make White Russian
These steps make one glass. For more drinks, use the ingredient totals above to set up, then repeat this method for each serving.
- 01
Add the coffee liqueur
Cubed ice · 1 oz coffee liqueur
Pour 1 oz coffee liqueur into a rocks glass prepared with cubed ice.
Add the coffee liqueur visual check - 02
Add the vodka
1 oz vodka
Pour 1 oz vodka over the coffee liqueur and let the base combine around the ice.
Add the vodka visual check - 03
Float the cream
1 oz heavy cream
Pour 1 oz heavy cream slowly over the back of a bar spoon to form a clean pale layer.
Float the cream visual check - 04
Fold the cream gently
Stir gently · 4 sec
Stir gently for 4 seconds to marble the cream through the cold coffee-and-vodka base.
Fold the cream gently visual check
Stir gently for 4 seconds to marble the cream through the cold coffee-and-vodka base.
AI-assisted illustration of one step. Follow the measured method above; sound is optional.Key move
Float the cream first, then use only two slow rotations for a marbled texture
Technique note
Why this build works
Equal ounces of coffee liqueur, vodka, and cream make this a rich version of the White Russian. The liqueur supplies sweetness as well as coffee aroma, while vodka adds strength without another prominent flavor. Cream is poured slowly to make a pale layer, then gently marbled through the base. How far you stir changes the sequence of flavors: a fully mixed glass tastes more uniform than one with a thick cream layer.
Common failure points
- The cream plunges straight into the dark base.
- Pour cold cream slowly over the back of a spoon close to the liquid surface. A clean layer is a presentation choice; the recipe's final gentle stir intentionally creates marbling.
- The drink becomes thin before the cream is integrated.
- Use cold cream and solid fresh cubes, and drain any meltwater before building. Small wet ice introduces water before the short mixing stage begins.
Measure or substitute
Half-and-half can replace heavy cream at 1 ounce for a lighter texture; milk and plant-based alternatives may layer differently. Coffee liqueurs vary in sugar, so changing the brand is a flavor adjustment. Plain coffee cannot replace the liqueur ounce for ounce.
Recipe references
These references describe the drink or its ingredients. Our measured build and teaching notes are CocktailSteps adaptations; proportions and methods may differ from the reference.
Set the station
Tools
JiggerRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Japanese Style Jigger
Bar spoonRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Teardrop Barspoon
Rocks glassRecommended brandRIEDEL Drink Specific Rocks Glass
Choose your bottle
Bottle buying guide
Best fit is our default. Spend less with Smart buy, or choose Upgrade when you want more character.
Coffee liqueur
Vodka
Know the pour
Medium
Equal parts vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream soften as the serving ice dilutes.
Contains alcohol. Serve only to adults of legal drinking age and enjoy responsibly.
