White Russian
A Black Russian topped with cream. Made famous by The Big Lebowski.
Built in glass · Rocks glass · Easy · about 2 minutes · about 22% ABV
Ingredients
- 50 ml Vodka
- 25 ml Coffee liqueur
- 30 ml Thickened cream
Method
- Ice the glass
- Pour 50 ml vodka into the glass
- Pour 25 ml coffee liqueur into the glass
- Top with 30 ml thickened cream
- Serve
Tip
Float the cream over the back of a spoon, then stir as you drink.
About the White Russian
The Black Russian was created in 1949 by Gustave Tops at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, in honour of the US ambassador to Luxembourg. Cream was added in the 1960s to make the White Russian. The 1998 film The Big Lebowski made it famous again.
The coffee family. Coffee and spirits have long been paired across Europe, from the Spanish carajillo to the Italian caffè corretto. Irish Coffee was created at Foynes in Ireland in the early 1940s, and the Espresso Martini in London in the 1980s. These drinks belong to the after-dinner tradition.
White Russian FAQ
What's in a White Russian?
50 ml vodka, 25 ml coffee liqueur, 30 ml thickened cream.
How strong is a White Russian?
About 22% ABV once mixed with ice, which is 2.0 Australian standard drinks per serve. That is stronger than a glass of wine.
Should I shake or stir a White Russian?
Neither. Build it straight in the glass over ice, then give it one gentle stir.
What glass do you serve a White Russian in?
A rocks glass, about 300 ml. Serve it over ice. No rocks glass? Use any short, heavy tumbler.
