Cocktails

White Russian

White Russian is an alcoholic cocktail built on Vodka. It leans coffee and roasted. Built and served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. Expect about 23.8% ABV and roughly 317 kcal (estimated per recipe).

Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamHow we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction

Cocktailalcoholic23.8% ABV3 ingredients

At a Glance

317 kcalCalories

23.8%ABV

10.4gSugar

13.5gCarbs

1.79Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition. Some ingredient data may be approximate.

These nutrition figures are approximate estimates for this recipe — actual values vary with your exact measures, brands and serving size.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Easybuilt drink

Why: 3 ingredients, uses cream

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

2 ozVodkaBase Spirit
1 ozCoffee liqueurLiqueur Modifier
to tasteLight creamDairy Or Cream

How to Make It

Pour vodka and coffee liqueur over ice cubes in an old-fashioned glass.Pour
Fill with light cream and serve.Fill

How to Serve

Glass: Old-Fashioned Glass
Temperature: Chilled
Ice: Cubed ice

Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Coffee Roasted

Supporting notes

Sweet Vanilla Rich

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong

BodyLight – Full

SweetnessDry – Sweet

BoldnessDelicate – Bold

High ABV
Full-bodied

What do these dimensions mean?

When to serve

DessertSuggested from its cream and coffee notes, pairing with desserts pairing.
After DinnerSuggested from its coffee and cream notes.

Occasion tags are inferred from drink style, serving format, flavour profile, food-pairing theme, recipe metadata, and strict multi-signal supplemental rule matches.

Food pairings

DessertsChocolateCoffee Desserts

Food pairings are derived from the drink flavour signature, mapped to one dominant pairing theme, then limited to coherent public suggestions.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Gluten-Free Vegetarian

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-SugarVegan

Find vegan-compatible cocktails

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Vodka2 oz

GinWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same volume; expect more juniper and herbal aroma.
What changes: Gin can replace vodka when a more botanical result is acceptable.

Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Coffee Liqueur1 oz

KahluaWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Use the same amount and reduce other sweetener only if needed.
What changes: Kahlua can usually replace coffee liqueur, though sweetness may vary.

Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Light Creamto taste

Half-And-HalfWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Use the same amount.
What changes: Half-and-half can replace light cream when a slightly lighter texture is acceptable.

Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Heavy CreamWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use slightly less at first if the drink becomes too heavy.
What changes: Heavy cream can replace light cream when a richer, thicker texture is acceptable.

Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed alternative recipes

No suitable direct swap is reviewed for Coffee Liqueur or Light Cream. Try this related recipe instead:

Espresso MartiniDifferent recipe

Both suit coffee or dessert-leaning drinkers, with White Russian moving creamier and sweeter.

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated June 18, 2026

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a White Russian?: The White Russian is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 23.8%. A standard serving contains approximately 317 calories.
What does a White Russian taste like?: White Russian has a flavour profile featuring Coffee, Roasted, Sweet, Vanilla. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a White Russian?: White Russian pairs well with Desserts, Chocolate, Coffee Desserts. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a White Russian?: The White Russian has an ABV of approximately 23.8%. That's approximately 1.79 US standard drinks. This recipe is estimated to contain 317 kcal, 10.4g sugar, 13.5g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and ingredients used.
When is a White Russian typically served?: White Russian is often suggested for After Dinner, Dessert, based on its flavour profile and typical serve.
What drinks are similar to a White Russian?: If you enjoy White Russian, the "similar flavour profile" suggestions on this page point to cocktails that share its flavour character. Drinks with a matching spirit base and comparable body and acidity feel closest.
Can I make a White Russian at home?: Yes. The White Russian uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?: Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?: Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of White Russian with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.