Hot White Russian Recipe (2024)

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By: Rachel GurkPosted: 12/21/2016

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Perfect for the holidays or any chilly day, this Hot White Russian is cozy while still packing a bit of a punch and is a great adult alternative to hot cocoa.

Hot White Russian Recipe (1)

As I write this post, the weather outside is frightful. It really is. It’s the outside thermometer reads 5°F and the windchill is -9°F! BRRRR!

Hot White Russian Recipe (2)

About this White Russian

  • Fun twist on the classic: This co*cktail isn’t identical to a regular White Russian because it’s hot, and I also add extra coffee. If you’re liking the White Russian theme, try this really delightful twist: White Chocolate White Russian with vodka, white chocolate liqueur, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream liqueur. Totally yummy!
  • Slightly lightened up: I use whole milk instead of cream — I find that it is plenty creamy for me, but if you’d like to try it with cream, go for it! I wouldn’t recommend skim milk for this particular recipe as it won’t give you the same creaminess and it also has a higher tendency to curdle when heated.
  • Dessert drink: This dessert type drink would be so good served with cookies (milk and cookies, right?) Dark chocolate and pecan cookies would be totally yummy and kind of decadent with these Hot White Russian drinks. Or maybe Snickerdoodles… so good!

Ingredient Notes

  • Hot coffee – Make sure to brew it nice and strong.
  • Kahlúa – This is a common coffee liqueur. You could use a different brand if you’d prefer.
  • Whole milk (or heavy cream) – You could also make it with skim for a slightly lightened up version if you’d like.
  • Vodka – Add as much vodka as you like, or leave it out entirely. Just remember that Kahlúa also contains alcohol, so this is definitely an adults-only hot chocolate.
  • Whipped cream to garnish. Totally optional, but you’re going to want it.

The recipe is written in parts so that you can easily make this for a big group if you’re hosting a holiday party. To give you an idea of what a “part” should be, I add a couple of tips at the end of the recipe regarding how to make this for one, and also how to make 2-3 servings.

Hot White Russian Recipe (3)

Mini History Lesson

A bit of history about the original White Russian: Originally made in Brussels, Belgium, the drink was created in honor of the U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg. Obviously not a Russian drink, it’s so named because vodka is a main ingredient. (Consider that little bit of information a gift from me to you. Use it to impress your guests with your amazing knowledge of trivia at your next co*cktail party!) Source: Wikipedia

Non-Alcoholic Hot Chocolate Recipes

Try this easy hot chocolate recipe, with a lactose-free option, orange hot chocolate or ginger spiced hot chocolate. Everyone’s been talking about hot cocoa bombs. You’ll want to try Pop Rocks Hot Cocoa Bombs.

More Holiday Sips

  • Homemade Egg Nog (with or without alcohol)
  • Jack Frost Mimosa — the perfect winter co*cktail!
  • Red Wine Spritzer
  • Pomegranate Mojito
  • Ginger Cinnamon Apple Cider Mocktail (non-alcoholic)
  • Cherry Martini with Elderflower and Lime

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Hot White Russian Recipe (4)

Recipe

Get the Recipe: Hot White Russian

4.40 from 63 votes

Prep Time: 2 minutes mins

Cook Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 7 minutes mins

1 drink

Print Rate Recipe

Perfect for the holidays or any chilly day, this Hot White Russian is cozy while still packing a bit of a punch and is a great adult alternative to hot cocoa.

Ingredients

  • 4 oz. (2 parts) freshly brewed coffee
  • 2 oz. (1 part) Kahlua
  • 2 oz. (1 part) whole milk
  • 1 oz. (1/2 part) vodka (I like Grey Goose)
  • Whipped cream for topping (optional, I guess…but add the whipped cream!)

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients and heat until warm (I recommend 150-155°F). Do not boil.

  • Pour into mugs and serve immediately, topped with whipped cream, if desired.

Notes

  • For one serving (9-oz serving), I’d recommend using 2-ounces as a part. (2 ounces Kahlua, 1 ounce vodka, 2 ounces milk, 4 ounces coffee)
  • If you use 1/2 cup as a “part,” this recipe makes three6-ounce cups or two 9-ounce cups. (1/2 cup Kahlua, 1/4 cup vodka, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 cup fresh brewed coffee). Multiply parts as needed to serve your group!
  • If you’re feeling in the mood for decadence, use cream instead of whole milk. Skim milk is not recommended for this recipe.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 9oz., Calories: 275kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 44mg, Sodium: 274mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk

Disclosure: Ihave been compensated byMilk Means More for my time to develop this recipe and write this post. All opinions are as always, my own. Find out more about why Milk Means More onTwitter,Facebook,YouTube,InstagramandPinterest.

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Reader Interactions

Leave a Review

  1. Trish says

    Hot White Russian Recipe (12)
    I made a batch for Christmas boat parade and it was a huge hit. Kept us warm and in the “spirit”for the entire ride. Love it!!

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      Perfect! Sounds like a fun event!

      Reply

  2. Jerry Woods says

    It’s great to learn that the Hot White Russian drink is great for Christmas parties. My wife and I are preparing for the holiday’s and we are wanting to learn more recipes for our Christmas parties. I’ll be sure to let my wife know about the Hot White Russian recipe for our Christmas party.

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      I hope you love it!

      Reply

  3. The Fantasy Cooking says

    Exceptional, looks so smooth and creamy, great recipe!

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      Thank you!

      Reply

  4. 2pots2cook says

    Oh yes ! I’m in. Thank you and have a very happy holidays !

    Reply

Hot White Russian Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a White Russian and a Black Russian drink? ›

The Black Russian is a simple, two-ingredient co*cktail that consists of vodka and coffee liqueur. It's the forebearer to the more popular White Russian, which follows the same base but includes cream.

What is a hot Russian? ›

This amazing hot white Russian recipe includes piping hot coffee, deep, rich coffee liqueur, a splash of vodka, and the creamy milk or cream of your choice. Topped with a thick layer of whipped topping.

What is the difference between a White Russian and a Caucasian drink? ›

Sometimes they're referred to as “White Russians,” other times, jokingly, “Caucasians.” Usually they're made with cream, but occasionally, in a pinch, powdered non-dairy creamer. Nevertheless, “The Dude abides” — even when he drinks the one with the mickey slipped in.

What's a good warm alcoholic drink? ›

Put on the kettle, and let's get started.
  • 01 of 09. Hot Toddy. ...
  • 02 of 09. Traditional Chinese Medicine-Inspired Mulled Wine. ...
  • 03 of 09. Inverno Arancione. ...
  • 04 of 09. Hot Buttered Spiked Cider. ...
  • 05 of 09. Ginger & Bourbon. ...
  • 06 of 09. Cinnamon & Tequila. ...
  • 07 of 09. Apple-Brandy Hot Toddies. ...
  • 08 of 09. Whiskey Chai.
Dec 1, 2023

What is a White Russian without Kahlúa? ›

Make it a mocktail: If you are looking for a non-alcoholic vegan white Russian, look no further! Substitute the Kahlua with DaVinci Coffee Liqueur Syrup and 1 shot of espresso instead of vodka. This version will taste more like coffee, but is seriously DELICIOUS! Make it a peppermint white Russian.

What kind of vodka is good for White Russian? ›

Cake and whipped cream vodkas, or espresso, chocolate, and vanilla vodkas are also great choices. Kahlúa is the most popular coffee liqueur used in a White Russian, but Firelit, New Deal, or Leopold Bros.

What does the dude call a White Russian? ›

Throughout the movie, it appears as the beverage of choice for the protagonist, Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski. On a number of occasions he refers to the drink as a "Caucasian".

What does a kiss mean in Russia? ›

In the Russian tradition, kissing when meeting a person has always been способом отметить собеседника (a way to distinguish the interlocutor), to indicate his importance or social status and prestige, and to show him respect.

What is the famous hot drink in Russia? ›

Sbiten (Russian: сбитень) or vzvar (взвар) is a traditional East Slavic (Belarusian, Ukrainian, Russian) hot winter beverage. It has a dark purple appearance and, depending on the recipe, can be very spicy and/or very sweet. It used to have the reputation of a Russian Glühwein, although it normally contains no alcohol.

What is the dude drinking in The Big Lebowski? ›

During the course of Ethan and Joel Coen's The Big Lebowski, Jeffrey “the Dude” Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) downs nine White Russians, thus making the sweet, creamy drink synonymous with the film. Despite its name, the co*cktail was actually created in Belgium.

Why is White Russian so good? ›

The White Russian Is Stupidly Simple

While coffee liqueur and heavy cream give it a rich, decadent texture and flavor, vodka gives the drink serious backbone.

What co*cktail is similar to a White Russian? ›

The Mudslide is another creamy co*cktail that echoes the spirit of a White Russian. It's made with vodka, coffee, and Irish cream, creating a creamy and sweet drink. Often served with a swirl of chocolate syrup and sometimes even a scoop of ice cream, the mudslide is a dessert in a glass.

What is in a hotty toddy? ›

Hot toddy is a warming drink combining water, whiskey, honey and lemon juice. It is often drunken as a nightcap and traditionally taken as a remedy to help ease the symptoms of colds and flu.

What alcoholic drink relaxes you the most? ›

Drinking red wine makes people feel relaxed and amorous while vodka or whisky boosts energy and aggression, a study suggests.

Which hot drink has highest alcohol content? ›

Brace yourself for an adventure through the realms of intense flavours and sky-high alcohol content.
  • Pincer Shanghai Strength (88.88% ABV) ...
  • River Antoine Royale Grenadian Rum (75% ABV) ...
  • Stroh 80 (80% ABV) ...
  • Sunset Rum (84.5% ABV) ...
  • Absinthe Hapsburg Hardcore (89.9% ABV) ...
  • Devil Springs Vodka (80% ABV)

What is a Black Russian drink made of? ›

The Black Russian is the big brother of the equally famous White Russian. It's a simple yet tasty drink, combining Kahlúa coffee liqueur and vodka in a truly unforgettable way.

Which ingredient changes a Black Russian to a White Russian? ›

The traditional co*cktail known as a black Russian, which first appeared in 1949, becomes a white Russian with the addition of cream. Neither drink has any known Russian origin, but both are so-named due to vodka being the primary ingredient.

Why is the drink called a Black Russian? ›

The co*cktail owes its name to the use of vodka, a typical Russian spirit, and the blackness of the coffee liqueur.

What does a Black Russian taste like? ›

What does a Black Russian taste like? This co*cktail tastes like coffee and vodka. It is made with Kahlua, which is a coffee and rum liqueur with hints of vanilla. The flavors are a nice balance of spirit, sweet, and bitters.

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