White Russian IICocktail recipe
Rating
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
White Russian II sits firmly in the creamy, coffee-forward “Russian” family of cocktails: vodka and coffee liqueur softened with dairy for a rich, after-dinner style sip. While the exact backstory of this specific “II” variation isn’t widely documented, you’ll recognise it as a close relative of the modern White Russian template—built around simple proportions and an unmistakably indulgent profile that’s become a staple on bar menus for decades.
On the palate, vodka keeps things clean and neutral, letting the coffee liqueur take the lead with its deep, sweet coffee character. Cream folds through that sweetness, smoothing any sharp edges and turning the drink into a velvety, dessert-like pour. With the coffee liqueur slightly outweighing the vodka here, you’ll find the coffee note feels rounded and prominent, while the cream brings a lingering, milky finish.
Serve it in a whisky glass when you want something comforting and unhurried—ideal as a nightcap, a post-dinner treat, or a low-effort crowd-pleaser for guests who prefer their cocktails on the sweeter, creamier side. If you like coffee flavours but don’t want a bitter drink, this is an easy match.
Microbadges
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Cocktail Colin says:
Vodka keeps things clean and neutral while coffee liqueur brings deep roasted sweetness, all wrapped in a thick, silky layer of cream that turns the sip into a dessert-like coffee milkshake. It works because the cream rounds the coffee liqueur’s edge and the vodka prevents cloying heaviness; ideal for after-dinner drinkers who want mellow, creamy coffee.
Method
How to make a White Russian II
- Vodka 15ml, Coffee liqueur 22.5ml, Cream 22.5ml
-
- Stir the vodka and Kahlúa together then float the cream on top using the back of a spoon
-
- Add ice if desired, then serve
Power tips
Elevate the White Russian II with these master mixologist tips
Upgrade to premium
And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.
Find out more- Upgrade to premium to receive power tips from top bartenders around the world. Raise you mixology game.
- Read the tweaks that take this simple cocktail to the next level of greatness. Become the next best mixologist which people all talk about.
Your private tasting notes
Featured in
FAQ's
What is the origin of the White Russian cocktail?
The White Russian cocktail was created in the mid-20th century, and its exact origins are somewhat unclear. It is believed to have evolved from the Black Russian cocktail, which is a mix of vodka and coffee liqueur. The addition of cream to the Black Russian results in the White Russian. It gained considerable popularity worldwide, especially after being featured prominently in the 1998 film 'The Big Lebowski.'
How do I properly serve a White Russian II?
The White Russian II should be served in a whisky glass. Begin by pouring the coffee liqueur, followed by vodka, over ice in the glass. Gently float cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon to layer it on the surface of the drink. It's served cold and stirred gently before drinking to mix the creamy layer with the rest of the cocktail.
Can I make a dairy-free version of the White Russian II?
Yes, a dairy-free version of the White Russian II can easily be made by substituting the cream with a non-dairy alternative. Coconut cream, almond milk, or oat milk are popular choices that offer a creamy texture and can complement the flavors of the coffee liqueur and vodka.
What variations of the White Russian cocktail exist?
Several variations of the White Russian exist, each adding a twist to the classic recipe. The Black Russian, as mentioned, omits the cream. A Dirty White Russian includes a splash of cola. The Blind Russian uses Baileys Irish Cream instead of regular cream. There's also the White Cuban, which uses rum instead of vodka.
Is the White Russian II considered a strong drink?
The White Russian II, with an alcohol content of approximately 17.38%, is considered to be moderately strong. The presence of cream tends to soften the alcohol's impact, making it a smoother drink. However, due to its alcohol content, it should still be consumed in moderation.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Access to Cocktail Colin; ask Cocktail Colin anything on an individual cocktail and he'll give you the answers you need.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out moreYou might also like
Experience this smooth coffee and vodka combination
White Russian
Vodka, Coffee liqueur, Cream
Try this creamy blend with a gingerbread twist.
White Russian Christmas
Vodka, Coffee liqueur, Gingerbread syrup, Cream, Mincemeat
Experience this lively blend of coffee and tequila
Café Blanco
Hornitos Plata, Coffee liqueur, Vanilla syrup, Bittermens Xocolatl Mole, Coffee
Relish this unique blend of cold brew and citrus.
Espresso Martini (Jeffrey Morgenthaler Variation)
Vodka, Coffee liqueur, Coffee, Lemon
Create a cocktail
Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.
Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.
Start creatingBuild your bar
Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.
Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.
Create My Bar
Cocktail Colin
Your cocktail expert
Hi! I'm Cocktail Colin
Ask me anything about this cocktail - how to make it, substitutions, variations, or any other questions!
Become a member to access Cocktail Colin
Become a member (for free) to pick Cocktail Colin's cocktail filled brain on everything on this cocktail, from substitutions, if you can use what you have, to serving suggestions and more.
Become a member
Comments