History of The White Russian Cocktail

Back
8th January 2024

The White Russian is arguably one of the most famous cocktail recipes in the world, even among people that don't consider themselves to be cocktail enthusiasts. Virtually everyone has at least heard of the vodka-based concoction, from people that are working in the liquor distribution industry all the way down to a college fraternity's newest inductee.
The drink has evolved quite a bit since the term "White Russian" was first coined in 1965, and there are a few unique ways to mix it. In each case, it's possible to include slightly different ingredients without compromising the identity of the cocktail. As such, the flavour and strength of the beverage may vary slightly, depending on where the drink is being ordered from.

The White Russian was originally a variation on another vodka drink that first became known in the late 1940's as the Black Russian. It's quick rise in popularity was most likely a combination of its potency and ease of creation, along with its potential for a very smooth flavour whenever quality vodka was used. Very little bar experience was needed to make this drink since it only required a couple of ingredients.

The Black Russian is simply clear vodka mixed in approximately a 3-to-1 ratio with a coffee liqueur of choice, such as Kahlua. It is typically served on the rocks in a highball, or in some other traditional drinking glass of medium height with a thick, heavy base. The name is thought to refer merely to the fact that vodka is the primary component, and isn't meant to imply that Russian was the original country of origin for the cocktail.

It's the introduction of cream into the mix that changes its colour, producing the official White Russian cocktail. In the absence of true cream, it's acceptable to substitute something more common, such as milk. The proportion of cream should be about the same as the volume of coffee liqueur, and should have a sweetening effect on the drink.

The White Russian has always been a popular drink order among people that may be somewhat sensitive to the taste of strong liquor. The drink should resemble an enhanced Irish coffee in flavour, and should have a colour that is just mildly lighter than caramel. It is meant to be sipped slowly, and savoured for the simple and elegant tavern staple that it is.

Pardon the interruption

Did you know that you can become a member for free, taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. You can save your My Bar ingredients, make tasting notes, have personalised Tried and Want to try lists and more.

More to explore

How to Create the Perfect Mai Tai at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing like a well-made Mai Tai to whisk you away to a tropical paradise, no matter where y...

What is the Smoothest Tequila and What Is Good To Mix It With?

Whether you're enjoying a glass of tequila neat or shaking up a fresh cocktail, finding the smoothes...

6 Top Tips for Making the Best Eggnog

Eggnog is a holiday classic, known for its creamy consistency and rich flavor. It's a drink that evo...

Tag cloud

Explore more with our randomised tag cloud.

Bartender's top tip

Serving your cocktail in a chilled glass can greatly enhance its enjoyment, keeping it at the optimal temperature for longer. Simply fill the glass with ice and water to chill it while you prepare your drink, and then dump it out just before straining your cocktail into the glass. This is especially important for stirred, spirit-forward drinks like Martinis or Manhattans.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get tips straight into your inbox.

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.
  • 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...)

Create your own cocktail menu!

Use our interactive cocktail menu creator for free, and create wonderful looking cocktail menus for your next party, gathering or bar.

Great looking pre-built designed themes, group your cocktails, choose what to show on them and a host more options.

Get creating