White Russian recipe
aibar • •
#White Russian
Classic White Russian Recipe
Here’s the traditional recipe for a White Russian:
- Vodka: 45ml
- Coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa): 30ml
- Heavy cream: 30ml
- Ice: As needed
1. Base Spirit Substitutions
Vodka
- Substitutes:
- White rum: Adds a slightly sweeter, tropical vibe.
- Gin: Introduces herbal notes (great if you like a botanical twist).
- Non-alcoholic version:
- Soda water or lemon-flavored sparkling water: Keeps it refreshing without the booze.
- Flavor impact: Vodka is neutral, so substitutes will add their own character—rum brings sweetness, gin adds herbal complexity, and soda water keeps it light.
- How to use: Replace vodka with an equal amount (45ml) of your chosen substitute.
2. Coffee Liqueur Substitutions
Coffee Liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- Substitutes:
- DIY coffee syrup: Mix 1 part strong brewed coffee with 1 part sugar syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved). Let it cool before using.
- Instant coffee + sugar syrup: Dissolve 1 tsp instant coffee in 15ml sugar syrup.
- Other coffee-flavored liqueurs: Like Tia Maria.
- Non-alcoholic version:
- Cold brew coffee: Use 30ml for a rich coffee flavor.
- Coffee-flavored syrup: Many stores sell non-alcoholic coffee syrups.
- Flavor impact: Substitutes will vary in sweetness and coffee intensity. DIY syrup or cold brew will be less sweet than Kahlúa, so adjust to taste.
- How to use: Replace coffee liqueur with an equal amount (30ml) of your chosen substitute.
3. Dairy Substitutions
Heavy Cream
- Substitutes:
- Half-and-half: Lighter but still creamy.
- Coconut milk: Adds a tropical, slightly sweet flavor.
- Oat milk or almond milk: Great for a lighter, nutty twist (perfect for lactose-free options).
- Non-alcoholic version: No need to substitute—use the above options as-is.
- Flavor impact: Coconut milk adds a tropical note, while oat or almond milk brings a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Half-and-half keeps it classic but lighter.
- How to use: Replace heavy cream with an equal amount (30ml) of your chosen substitute.
4. Sweetener Substitutions
Sugar Syrup (if extra sweetness is needed)
- Substitutes:
- Honey: Adds floral sweetness.
- Maple syrup: Brings a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Granulated sugar or powdered sugar: Dissolve 1 tsp in a little hot water before adding.
- Non-alcoholic version:
- Sweeteners: Like stevia or erythritol (adjust to taste).
- Flavor impact: Honey and maple syrup add their own unique flavors, while sugar is more neutral.
- How to use: Add 5-10ml (or to taste) of your chosen sweetener, depending on how sweet you like it.
5. Non-Alcoholic White Russian Recipe
If you’re skipping the alcohol, here’s how to make a delicious non-alcoholic version:
- Base substitute: Soda water or lemon-flavored sparkling water (45ml).
- Coffee liqueur substitute: Cold brew coffee (30ml) or coffee-flavored syrup (15ml).
- Dairy substitute: Coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk (30ml).
- Sweetener substitute: Honey or maple syrup (to taste).
Steps:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the soda water, cold brew coffee, and coconut milk.
- Stir gently and add honey or maple syrup to taste.
- Garnish with coffee beans or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!
Flavor Tips
- For a richer drink: Use full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half.
- For a lighter drink: Opt for almond milk or oat milk.
- For extra coffee flavor: Add a splash of cold brew or a pinch of instant coffee.
- For a festive twist: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Summary
With these substitutions, you can easily make a White Russian at home, even if you’re missing some ingredients! Here’s the key:
- Base spirit: Swap vodka for rum, gin, or soda water.
- Coffee liqueur: Use DIY coffee syrup, cold brew, or store-bought coffee syrup.
- Dairy: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk, oat milk, or half-and-half.
- Sweetener: Use honey, maple syrup, or sugar (adjust to taste).
Whether you’re going classic or non-alcoholic, these swaps will help you whip up a delicious White Russian with what you’ve got at home. Cheers! 🥂