White Russian

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:

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Pour in the soda water, cold brew coffee, and coconut milk.
  3. Stir gently and add honey or maple syrup to taste.
  4. 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! 🥂