What does a White Russian taste like?
A White Russian tastes like a boozy iced coffee milkshake: vodka and sweet coffee liqueur topped with cream, so it is creamy, sweet and mellow with roasty coffee flavor.
White Russian
coffee, cream and vodka
A White Russian is vodka and coffee liqueur, usually Kahlúa, over ice with cream or milk poured on top. It tastes like a sweet, boozy iced latte: rich and creamy, with roasty coffee, vanilla and a caramel sweetness from the liqueur. The vodka adds strength without much flavor, so it goes down very easily. The cream swirls in as you stir, and it gets lighter as the ice melts. Thanks to The Big Lebowski, it's also known as the Dude's drink.
Where you’ll see it
On bar menus, dessert drink lists and ski lodge menus, in a rocks glass. Some bars use oat milk or add vanilla, cinnamon or espresso.
Order it if you want something creamy, sweet and coffee-flavored after dinner.
Quick questions
- What's the difference between a White Russian and a Black Russian?
- A White Russian has cream on top, so it is creamy and mellow. A Black Russian is just vodka and coffee liqueur, so it is stronger and darker.
- Does a White Russian have caffeine?
- A little. Coffee liqueur has a small amount, much less than a cup of coffee.