I love coffee and cocktails, and this Espresso White Russian brings both together perfectly. I make this drink at least once a week because it’s so simple and delicious.
Here’s why I think you’ll love it too: it looks fancy but only takes 5 minutes to make. All you need is vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh coffee, and cream. Just pour them together, and you’ve got a creamy, coffee-flavored cocktail that tastes like it’s from a fancy bar.
I’ve made this drink many times, both for myself and friends. Everyone always asks for the recipe because it’s so good. The fresh coffee makes it special – it’s richer and tastier than a regular White Russian.
Don’t worry if you’ve never made cocktails before. If you can make coffee and pour it into a glass, you can make this drink. Let me show you how!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of coffee and cocktail flavors
- Customizable to your preferred sweetness and strength
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort
- Can be made dairy-free without compromising taste
- More sophisticated than a regular White Russian
- Great for both cocktail hours and dessert
Quick Facts
Espresso White Russian is a coffee-flavored cocktail that adds fresh espresso to the traditional White Russian recipe. While a classic White Russian uses just vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, this version includes a shot of espresso for a bolder coffee taste. The drink is built in layers over ice, creating distinct bands of color from the dark coffee mixture to the creamy white top. It’s stronger than a regular White Russian, both in coffee flavor and caffeine content, making it perfect for those who enjoy both cocktails and coffee.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Skill Level: Beginner
Equipment Needed
- Espresso Machine or Moka Pot – For brewing fresh, rich espresso
- Jigger or Shot Glass – For precise measurement of spirits
- Rocks Glass (Old Fashioned Glass) – The perfect size for this cocktail
- Bar Spoon – For gentle stirring without disrupting the layered effect
- Ice Cube Tray – For making large, clear ice cubes that melt slowly
- Coffee Grinder (optional) – For freshly ground coffee beans
- Small Mesh Strainer (optional) – For straining espresso if using a Moka Pot
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) premium vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) coffee liqueur (Kahlúa recommended)
- 1 oz (30ml) fresh espresso
- 1 oz (30ml) heavy cream or milk
- Ice cubes
- Coffee beans or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)
How To Make
1. Start by putting your glass in the freezer for about 5 minutes to chill it nicely. While you wait, make your shot of espresso and let it cool for a minute or two.
2. Take your chilled glass out and fill it with ice cubes. Pour the vodka over the ice first, then add the coffee liqueur, followed by your cooled espresso.
3. Now comes the fun part. Slowly pour the cream over the back of a spoon held just above the drink. This creates a pretty layered effect. If you want the drinks fully mixed, give it a gentle stir.
For a nice finishing touch, place a few coffee beans on top or sprinkle with some cocoa powder. Serve your drink right away while it’s perfectly cold.
The whole process takes about 7 minutes, and most of that is just waiting for things to chill. Easy, right?
Pro Tips
- Use freshly roasted coffee beans for the best espresso flavor
- Chill your cream beforehand for better layering
- Use large, clear ice cubes to prevent quick dilution
- Pour the cream over the back of a spoon for a perfect layer
- Choose a quality vodka – it makes a difference
- Pre-chill all ingredients for optimal temperature
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with dark chocolate truffles
- Serve alongside biscotti or shortbread cookies
- Offer as an alternative to dessert at dinner parties
- Present in a vintage rocks glass for extra elegance
- Consider serving with a small espresso spoon
Troubleshooting
- Cream not floating? Pour more slowly over the back of a spoon
- Too strong? Add more cream or use milk instead
- Not cold enough? Pre-chill all ingredients and glass
- Too bitter? Add simple syrup to taste
- Separating too quickly? Use higher fat content cream
Ingredient Alternatives
- Vodka: Use vanilla vodka for added sweetness
- Coffee Liqueur: Try Tia Maria or Mr. Black
- Espresso: Strong cold brew or concentrated coffee
- Heavy Cream: Half-and-half, oat milk, or coconut cream
- Simple Syrup: Maple syrup or agave nectar
Storage
- Best served fresh
- Espresso can be made ahead and chilled (up to 24 hours)
- Pre-batch the vodka and coffee liqueur mixture (up to 1 month)
- Store cream separately until serving
Variations
- Frozen Espresso White Russian
- Blend with crushed ice for a slushy version
- Dessert White Russian
- Add vanilla ice cream instead of cream
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup
- Skinny Version
- Use sugar-free coffee liqueur
- Replace cream with almond milk
- Iced Mocha Russian
- Add a splash of chocolate liqueur
- Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
Expert Notes
- Quality of vodka significantly impacts the final taste
- Fresh espresso creates a superior crema
- Temperature control is crucial for layering
- Can be batched for parties (minus cream)
- Keeps its integrity even as ice melts
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this without an espresso machine? A: Yes! Use strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate instead.
Q: How long will the layered effect last? A: About 5-10 minutes, depending on room temperature and ice melt.
Q: Is this stronger than a regular White Russian? A: Yes, due to the caffeine content from the fresh espresso.
Q: Can I make this non-alcoholic? A: Replace vodka with extra coffee and use coffee syrup instead of liqueur.
Q: How many calories are in this drink? A: Approximately 285 calories with heavy cream, less with milk alternatives.
There you have it, your very own Espresso White Russian! This drink is perfect for so many occasions, whether you’re winding down after work, hosting friends, or just want to treat yourself to something special. The fresh espresso really makes it stand out from a regular White Russian.
Feel free to play around with this recipe. Try different types of milk, adjust the amount of cream, or add a flavored syrup – make it your own! And if you make this drink, I’d love to see how it turned out. Please comment it below.
Recipe Card
Ultimate Espresso White Russian Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz 60ml premium vodka
- 1 oz 30ml coffee liqueur (Kahlúa recommended)
- 1 oz 30ml fresh espresso
- 1 oz 30ml heavy cream or milk
- Ice cubes
- Coffee beans or cocoa powder for garnish optional
Instructions
- Start by putting your glass in the freezer for about 5 minutes to chill it nicely. While you wait, make your shot of espresso and let it cool for a minute or two.
- Take your chilled glass out and fill it with ice cubes. Pour the vodka over the ice first, then add the coffee liqueur, followed by your cooled espresso.
- Now comes the fun part – slowly pour the cream over the back of a spoon held just above the drink. This creates a pretty layered effect. If you want the drinks fully mixed, give it a gentle stir.
- For a nice finishing touch, place a few coffee beans on top or sprinkle with some cocoa powder. Serve your drink right away while it’s perfectly cold.