Dessert cocktails have had their ups and downs over the years, but due to the wide array of specialty liqueurs that have hit the market over the last decade, dessert cocktails are back and are more creative than ever. The earliest dessert cocktails trace back to the pre-prohibition era, but one staple of the category came much later and continues to stand the test of time: the White Russian. A kissing cousin to its predecessor, the Black Russian, the White Russian became popular during the disco era of cocktails. Although the exact date and creator of the White Russian are a mystery, the Black Russian was created in 1949 by a Belgian man named Gustave Tops of Brussels, so the White Russian must have followed shortly after. This simple blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and whipped cream fell out of favor in the 1980’s, but thanks to the cult classic movie The Big Lebowski, the White Russian has seen a resurgence since the late 1990’s. Our take on this cult favorite adds a little Lustau Pedro Ximénez San Emilio to the mix which adds a nice touch of complexity and depth to the cocktail.
COCKTAIL: WHITE RUSSIAN
Full Ingredients list
- 2oz Vodka
- .75oz Coffee Liqueur
- .25oz Lustau Pedro Ximénez San Emilio
- 1oz Heavy cream
- Garnish: Grated nutmeg
Recipe author: Steven Dragun
WHAT SHERRY IS BEST FOR A WHITE RUSSIAN COCKTAIL?
We chose pedro ximénez sherry to use in our White Russian recipe as PX and coffee pair extremely well together. The deep, rich, fruity notes complement the coffee flavor in such a nice way that you may consider adding it to your coffee on a regular basis.
WHAT GLASS IS BEST TO SERVE A WHITE RUSSIAN IN?
A White Russian is traditionally served in an old-fashioned glass with ice. You can use different shapes and types of glass but always keep in mind that size is key to achieve the perfect combination between flavor and temperature.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MAKE A WHITE RUSSIAN WITH SHERRY PX?
HOW TO PREPARE A WHITE RUSSIAN WITH PX SHERRY AT HOME
Discover the new twist on the classic White Russian with this easy-to-follow recipe you can make at home. Remember you can enhance the cocktail depth by adding Lustau Pedro Ximénez for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
1. Add heavy cream to a shaking tin and shake until cream is whipped
2. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and PX sherry to a mixing glass with ice and stir
3.Strain and pour the vodka, coffee liqueur, and PX sherry into an old-fashioned glass with ice
4. Float whipped cream on top of the cocktail
5. Grate nutmeg on top for garnish
FAQ
Why is it called a White Russian?
It is called a White Russian because it is a variation of a Black Russian, which is made with vodka and coffee liqueur.
What is a substitute for heavy cream in a White Russian?
Coconut cream/puree would be a nice substitute for heavy cream as it has roughly the same amount of fat, which is ideal to create the rich and smooth mouthfeel required for the White Russian.
What is the best vodka to mix with a white russian?
Any non flavored vodka will work in a White Russian, but if you want to stay true to the name, try to use a high-quality Russian vodka.
