If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s creamy, smooth, and just downright delicious, a Baileys White Russian is it.
It’s a fun twist on the classic White Russian, thanks to the sweet, velvety addition of Baileys Irish Cream.
This drink feels fancy but is actually super easy to whip up in just a few minutes. Perfect for relaxing at home or impressing guests at a party, it’s basically dessert in a glass! Plus, it’s one of those recipes you really can’t mess up—just stir, pour, sip, and enjoy.
Let’s dive in and make this dreamy drink!
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make one fabulous Baileys White Russian:
- Ice cubes
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz Kahlúa (coffee liqueur)
- 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 2 oz heavy cream (or milk if you prefer it lighter)
- Optional garnish: A cinnamon stick and a few coffee beans
Pro Tips
- Chill your glass: Pop your glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before making your drink. It’ll stay colder longer, and it looks extra fancy!
- Pour carefully for layers: If you want those gorgeous cream-on-coffee swirls, pour the cream slowly over the back of a spoon. Totally worth the extra effort!
- Make it sweeter or lighter: Prefer it less sweet? Use more vodka and less Baileys. Want it lighter? Swap heavy cream for milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- Experiment with flavors: Vanilla or caramel vodka takes this to the next level. You can also try hazelnut or chocolate liqueur instead of Kahlúa!
- Mocktail version for kids: Mix milk or cream with chocolate syrup for a kid-friendly version. They’ll love having a “fancy” drink, too!
Tools You’ll Need
- A jigger or small measuring cup
- A spoon (for layering)
- A cocktail glass
- Ice cube tray
Substitutions and Variations
- Cream: Swap heavy cream for milk, half-and-half, or a dairy-free creamer like oat or almond milk.
- Flavored vodka: Vanilla, caramel, or even coffee-flavored vodka can totally change the vibe of this drink.
- Different liqueur: No Kahlúa? Try a chocolate liqueur or hazelnut liqueur instead for a fun twist.
- Skip the garnish: No cinnamon sticks or coffee beans? No problem. This drink is fabulous on its own!
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the vodka, Baileys, and Kahlúa ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just pour it over ice and add cream.
Instructions
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Fill your glass with ice cubes or pop it in the freezer to get nice and frosty.
Step 2: Mix the Alcohol
In a separate glass or small pitcher, combine 1 oz vodka, 1 oz Kahlúa, and 1 oz Baileys. Stir gently to mix everything together.
Step 3: Pour the Mixture
Pour your alcohol mixture over the ice cubes in your chilled glass.
Step 4: Add the Cream
Slowly pour 2 oz of heavy cream over the back of a spoon into the glass. This creates those beautiful, creamy swirls.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Add a cinnamon stick and a few coffee beans on top if you want to get fancy. Then sip and enjoy immediately!
Leftovers and Storage
This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftover alcohol mix (vodka, Kahlúa, and Baileys), you can keep it in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Just add fresh cream and ice when you’re ready for another round!
Wrap-Up
There you go—your creamy, dreamy Baileys White Russian is ready to enjoy.
It’s smooth, a little sweet, and so easy to make that you’ll feel like a pro bartender. This drink is perfect for quiet evenings at home or for showing off at your next get-together.
If you make it.
