Cocktail Recipes

Espresso White Russian

Millie Pham

If you love coffee and cocktails, this Espresso White Russian is going to be your new favorite! It’s the same creamy, boozy goodness as the classic White Russian, but with a bold espresso kick.

Perfect for coffee lovers who want a drink that feels fancy but is super easy to make at home.

Let’s mix one up!

What You’ll Need:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
  • 1 oz fresh espresso (hot or cooled)
  • 1 oz heavy cream or milk
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: Coffee beans or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for garnish

Pro Tips:

  1. Use freshly brewed espresso for the best, bold coffee flavor.
  2. Want it sweeter? Add a teaspoon of simple syrup or a drizzle of caramel.
  3. Chill your glass beforehand for an extra cold drink!

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Espresso machine or coffee maker
  • Rocks glass
  • Bar spoon (optional, for stirring)

Substitutions & Variations:

  • No espresso? Use strong brewed coffee instead.
  • Dairy-free? Swap the cream for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut cream.
  • Want it extra indulgent? Add a splash of vanilla or hazelnut syrup for a sweet twist.

How to Make an Espresso White Russian:

1. Fill the Glass with Ice

Add ice cubes to your rocks glass.

A sleek rocks glass being filled with clear ice cubes, set on a marble counter with bottles of vodka, coffee liqueur, and a freshly brewed espresso shot nearby.

2. Add Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, and Espresso

Pour 2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 1 oz espresso over the ice.

A rocks glass filled with ice as vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso are poured in, with a small pitcher of cream and coffee beans nearby on a white marble counter.

3. Top with Cream

Slowly pour 1 oz of heavy cream or milk over the top, letting it swirl beautifully into the drink.

A hand pouring heavy cream from a small pitcher into a rocks glass filled with espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur, creating soft swirls in the drink.

4. Stir (Optional):

Gently stir with a bar spoon if you like it fully mixed.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with a single coffee bean or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a little extra flair. Serve immediately and enjoy!

A finished Espresso White Russian in a rocks glass, garnished with a single coffee bean and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, set on a rustic wooden table with a napkin and espresso cup nearby

    Leftovers & Storage:

    This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but since it’s so quick to make, you won’t need to store anything!

    Conclusion:

    And that’s it—a bold, creamy Espresso White Russian that’s perfect for coffee lovers! It’s rich, smooth, and feels like a coffeehouse treat with a boozy twist. Try it out and let me know how it turned out—did you add your own spin? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear! ☕✨🥛

    Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!