If you’re looking for a fun, fruity twist on the classic, this Cherry White Russian is the one. It’s rich, creamy, and has a sweet cherry flavor that takes it up a notch.
It’s like a boozy chocolate-covered cherry in drink form—perfect for a fancy dessert cocktail or a cozy nightcap.
Let’s mix it up!
What You’ll Need
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 1 oz cherry syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 oz heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- Ice
- Optional garnish: Fresh cherry, cherry syrup drizzle, dark chocolate shavings
Pro Tips
- Use good cherry syrup. If you can, make your own! Just simmer fresh cherries with sugar and water for a syrup that’s fresh and vibrant.
- Chill your glass. A frosty glass keeps the drink perfectly cold and makes it extra refreshing.
- Balance the sweetness. If your cherry syrup is really sweet, you can dial it back to ½ oz and adjust to taste.
- Layer like a pro. Pour the cream slowly over the back of a spoon for those beautiful swirls.
- Garnish with flair. The chocolate shavings and cherry on top make it feel fancy, but they’re super simple to add.
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
- Measuring jigger
- Bar spoon
- Short cocktail glass
- Ice scoop
Substitutions & Variations
- No cherry syrup? Use grenadine or mash a few fresh cherries with a little sugar.
- Dairy-free option: Swap the cream for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
- Extra chocolate kick: Add a splash of chocolate liqueur or drizzle chocolate syrup into the glass.
- Stronger cherry flavor: Use cherry vodka or add a splash of cherry liqueur like Luxardo.
How To Make It
1. Prep your glass.
Fill your cocktail glass with ice cubes.
2. Mix the liqueurs and syrup.
In a shaker or mixing glass, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, and cherry syrup. Stir gently to combine.
3. Add the cream.
Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon into your glass, creating dreamy, cloudy swirls.
4. Garnish and serve.
Top with a fresh cherry, a drizzle of cherry syrup, and a dusting of dark chocolate shavings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage
This drink is best served fresh. If you want to prep ahead, mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and cherry syrup and store it in the fridge. Add the cream and ice right before serving.
Wrap-Up
And there you have it—a Cherry White Russian that’s creamy, fruity, and absolutely irresistible. It’s a little indulgent and totally worth it. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Cheers! 🍒🍹
