Cocktail Recipes

Irish Cream and Coffee White Russian

Millie Pham

If you’re a coffee lover, you’re gonna be obsessed with this Irish Cream and Coffee White Russian. It’s creamy, rich, and has that smooth kick of Irish cream that makes every sip feel a little fancy.

Perfect for a cozy night in, a brunch treat, or just because you deserve something delicious.

Let’s whip it up!

What You’ll Need

  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
  • 1 oz Irish cream (like Baileys)
  • 2 oz heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
  • Ice
  • Optional garnish: Whipped cream, cocoa powder, or coffee beans

Pro Tips

  1. Use good Irish cream. Baileys is the classic, but there are other amazing options like Kerrygold or Carolans.
  2. Chill your glass. A frosty glass keeps the drink perfectly cold and gives it that pro touch.
  3. Balance the cream. If you like it less creamy, go for milk or half-and-half. You can even swap the cream for cold brew coffee for a stronger coffee flavor.
  4. Layer it right. Pour the cream over the back of a spoon to get that beautiful layered look.
  5. Customize the garnish. Whipped cream and cocoa powder are classic, but a few coffee beans or a drizzle of chocolate syrup? Next level.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
  • Measuring jigger
  • Bar spoon
  • Short cocktail glass
  • Ice scoop

Substitutions & Variations

  • No vodka? Skip it and just use more Irish cream for a smoother, sweeter drink.
  • Dairy-free version: Swap the heavy cream for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
  • Stronger coffee flavor: Replace the cream with a splash of cold brew coffee.
  • Sweeter twist: Add a touch of vanilla or caramel syrup for extra flavor.

How to make it

1. Prep your glass.

Fill your cocktail glass with ice cubes.

A short cocktail glass filled with ice cubes on a white marble counter with hints of gold

2. Mix the booze.

In a shaker or mixing glass, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream. Stir gently to mix.

A bar spoon stirring vodka, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream in a clear mixing glass

3. Add the cream.

Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon into your glass, creating that beautiful layered effect.

Heavy cream being poured over a spoon into a cocktail glass filled with ice and dark liqueur layers

4. Garnish and serve.

Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or a few coffee beans for extra flair. Serve immediately!

An Irish Cream and Coffee White Russian topped with whipped cream

Leftovers & Storage

This drink is best made fresh, but you can mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Add the cream and ice right before serving.

Wrap-Up

And that’s it—your new go-to cocktail for any occasion. It’s smooth, sweet, and has just the right amount of coffee kick. Try it out and let me know how it turned out in the comments. Cheers! 🥂

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!