This Maple White Russian is a smooth, creamy, cozy drink that tastes like fall in a glass. It’s like the classic version, but with a little twist—real maple syrup. The maple flavor adds a warm, rich sweetness that makes this feel extra special without doing anything fancy.
This is one of those drinks that looks fancy but takes only a couple of minutes to make. It’s great for a cozy night in or when you want something easy and impressive to serve.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this drink on a chilly fall evening when I didn’t feel like making a full dessert but still wanted something sweet and cozy. It’s become my go-to “dessert drink” ever since. You get the deep, smooth flavor of coffee liqueur, the strength of vodka, and the sweet, buttery hug of maple syrup in every sip.
- It’s creamy, sweet, and strong—but not too strong
- It takes 2 minutes to make, but feels like a special treat
- The maple syrup adds a warm twist that just works
- You don’t need a shaker, fancy tools, or a ton of ingredients
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 0.75 oz pure maple syrup
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: maple syrup drizzle or cinnamon stick
Pro Tips
- Use real pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup—it makes a big difference in flavor.
- Pour the heavy cream slowly over the back of a spoon to get that pretty swirling effect.
- Stir gently if you want it fully mixed or leave it swirled for a layered look.
- Try chilling the glass first for an extra frosty experience.
- Use large ice cubes so they don’t water down the drink too fast.
Tools You’ll Need
- Short round cocktail glass (like an old-fashioned glass)
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Spoon (optional for layering)
- Small bowl for ice
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or oat milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Use bourbon instead of vodka for a warmer, deeper flavor.
- Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra cozy vibes.
- Try a flavored vodka (like vanilla) to add a twist.
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and maple syrup ahead of time and store in the fridge. Just add the cream and ice when you’re ready to serve.
How to Make a Maple White Russian
Step 1: Add Ice to Glass
Fill a short round cocktail glass with ice cubes—about ¾ full.
Step 2: Pour in 2 oz Vodka
Measure 2 oz of vodka and pour it over the ice.
Step 3: Add 1 oz Coffee Liqueur
Add 1 oz of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) to the glass.
Step 4: Add 0.75 oz Maple Syrup
Pour 0.75 oz of maple syrup directly into the glass. It’ll settle and start mixing into the other liquids.
Step 5: Top with 1 oz Heavy Cream
Slowly pour 1 oz of heavy cream over the back of a spoon (optional) to let it swirl and sit on top.
Step 6: Optional Garnish
Top with a tiny drizzle of maple syrup or place a cinnamon stick inside for garnish.
Leftovers and Storage
This drink is best fresh, but if you pre-mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and maple syrup, it’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add cream and ice when serving. Once mixed with cream, it’s best enjoyed immediately.
Servings and Time
Servings: 1 drink
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Macros Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 7g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The cream floats because it’s denser than alcohol, creating a cool swirl effect. The vodka gives strength, the coffee liqueur brings richness, and maple syrup blends it all with sweetness. The fat in the cream smooths out the alcohol bite, making it super sippable.
Common Mistakes
- Using fake maple syrup—it won’t taste right
- Pouring the cream too fast—it’ll just mix in, not swirl
- Not measuring—too much vodka throws the balance off
- Using crushed ice—it melts too fast and waters everything down
What to Serve With
- A slice of pumpkin pie
- Maple-glazed nuts
- Chocolate truffles
- A cozy blanket and a good movie
FAQ
Can I make this without cream?
Yes! Try oat milk or almond milk, but it won’t be as rich.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Just double everything and pour into two glasses.
Is it very sweet?
It’s sweet, but not overly. The maple syrup adds richness without overdoing it.
Can I use flavored vodka?
Yes—vanilla vodka works great here.
Final Thoughts
This Maple White Russian is cozy, creamy, and just the right amount of fancy without the fuss. It’s a drink that feels like a treat and takes no time at all. Try it out, take a sip, and let me know how it turned out for you in the comments. I’d love to hear what twist you added!
