The White Russian is beloved for a reason. Its satisfying mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream is easy to make and even easier to drink—real fans will tell you it’s nearly impossible to have just one. But there are tons of other cocktails that deliver a similar creamy sweetness with a kick. If you want to branch out, mix up one of these seven cocktails the next time you have a hankering for a White Russian.
If you’re really looking for a morning jolt, this energy drink cocktail from bartender and author Steph Russ can deliver it tenfold. A highly caffeinated mix of Kahlua, coffee and Java Monster Mean Bean joins forces with vodka for a sweet, satisfying breakfast drink that could wake the dead.
The Essentials
vodka
Coffee
Java Monster Mean Bean
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If you love the taste of a White Russian but could do without the dairy, this cream-free version will satisfy your craving. Simply mix two parts vodka with one part coffee liqueur and enjoy.
The Essentials
Vodka
Kahlua
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Vince Favella, beverage director of Brooklyn’s Alamo Drafthouse, transformed the White Russian into this decadent boozy milkshake. Garnished with a black and white cookie, it’s the New York-ified version of the classic.
The Essentials
Vanilla Soft Serve
Vodka
Kahlúa
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While this drink doesn’t contain any coffee flavors, White Russian fans will still enjoy its rich, creamy body. It’s sweet but not too saccharine, thanks to bittersweet dark chocolate liqueur.
The Essentials
cherry vodka
creme de cacao
half and half
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Basically a tall version of the White Russian, this beverage adds hazelnut liqueur and Irish cream to the classic mix of coffee liqueur, vodka and cream. If you’re just starting out on your drinking journey, this cocktail will gently ease you in.
The Essentials
vodka
coffee liqueur
hazelnut liqueur
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This frozen White Russian variation was invented at Wreck Bar and Grill on Grand Cayman in the 1950s and is still on the menu today. It replaces regular cream with Irish cream and adds one scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent beach drink.
The Essentials
vodka
Kahlua
vanilla ice cream
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You can still make a decent White Russian even if you don’t have fresh cream lying around. Simply sub in an ounce of non-dairy creamer and enjoy (preferably, in a bowling alley, Big Lebowski style).
The Essentials
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