White Russian Martini Cocktail Recipe

White Russian Martini Nutrition Facts

Calories:350

Fat:12g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol:18%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The White Russian Martini is a twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, which was created in the 1960s. The drink gained popularity in the 1990s thanks to the film 'The Big Lebowski'. This martini version is perfect for those who enjoy the creamy, coffee flavors of the original but prefer a more sophisticated presentation. It is a popular choice for after-dinner drinks and appeals to both coffee and cocktail enthusiasts.

How White Russian Martini Tastes?

The White Russian Martini has a rich, creamy taste with a hint of coffee and sweetness. It is smooth, velvety, and indulgent, with a warming sensation from the vodka and a pleasant balance between the sweet and bitter flavors.

Interesting facts about White Russian Martini

  • The White Russian Martini is a variation of the classic White Russian, which itself is a spin-off of the Black Russian cocktail.
  • The name 'White Russian' does not have any direct connection to Russia, but rather comes from the use of vodka, a popular Russian spirit.
  • The Dude, the main character in 'The Big Lebowski', is known for his love of White Russians, which helped to boost the cocktail's popularity.

Ingredients

A few good options for White Russian Martini are:

  • Absolut
  • Belvedere
  • Ciroc

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

It's the backbone, the sturdy frame upon which we hang our decadent drapes of flavor. At 2 oz, it's just enough to let you know it's there without making you walk sideways. Without it, you'd have a creamy coffee drink fit for a teetotaler's brunch. Go less? It's a soft whisper in a cream storm. More? It's a boozy bellow in a quiet room.

Mary Mitkina

Kahlúa

Kahlúa is the flirtatious wink across the room, beckoning you with its coffee charm. It's 1 oz because we're seeking balance, not a caffeine-induced jitterbug. Too much, and you'll feel like you're chugging a boozy Starbucks. Too little, you're in bland-ville, population: you.

Emma Rose

Heavy cream

The 1 oz of heavy cream is like the cloud on which our White Russian Martini rests, offering a luxurious texture that coats the palate with a velvety touch. No cream? It's just not a White Russian anymore; it's like a bear without fur—still big and strong, but missing the cuddliness.

Alex Green

Ice

As needed, because we're chill like that. The ice doesn't just cool; it also slightly dilutes, melding the bold vodka and sweet Kahlúa with the cream to a seamless concoction. No ice? Hope you like warm vodka milkshakes.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make White Russian Martini Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add 2 oz of vodka
  3. Add 1 oz of Kahlúa
  4. Add 1 oz of heavy cream
  5. Shake well until chilled and combined
  6. Strain into a chilled martini glass
  7. Garnish with a few coffee beans (optional)

Pro Tips

  • To create a more visually appealing drink, you can layer the ingredients by slowly pouring the cream over the back of a spoon onto the vodka and Kahlúa mixture.
  • For an extra touch of indulgence, try rimming the martini glass with a mixture of sugar and finely ground coffee.

Perfect Pairings

Desserts

  • Chocolate Desserts: The rich and sweet profile of White Russian Martini complements the bitterness of dark chocolate and enhances the flavors in chocolate-based desserts.
  • Nut-Based Pastries: The nutty notes in the cocktail can pair well with almond croissants or walnut brownies, creating a harmonious taste experience.
  • Coffee-Flavored Treats: Given the coffee notes from Kahlúa, anything from tiramisu to coffee cake would be a delightful match.

Savory

  • Cheese Platters: A selection of aged cheeses like Gouda or Cheddar can contrast nicely with the creamy sweetness of the cocktail.
  • Smoked Salmon: The smokiness of the salmon can be a nice counterbalance to the sweetness of Kahlúa.
  • Caviar: The luxuriousness of caviar on blinis with a dollop of crème fraîche complements the indulgent nature of the White Russian Martini.

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What you could change in White Russian Martini

  • You can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
  • For a dairy-free option, use a non-dairy creamer or milk substitute like almond milk or coconut milk.

Explore all drinks starting with W here

And of course - twists🍹

Espresso White Russian Martini

Add a shot of fresh espresso to the mix to wake up your White Russian Martini. It's like slipping into a silk robe made of caffeine—luxurious yet energizing.

Salted Caramel White Russian Martini

Stir in a spoonful of salted caramel sauce. This twist dances on the palate with the sweet and salty tango. It's a dessert in a glass for those who refuse to settle for one flavor profile.

Coconut Cream White Russian Martini

Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical makeover. This version dons a hula skirt of flavor that whisks you away to a beachside bonfire under the starry sky.

In case you forgot basics how to make White Russian Martini

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on White Russian Martini

What type of vodka works best for a White Russian Martini?

An unflavored top-quality vodka is recommended for a White Russian Martini. However, the choice of vodka can depend on your personal preference.

Could I use a different coffee liqueur in place of Kahlúa?

Yes, you can use other coffee liqueurs. Just keep in mind that the taste may slightly change depending on the brand of coffee liqueur you use.

What are some other cocktails that use Kahlúa?

Some other popular cocktails that use Kahlúa include the Black Russian, Mudslide, Espresso Martini, and B-52.

Can other toppings be used besides coffee beans?

Yes, you could use whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Please consider that this might affect the presentation and flavor of the cocktail.

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