White Russian Cocktail with Baileys Irish Cream
Entertaining season is upon us and nothing says celebration like a simple cocktail. This recipe is a slight variation of a classic white Russian cocktail with a twist of Baileys Irish cream and chocolate. With only a few basic main ingredients this easy cocktail recipe is ready in minutes! With a creamy base, coffee flavor, and chocolaty notes, this is the perfect after-dinner drink or dessert holiday cocktail. Full recipe card below 😉
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What is a White Russian?
A white Russian is a classic cocktail typically made with equal parts heavy cream, vodka, and coffee liqueur. This simple drink is an old time classic that happens to be my mom’s favorite drink. There are many different ways to put a spin on the original white Russian cocktail recipe though. The classic variation is a black Russian cocktail, which omits the heavy cream. And recently I made my own new recipe for a fall white Russian which uses caramel vodka and Rumchata.
This Baileys white Russian recipe is also known as a mudslide which includes Irish cream liqueur, Kahlua, vodka, heavy cream, and chocolate sauce. If you enjoy a creamy cocktail, you will love this delicious drink that is not far off the original recipe.
Ingredients
This easy four part decadent cocktail is a play on a classic drink with a fun twist perfect for any occasion. Below are my notes for making a Baileys white Russian.
Kahlua – This is a Mexican coffee liqueur made from rum, sugar, and coffee beans. It is also one of the key ingredients to a white Russian cocktail because of its strong coffee flavors.
Vodka – To keep this recipe easy I used plain classic vodka but I have also used vanilla vodka which is very good too. You can use your favorite vodka brand, but for mixed drinks any decent vodka will do.
Baileys Irish Cream – I LOVE Baileys and use it often. It is one of the key ingredients in my chocolate martini as well. But if you are new to Baileys drinks let me start by telling you what it is. Baileys is a creamy liqueur made from Irish whiskey, chocolate, cream, vanilla, and cocoa. I personally think it tastes like chocolate cream and I can’t taste the whiskey at all. It’s perfect for making creamy cocktails but is also quite good on the rocks.
Heavy Cream – Like a traditional white Russian, this mudslide version is made with heavy cream or heavy whipping cream. Because of the thick consistency, it separates from the alcohol when made correctly. Technically you can use half and half or whole milk, but it will not have the same rich flavor or visual effect as cream.
Chocolate Sauce – I like to rim a glass in chocolate sauce for extra rich flavor. You can also swirl chocolate around the inside of the glass as well.
Ice – This cocktail is best served cold over ice cubes. When I make cocktails with ice I often use large ice molds or ice spheres because they don’t melt as fast and water down your drink.
Glasses – While you can serve this in any type of cocktail glass you want, a white Russian is typically served in a rocks glass or an old fashioned glass.
Garnish – If you want to make your Baileys white Russian extra pretty, garnish with chocolate shavings, cinnamon sticks, or star anise. I used all of these items and mine were delicious.
Variations – Mudslides are often served frozen as well so feel free to add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream if you have an extra sweet tooth.
The Correct Way to Mix
One of the visual signatures of a white Russian is the separated or swirl effect of the layers. To achieve this it must be made correctly. Pour the Kahlua and vodka over ice first. Then add the cream components and do not stir unless you want to mix the layers. Since this recipe also contains Baileys, it will mix a little more than normal because there are two cream based components.
Since this is also known as a mudslide, some people prefer to mix the layers together using a cocktail shaker. Feel free to make it either way.
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White Russian Cocktail with Baileys Irish Cream
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Looking for a creamy drink recipe for your next cocktail hour? You have to try this Baileys Irish cream white Russian. It is a variation of the classic original recipe with creamy Baileys. This decadent cocktail is the best drink for after dinner or dessert. With only a few simple ingredients this cocktail recipe has easy steps and is ready in minutes! With a creamy base, coffee flavor, and chocolaty goodness, it is the perfect way to add a little extra cheer this holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 Large Ice Cube or a Handful of Ice
- 1 oz Kahlua
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 1 oz Heavy Cream
- Chocolate Sauce for rimming
- Shaved Chocolate for garnish
- Cinnamon Stick or Star Anise for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a small plate with chocolate sauce.
- Place the rim of the glass upside down onto the plate with the chocolate sauce and gently spin it around to coat it.
- Add a large ice cube or a handful of ice to the glass.
- Pour 1 oz ounce of Kahlua, followed by the vodka, Baileys, and heavy cream over ice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Looking for more tasty cocktail recipes? Check out my apple cider mimosa, cranberry Christmas cocktail, blueberry lemon Moscow mule, or my adult hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps.
When to Make a Baileys White Russian
This simple recipe makes a delicious cocktail and is perfect for a Christmas party, happy hour, New Year’s Eve, Thanksgiving, or a cozy evening in. The creamy coffee and chocolate flavors are a delicious combination that will have you asking for another.
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