White Russian

The White Russian is made with vodka, coffee liqueur (most commonly Kahlúa), and light cream, built over ice in an old-fashioned glass. The cream is typically poured last and floated over the vodka and coffee liqueur, though it is often stirred together before drinking. Some recipes use heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer texture.

The White Russian gained its most prominent cultural moment through its association with 'The Dude,' the protagonist of the Coen Brothers' 1998 film The Big Lebowski, who drinks the cocktail throughout the movie. This connection made the drink a pop culture touchstone and significantly boosted its popularity in bars worldwide. The cocktail predates the film, with origins in the 1960s as a variation of the Black Russian (vodka and coffee liqueur only).

A White Russian made with equal parts vodka (40% ABV), coffee liqueur (approximately 20% ABV), and cream yields a finished ABV in the range of 12–18% depending on the proportions used. The cream dilutes the overall strength while adding richness, making the drink taste milder than its actual alcohol content. It is classified as an IBA Contemporary Classic.