White Russian Cocktail – it sounds wintry but is good all year round

There’s something about the White Russian that just sounds cold; it reminds people of those snowy winter scenes in Doctor Zhivago.  If thinking of that makes you feel cold, think instead of the classic film The Big Lebowski, set in sunny California, where The Dude abides thanks to two essential items: bowling and White Russians.  As you can guess, White Russians did not originate in Russia, legend has it that they got their name because Vodka is the main ingredient.  Kahlua®, of course, comes from Mexico, but has a distinctly minority position in this fine cocktail, so don’t get hung up on names.

The White Russian is easy to make.  If you’re lazy and not too picky about how cold it is, you can build it in the glass and save having to wash the shaker, but most mixologists prefer to make the extra effort to obtain a superior result.  It is possible to substitute other coffee liqueurs for Kahlua, but be careful here.  Starbuck’s® Coffee Liqueur, for example, replaces the subtlety of Kahlua with an overpowering coffee taste.  Either stick to Kahlua or cut back on the quantity.

White Russian

2 oz Vodka

1 oz Kahlua liqueur

Light cream, half and half, or milk

Pour Vodka and Kahlua into a shaker half full of ice.  Shake well for around 15 seconds.  Strain into an Old Fashioned glass about 2/3 full of ice cubes.  Fill with light cream and stir thoughtfully while dreaming of Maude Lebowski.  Garnish with a cinnamon stick (make sure it’s long enough) and enjoy.