Bailey’s White Russian Cocktail Recipe — Creamy, Smooth

Bailey’s White Russian –  Indulgent, velvety, and effortlessly comforting, this modern dessert-style cocktail delivers the luxurious blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream that generations of home bartenders have adored. Smooth and dessert-like yet still spirited, it’s the kind of drink that feels equally at home at a cozy dinner gathering, a holiday party, or a quiet evening wind-down. What sets this variation apart is its richer mouthfeel and layered sweetness, combining the depth of coffee with creamy softness for a sip that is both relaxing and rewarding.

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Recipe Overview 

Cuisines: American • Contemporary Cocktail
Course: Beverage / Dessert Cocktail

Servings: 1 glass
Calories: ~290–360 kcal

Prep Time: 5 min
Active Time: 5 min
Resting Time: 0 min
Total Time: 5 min

Ingredients

• 2 oz (60 ml) vodka

• 1 oz (30 ml) coffee liqueur

• 1–1.5 oz (30–45 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (lightly thickened if preferred)

• Ice cubes (large or clear ice recommended)

Optional garnish ideas

• Light cocoa dust or shaved chocolate

• Coffee beans (as aromatic accent)

• Cinnamon sprinkle or nutmeg (very light)

The richness of the drink shifts depending on your choice of cream. Heavy cream gives a denser, dessert-like texture, while half-and-half produces a lighter, more sippable profile. Avoid overly sweet syrups — the elegance of this cocktail comes from balance rather than sugar overload.

Equipment

To achieve the smoothest texture and cleanest presentation, gather:

• Rocks (old-fashioned) glass or lowball tumbler

• Jigger for precise measurement

• Bar spoon (optional, for gentle integration)

• Small whisk or frother (if lightly whipping cream)

• Ice tray with large cubes or clear craft ice

Large ice melts more slowly, controlling dilution while preserving body and aroma.

Nutrition Table (Per Serving — Approx.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the glass and ice.
   Fill a chilled rocks glass with large ice cubes. Wider cubes minimize rapid melting and help maintain structure as the cream settles into the drink.

2. Add vodka and coffee liqueur.
   Measure each with a jigger and pour directly over the ice. Give a slow, short stir to blend the base evenly without over-diluting.

3. Lightly prepare the cream (optional).
   For a silkier finish, gently thicken the cream until it becomes pourable but not whipped — just enough to create a smooth cascade effect when added to the glass.

4. Float or layer the cream.
   Hold a spoon just over the surface of the liquid and slowly pour the cream across the back of the spoon so it settles gracefully on top. This technique preserves visual contrast and allows the first sip to pass through the cream before reaching the coffee-spirit base.

5. Serve as layered or gently integrated.
   Some prefer to keep the top layer intact; others give a brief swirl before drinking. Both approaches are valid — the choice affects texture more than flavor.

6. Enjoy immediately.
   This cocktail is meant to be savored slowly while chilled, with each sip revealing deeper notes of roasted coffee, vanilla warmth, and creamy sweetness.

Tips for Best Results

• Lightly thicken cream for the most elegant cascade effect.

• Avoid crushed ice — it melts too quickly and thins the drink.

• Keep proportions consistent; excess cream can mute flavor balance.

• Use quality coffee liqueur for richer roast and chocolate tones.

• Allow the first sip to pass through the cream rather than stirring aggressively.

Conclusion

The Bailey’s White Russian is more than just a cocktail — it’s a silky, indulgent blend of coffee, cream, and Irish liqueur that feels like a dessert in a glass. Its velvety texture, mellow sweetness, and subtle kick of vodka make it a timeless favorite for evening gatherings, holiday celebrations, or quiet nights of relaxation.