White Russian with Baileys: Recipes, Variations & Cocktail Know-How

white russian cocktail in a rocks glass, creamy coffee color

The White Russian is a creamy, decadent cocktail known for its smooth blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. Swapping in Baileys Irish Cream takes the drink in a richer, silkier direction—perfect for dessert or a cool nightcap. This guide unpacks the Baileys twist, offers bartender strategies for balancing flavors, and walks through recipe variations that reinvent this classic.

Roots of the White Russian

First shaken up in the mid-20th century, the original White Russian evolved as a riff on the Black Russian—a simple pairing of vodka and coffee liqueur. The addition of cream created a lush, velvety finish that made the drink iconic. Baileys, introduced in the 1970s, took the world by storm with its ready-to-pour blend of Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa notes, making it a natural fit for modernizing this cocktail.

Classic Baileys White Russian Recipe

Baileys brings its own creamy sweetness, reducing the need for extra cream and delivering a richer texture. Achieving a balanced White Russian with Baileys depends on using quality ingredients and proper proportions.

Ingredients

45 ml vodka
30 ml coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
30 ml Baileys Irish Cream

Steps to Build the Cocktail

Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
Add 45 ml vodka and 30 ml coffee liqueur.
Float 30 ml Baileys Irish Cream over the top by pouring slowly over the back of a spoon, or gently stir to combine.

white russian with baileys in rocks glass, no garnish, on wood

Ingredient Selection & Preparation Tips

For the smoothest result, use Baileys straight from the fridge—cold cream blends more evenly with other ingredients.
Premium vodka and real coffee liqueur (not flavored vodka) make the flavors pop.
Crushed ice will dilute the drink quickly, but large cubes maintain rich texture and slow chilling.

Popular Baileys White Russian Variations

Customize at home or behind the bar with tested variations, each bringing a new spin to the drink’s profile.

Add 15 ml fresh cream: For extra silkiness and a lighter color.
Salted Caramel: Swap in Baileys Salted Caramel for a richer, toasty finish.
Espresso White Russian: Add 30 ml chilled espresso for a bold, cold brew punch.
Mocha Version: Sprinkle 1 ml cocoa powder or shave dark chocolate over the top for deep chocolate aroma.

baileys white russian with chocolate garnish on marble bar

Serving and Presentation Suggestions

Serve in a chilled rocks glass to maintain temperature and consistency.
Garnish with grated nutmeg or chocolate shavings for a subtle aromatic lift.
For a striking visual, pour Baileys last to create elegant swirling patterns.

Ways to Adjust for Sweetness and Texture

Reduce Baileys to 20 ml for a drier, more spirit-forward profile.
Substitute half the Baileys with milk or half-and-half for a lighter cocktail.
Choose espresso or cold brew in place of coffee liqueur for an extra coffee kick and less sweetness.

With quality Baileys, vodka, and coffee liqueur, the White Russian with Baileys becomes a modern cocktail that’s easy to tailor for any palate—and always delivers lush, café-inspired flavor.