Eggnog White Russian

The Eggnog White Russian is a festive variation of the classic White Russian cocktail, which traditionally combines vodka, coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa), and cream. In this holiday-inspired twist, eggnog replaces the cream, infusing the drink with rich, spiced flavors characteristic of the season.

Origins of the White Russian:

The original White Russian emerged in the mid-20th century as a creamy counterpart to the Black Russian (a mix of vodka and coffee liqueur). The addition of cream transformed it into the White Russian, a smooth, indulgent cocktail. Despite its name, the drink has no direct ties to Russia; the moniker simply reflects vodka’s association with the country. The White Russian gained renewed popularity in the late 1990s, notably due to its prominent feature in the film The Big Lebowski, where it was the preferred drink of the main character, “The Dude.”

Incorporation of Eggnog:

Eggnog, a traditional holiday beverage with roots tracing back to medieval Europe, is a rich concoction of eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Its association with festive celebrations made it a natural candidate for seasonal cocktail adaptations.

The exact origin of substituting cream with eggnog in a White Russian is not well-documented, but this variation likely arose as a creative means to blend the cocktail’s smoothness with the nostalgic flavors of the holidays. By the early 21st century, recipes for the Eggnog White Russian began appearing in various publications and online platforms, reflecting its growing popularity during the holiday season.

Eggnog White Russian Cocktail

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz. vanilla vodka
  • 1 oz. coffee liquer
  • 1/2 oz. amaretto liqueur
  • 2 oz. egg nog

Instructions

  1. In a glass with an ice cube, add everything but the eggnog and stir.
  2. Froth eggnog and float it on top on the back of a bar spoon

Garnish

Garnish with a lemon twist.