Baileys White Russian Cocktail Recipe

A White Russian already feels smooth and rich, but adding Baileys just takes it up a notch. That creamy texture and hint of Irish cream basically turn this into dessert in a glass. This Baileys White Russian recipe walks you through mixing a simple, balanced drink that feels special without much effort at all.

Honestly, I love how you only need a few ingredients—and you don’t need any fancy tools either. Whip one up for a cozy night in or hand it to your friends after dinner.

The end result is a creamy cocktail with just the right amount of sweetness and a smooth coffee finish that’s tough to beat.

Baileys White Russian Cocktail Recipe

I usually make this when I’m craving something creamy, smooth, and super easy. It blends coffee flavor, sweet cream, and a little vodka for a taste that’s rich but not too heavy.

Equipment

I keep it simple when making this cocktail. No need for anything fancy, but having a few basics helps everything come together (and look good).

• Old-fashioned glass (rocks glass) – sturdy, perfect for serving over ice
• Cocktail shaker or mixing glass – helps blend everything evenly
• Jigger or measuring tool – for pouring the right amounts
• Bar spoon – lets you stir gently, so the ice doesn’t melt too fast
• Ice cubes – bigger cubes are better, since they melt slower and keep things cold

I like to chill the glass first. It keeps the drink colder and the ice lasts longer, which honestly just makes the whole thing taste better.

Ingredients

Fresh ingredients really make a difference here. Each one balances sweetness, richness, and that little kick.

• 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream – brings the creamy texture and flavor
• 1 oz vodka – adds a crisp base
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) – gives depth and a mild coffee note
• Ice cubes – chills everything without watering it down too fast
• Optional: splash of cream or milk for extra richness
• Optional garnish: a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a couple coffee beans

I always reach for fresh ice and decent vodka. It keeps the drink clear and the flavors clean.

Instructions

I follow these steps for the right balance and texture.

• Fill your glass with ice cubes.
• Pour in the vodka and coffee liqueur.
• Add Baileys Irish Cream last.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon until everything looks smooth and blended.
• For a layered look, pour Baileys slowly over the back of a spoon.
• You can top it off with a splash of cream or milk if you want a lighter color.

Serve it right away, while it’s still cold and fresh.

Notes

This drink’s easy to tweak. If you want it stronger, just add a bit more vodka. If you’re after more sweetness, pour in more Baileys.

Big ice cubes really help the flavor last. Sometimes I chill the glass before making the drink, just to keep it extra cold.

It’s a great after-dinner cocktail or a relaxing treat. Don’t shake it too hard, though—it can get foamy instead of smooth, and that’s not really the vibe here.

Tasting Notes

Right away, I notice the Baileys White Russian has this smooth, creamy texture. The combo of Baileys, vodka, and coffee liqueur gives it a rich mouthfeel, but it doesn’t feel heavy at all.

That first sip? It’s got a gentle sweetness from the Baileys. I catch hints of vanilla, a bit of chocolate, and just a touch of coffee—they all sort of blend together in a way that feels pretty even. The vodka cuts through and gives it a clean edge, stopping the drink from going overboard on sweetness.

As the ice melts, the flavors mellow out a bit. I like how the creaminess sticks around, while the coffee notes start to come forward more.

When I serve it cold, the aroma stays mild but honestly, it’s really pleasant. It smells like sweet cream mixed with roasted coffee beans, which just makes the whole thing feel kind of comforting and familiar.

Flavor Highlights:

• Sweet cream and coffee blend
• Smooth texture with light warmth from vodka
• Subtle vanilla and cocoa finish

Every sip keeps that same calm, cozy vibe. It’s such a simple cocktail, but I find it relaxing—perfect for winding down at the end of the day.