Lavender White Russian Cocktail Recipe

I love putting a new spin on classic cocktails. The Lavender White Russian is such an easy upgrade for your usual drink.

This recipe blends smooth coffee liqueur and vodka with a gentle hint of lavender, offering a fresh take on a well-loved beverage. It’s honestly a simple way to impress guests—or just unwind after a long day.

When I make this cocktail, the floral flavor adds something special without making things complicated. Want to learn how to mix this smooth and stylish drink at home? You’re in the right place.

Lavender White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Lavender White Russian Cocktail Recipe
This drink combines the classic flavor of a White Russian with a gentle touch of lavender. I like making it with simple tools and easy-to-find ingredients.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker: Needed to mix the ingredients well and chill the drink fast.
  • Jigger or shot glass: Helps me measure the amounts of each liquid.
  • Fine mesh strainer: Useful if the lavender syrup has small bits, so everything stays smooth.
  • Rocks glass: Traditional for serving a White Russian.
  • Spoon or small whisk: For stirring in the cream at the end.
  • Ice cubes: Chills the drink without watering it down.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka: I use a good-quality vodka for the main spirit.
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur: Kahlúa works well but any coffee liqueur is fine.
  • 1 oz lavender syrup: I find floral syrups at most grocery stores or make my own simple syrup with dried lavender.
  • 1 oz heavy cream: This adds the classic creamy finish.
  • Ice cubes: Needed to chill the drink and get the right dilution.
  • Optional: A few dried lavender buds or a sprig for garnish.
  • Optional: Extra lavender syrup if I like a stronger floral taste.

Instructions

  • Add ice cubes to the rocks glass to fill it about halfway.
  • In the cocktail shaker, pour in vodka, coffee liqueur, and lavender syrup.
  • Add more ice to the shaker and shake well for about 10 seconds.
  • Strain the mixture over the ice in the rocks glass.
  • Slowly pour heavy cream over the top; I use the back of a spoon to keep it layered.
  • Gently stir if I want the cream mixed in, or leave it layered for a classic look.
  • Garnish with a lavender sprig or a few buds if I want extra style.

Notes

I always reach for fresh, high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor. It’s easy to make lavender syrup at home—just simmer sugar, water, and dried lavender, then strain it well.
Some people might want more or less syrup to change the floral taste, so I adjust to fit my own preference. I serve this drink right after making it, since it tastes best cold and fresh.
If I don’t have heavy cream, I swap in half and half, but it won’t be quite as rich. For a lighter version, I sometimes use whole milk, though the texture will be less creamy.
If I want a non-alcoholic version, I swap vodka and the coffee liqueur for cold brew coffee and extra syrup. The drink still looks and feels special, even without alcohol.
One last thing: I always store any homemade lavender syrup in the fridge and use it within two weeks to keep it fresh.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

When I sip the Lavender White Russian, the first thing I notice is the gentle floral scent from the lavender syrup. It adds a light perfume to the usual creamy aroma of a classic White Russian.

The first taste brings soft creaminess and a hint of earthy coffee from the coffee liqueur. The lavender syrup doesn’t overpower; instead, it gives a subtle sweet and floral touch that just feels smooth on my tongue.

I notice the flavors blend together well. The drink is not too sweet, and the lavender stays in the background—never too strong or soapy, thankfully.

Key qualities I taste:

  • Balanced sweetness
  • Notes of vanilla from cream
  • Soft lavender throughout
  • A mild finish that lingers briefly

The Lavender White Russian feels rich but not heavy. I find it refreshing, and honestly, the floral twist makes it unique without straying far from the original classic.

Substitute

Sometimes I just don’t have every single ingredient for a Lavender White Russian. Here are a few alternatives I reach for that still keep the drink tasting pretty great.

If I don’t have coffee liqueur, I use these options:

  • Chocolate liqueur
  • Hazelnut liqueur
  • Cold brew coffee mixed with a bit of sugar

When I run out of vodka, I like to try:

  • Gin for a more herbal flavor
  • White rum for a sweeter note

Instead of lavender syrup, I sometimes use:

  • Vanilla syrup
  • Honey syrup with a drop of food-safe lavender oil
  • Simple syrup with dried lavender steeped in

Cream or milk can also be swapped for:

  • Oat milk
  • Almond milk
  • Half and half

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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