Strawberry White Russian Cocktail Recipe

If you love a classic White Russian, you’ve got to try it with strawberries. Mixing creamy coffee liqueur and fresh berry flavor makes a drink that’s both comforting and a little unexpected.

This Strawberry White Russian cocktail recipe will walk you through making a simple, refreshing twist on the original.

I really enjoy how the sweet strawberry blends into the rich cream and coffee notes. It somehow feels lighter and more inviting, but you still get that bold White Russian taste.

This version works great for a cozy night in or, honestly, as a fun surprise to share with friends.

You don’t need fancy tools or weird ingredients, which is always a win. Once you try it, you might find yourself making it more often than you’d expect.

Strawberry White Russian Cocktail Recipe

This cocktail brings together the rich coffee flavor of a classic White Russian and the sweet taste of strawberries. It ends up creamy and refreshing, and honestly, it just looks pretty served over ice.

Equipment

• Rocks glass or martini glass for serving
• Cocktail shaker for mixing everything smoothly
• Muddler or spoon to crush strawberries
• Strainer to keep fruit bits out
• Measuring jigger for pouring
• Small saucepan if making homemade berry syrup
• Mixing spoon for swirling in the cream
• Ice scoop to fill the glass without melting the ice too fast

I keep the tools simple—nothing fancy. A shaker really helps blend the vodka, coffee liqueur, and strawberry syrup before you add the cream.

A rocks glass feels classic, but sometimes I use a martini glass if I want a sleeker look.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 1 oz strawberry syrup or muddled strawberries with sugar
• 1 oz heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk
• Fresh strawberries for garnish
• Ice cubes

I usually go for heavy cream—it makes the drink thick and rich. Half-and-half or milk are fine too if you want something lighter.

Fresh strawberry syrup gives the best color and sweetness, while coffee liqueur adds that roasted edge. A fresh strawberry slice on top just makes it look finished.

Instructions

• Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
• Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and strawberry syrup to a shaker with ice.
• Shake gently until chilled, then strain into your prepared glass.
• Slowly pour cream over the top so it floats above the darker mix.
• Stir lightly if you want the cream blended in, or leave it layered for that dramatic look.
• Garnish with a fresh strawberry on the rim or drop a small slice inside.

The layering step makes the drink look striking, but sometimes I just stir it all together for an even flavor. Depends on my mood, honestly.

Notes

I think homemade strawberry syrup tastes best—it avoids that syrupy sweetness you sometimes get from store-bought. I just simmer strawberries with sugar and water until it thickens, then strain.

If I only have milk, I use it, but it’s definitely less creamy. Half-and-half lands somewhere in between.

Want a stronger coffee kick? Add a splash more Kahlúa. Want it lighter? Cut back on the vodka. This recipe’s pretty flexible, and even small tweaks can totally change how it feels.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip of this Strawberry White Russian, the creamy base jumps out immediately. There’s this richness from the cream that plays off the strawberry’s sweetness in a way that just feels, well, smooth and super easy to drink.

The coffee liqueur brings in a gentle bitterness, so the whole thing never gets too sugary. I really like how the strawberry softens the sharpness of the coffee notes, but doesn’t completely cover them up.

Vodka hangs out quietly in the background. It adds a little warmth, but honestly, it never takes over the show. That’s probably why the drink tastes so light, even though it’s still a White Russian underneath it all.

The strawberry comes through most in the finish. There’s this mild fruity aftertaste that lingers for a bit—kind of fun, honestly. It’s like a traditional White Russian cocktail got a playful twist.

To me, this berry White Russian is pretty much a dessert-style drink. It’s creamy, sweet, and balanced out with just enough coffee bitterness to keep things interesting. I’d probably serve it as a casual evening cocktail, or maybe as a treat after dinner.