Baileys White Russian

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Make your next White Russian an Irish one by using the sweet creamy bite of Baileys.

It’s one of those lazy days. A Sunday afternoon with absolutely nothing to do. No chores, no housework, no lawn that needs mowing. Just a golden, warm day that seems to go by like the slowest, gentlest river. Maybe a walk around the block to one of the neighborhood bars is in order. Happy Hour is just around the corner, the weather is perfect, so why not? A cold cocktail and seat on the patio sounds like a good idea.

About ten minutes later, contact with the local watering hole has been established, and I’m at the bar, wondering what I should have. My usual poisons, perhaps? A Vesper Martini, maybe a Gin Fizz? Or something sweet and tart instead, like a Daiquiri? My mind raced, hoping I’d come to a decision before the barkeep noticed my befuddled expression. Then I saw the televisions. One was playing some sports thing, water polo I think. The other was showing The Big Lebowski. The bartender approached.

“What’ll ya have?”

Since the day was very Dude-like, and the movie playing also helped to inspire my mood, I decided to abide. “Like, a White Russian, man.”

They smirked. Before turning to mix my drink up, they stopped and asked: “Feeling a little Irish?”

I was intrigued. Being half-Irish, I had only one answer. “Of course.”

Moments later, a rocks glass filled with a black and white elixir slid across the bar, stopping in front of me. I sipped deeply of its creamy, layered and Kahlúa-flavored contents, nodding with a surprised, satisfied relish when the Baileys Irish cream hit my taste buds. A Baileys White Russian.

Some may prefer the original version, but that’s just, like, their opinion, man. A good one, though. Both are delicious.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Baileys White Russian?

If you’ve got a bottle of both Kahlúa and Baileys at home, you’re more than halfway to having tonight’s cocktail. All you need is a nice, crisp and clean vodka, and you’re all set. I always sing the praises of Chopin organic rye, and their potato vodka is fantastic as well. The rye variety finishes with a little extra heat, and both are very smooth. If you have a favorite that you prefer, your Baileys White Russian will be glad to welcome it.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?

A rocks glass filled with ice is what you’ll need when serving this drink to yourself or your friends. There’s no garnish, but to achieve the layered effect, slowly pour the Baileys over the back of a barspoon on top of the coffee liqueur and vodka.

WHO INVENTED THE BAILEYS WHITE RUSSIAN?

Nobody knows who the brilliant mind was that thought to use Baileys in place of heavy cream. The original White Russian itself is a variation of the Black Russian, which was created in Brussels in the 1940s by Belgian bartender Gustave Tops.

Similar Cocktails To The Baileys White Russian

The Baileys White Russian comes from a proud lineage of vodka and coffee liqueur libations. Both relaxing and perky, the combination of these spirits is a winning one. If tonight’s drink has kept you a little thirsty for more of this type of tipple, Twist & Toast will keep the beverages flowing for your next cocktail hour.

• Mind Eraser – Top your Black Russian with club soda to craft this concoction from the 1980s.
• Espresso Martini – Trendy, tremendous and a fantastic treat at brunch.
• Frozen Mudslide – The addition of ice cream helps your vodka, Baileys and Kahlúa become both a cocktail and dessert.
• Espresso Margarita – Here’s something different for your next poolside party.