Chai spice-infused cream puts a holiday spin on this great classic White Russian cocktail.
Love alcoholic coffee drinks? You might also enjoy this Spiced Irish Coffee.
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What is a white Russian cocktail?
A white Russian cocktail is a classic three-ingredient alcoholic drink made with coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua), vodka and cream (or sometimes half and half). The proportions of the ingredients can differ between different white Russian recipes but the three main ingredients are usually the same.
Why is it called White Russian?
The White Russian cocktail apparently got its name from the fact that vodka is one of the main ingredients. It did not actually originate in Russia.
How to make the spice-infused cream:
Rather than using straight cream, this recipe uses spiced cream. Infusing cream with chai spices is very easy to do but it does take time because the cream and the spices will need to chill in the fridge overnight.
The cream is infused cold so all you have to do is pour 1 cup cold heavy cream into a bowl, then add:
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 10 whole cloves
- 1 one-inch long piece of thinly sliced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon lightly crushed black peppercorns
- ½ teaspoon cardamom seeds
Let the mix sit in the fridge overnight and strain out the spices the next morning.
How to make the drinks:
When you’re ready to make the drinks, add ice cubes to each glass, then pour equal parts coffee liqueur, vodka and chai spice-infused cream over them.
Should I mix a white Russian?
Whether or not you mix a white Russian is up to you! The drink looks prettier when layered but I personally think it tastes better when mixed.
More delicious coffee liqueur desserts:
Made this recipe? It would be awesome if you could leave a rating. Either tap or click the stars in the recipe card or leave a comment below. Thanks!
Full Printable Recipe
Chai White Russian
Ingredients
For the chai spice cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 10 whole cloves
- 1 one-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, lightly crushed
- ½ teaspoon cardamom seeds
For the drink:
- 1 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 cup chai-spiced cream
- ice cubes
Instructions
For the chai spice cream:
- Add all ingredients to a bowl, cover and keep in the fridge for about 12 hours or overnight.
- Strain out the spices.
For the drink:
- Add a few ice cubes to each glass.
- Add equal parts of coffee liqueur, vodka and chai-spiced cream to each glass.
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom
Seriously, what’s not to love about a white Russian?! Especially when it’s infused with chai spice! This is dangerous drink for me…. very dangerous!
Nicole B.
It’s very dangerous for me too!! :)
Julia
Nicole this drink looks AMAZING. I actually am going to try this for Thanksgiving day and look forward to everyones reaction. Yum!! Also your pictures are absolutely spectacular. I’ve now spent almost an hour reading all of your photography posts, oops! Thanks for sharing all of your tricks, it helps!!
Nicole B.
That is so great to hear, Julia! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and let me know how your guests liked the drink. :)
sue|theviewfromgreatisland
That shot took my breath away, and now I’m just craving one!
Nicole B.
Thank you Sue, that is so nice of you to say. Wish I could bring you a glass! :)
Hannah
Beautiful photo, and the drink sounds absolutely delish!
xx Hannah // http://www.HomemadeBanana.com
Nicole B.
Thank you, Hannah! :)
THE HUNGRY MUM
Saw this on Google plus and had to check it out! What a gorge cocktail – so elegant.
Nicole B.
Thank you so much, hungry mum! :)
Amanda | The Chunky Chef
Ohhhhh, anything Chai has my name written alllll over it :) That pouring shot… WOW! I definitely need to work on my action shots… this is just stunning :D
Nicole B.
Thank you so much, Amanda! I should do more action shots myself, they always add an extra dimension of deliciousness. :)
Kevin | Keviniscooking
That is just the best action shot I’ve ever seen! What a photo and the… splash of chia infused cream (brilliant and sounds so tasty!) makes it look like an ocean wave of deliciousness Nicole! Wow.
Nicole B.
Thank you SO much, Kevin! An ocean wave of deliciousness, I love that description! :)
Louise | Cygnet Kitchen
What a beautiful shot! I am seriously in awe, Nicole x
Nicole B.
You are so sweet, thank you, Louise! :)
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
Perfect dessert as far as I’m concerned. I’ve always like the Black Russian but you’ve taken it to the stratosphere!! I love your spices, I can almost feel them tingling on my tongue. I love your pour shot — one of these days I’ll have to tell you how my photo set up turned out to be a Keystone Kop adventure!!
Nicole B.
Thank you, Marisa! That does sound like a great story! :)