The White Russian is a classic cocktail that has been delighting drinkers for decades. This creamy, smooth, and subtly sweet drink typically combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. However, when you add Dulce de Leche into the mix, you elevate this already indulgent cocktail to a whole new level. Dulce de Leche, a rich caramelized milk syrup, adds a luxurious sweetness that blends perfectly with the creamy texture, creating a drink that’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a decadent after-dinner treat or a cocktail to impress your friends, the Dulce de Leche White Russian is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This recipe takes the beloved White Russian and gives it a unique twist with the addition of Dulce de Leche. The richness of the Dulce de Leche adds depth and complexity to the drink, making each sip a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. The texture is silky smooth, and the flavors meld together in a way that is both comforting and sophisticated. The sweetness is just the right amount, never overwhelming but always present to enhance the overall drinking experience. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you can whip up this luxurious cocktail anytime you want to treat yourself or your guests.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 1 oz Dulce de Leche
- 1 oz Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Extra Dulce de Leche for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Begin by preparing your glass. A short, lowball glass works best for this cocktail, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Add a few ice cubes to the glass, ensuring that the ice will chill the drink evenly.
Step 2: In a separate mixing glass, pour in 2 oz of vodka. This serves as the base of your cocktail and provides the necessary kick to balance out the sweetness.
Step 3: Add 1 oz of coffee liqueur to the mixing glass. This adds depth of flavor with its rich coffee and vanilla notes, creating the perfect backdrop for the Dulce de Leche.
Step 4: Now, add 1 oz of Dulce de Leche to the mixing glass. You can adjust the amount of Dulce de Leche to your taste, but 1 oz typically provides the perfect amount of sweetness without overwhelming the drink.
Step 5: Finally, pour 1 oz of heavy cream into the mixing glass. This gives the cocktail its creamy texture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the Dulce de Leche dissolves completely and the cream blends smoothly with the vodka and coffee liqueur.
Step 6: Once everything is mixed, pour the mixture into the prepared glass over the ice. You’ll notice the drink’s creamy, caramel color, and the aromas will make it even more inviting.
Step 7 (Optional): For an extra touch, drizzle a little more Dulce de Leche over the top of the drink, or swirl it into the glass to create a beautiful marbled effect.
Variation:
- Iced Dulce de Leche White Russian: If you want a cooler, more refreshing version of this cocktail, you can serve it over crushed ice or blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen version.
- Vegan Dulce de Leche White Russian: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Use a dairy-free coffee liqueur, such as a vegan-friendly Kahlúa alternative, and a vegan Dulce de Leche.
- Chocolate Dulce de Leche White Russian: Add a small splash of chocolate liqueur (like Godiva or Creme de Cacao) to the drink to introduce a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs wonderfully with the Dulce de Leche.
Cooking Notes:
- Dulce de Leche Quality: The quality of your Dulce de Leche is key to the success of this cocktail. If possible, use a high-quality brand or homemade Dulce de Leche for the best flavor. You can find it at most grocery stores or make it yourself by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk until it thickens and turns a beautiful caramel color.
- Consistency: If the Dulce de Leche is too thick, you can thin it out slightly with a splash of milk or water to make it easier to mix into the drink.
Serving Suggestions:
The Dulce de Leche White Russian is a perfect after-dinner drink or a special treat for guests at a dinner party. Pair it with rich desserts like chocolate cake, tiramisu, or crème brûlée. It’s also great when served alongside a cup of coffee for a more indulgent experience. For a fun touch, serve it in unique glassware like a vintage coupe or a martini glass for an elegant presentation.
Tips:
- If you’re preparing a batch for a group, you can easily double or triple the ingredients and mix everything together in a large pitcher. Serve over ice and garnish with a drizzle of Dulce de Leche.
- Experiment with the sweetness level. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add an extra tablespoon of Dulce de Leche. For a less sweet version, use only ¾ oz or adjust according to your taste.
- You can also garnish the drink with a few chocolate shavings or a cinnamon stick for a festive or holiday twist.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Calories: ~300-350 calories per serving (varies depending on cream and Dulce de Leche) Protein: ~1-2 grams Sodium: ~50-70 mg (varies depending on ingredients)
FAQs:
Can I use other types of cream in this recipe? Yes! If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. For a vegan version, opt for coconut cream or almond milk.
Can I make this cocktail ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the mixed ingredients (vodka, coffee liqueur, Dulce de Leche, and cream) ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, pour over ice and stir.
What can I use instead of Dulce de Leche? If you don’t have Dulce de Leche, you can use caramel syrup or sweetened condensed milk. However, Dulce de Leche has a richer, more complex flavor that is difficult to replicate exactly.
Can I make this into a non-alcoholic drink? Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of this drink by using coffee-flavored syrups or coffee extract in place of the coffee liqueur and using a non-alcoholic vodka substitute.
Conclusion:
The Dulce de Leche White Russian is a wonderfully indulgent cocktail that combines the classic White Russian with the rich, caramelized flavor of Dulce de Leche. With its smooth texture, deep sweetness, and satisfying complexity, it’s the perfect drink for special occasions or a well-deserved treat after a long day. Whether you’re a fan of creamy cocktails or just looking for something new to try, this version of the White Russian is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, it’s a cocktail that anyone can make and enjoy.