White Russian
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A White Russian is a decadent, creamy cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a generous pour of heavy cream or milk, creating a rich, velvety texture. Its flavor profile is a smooth blend of sweet, roasted coffee notes with a cooling, dairy-rich finish, making it a dessert-like indulgence. Nutritionally, it's high in fat and sugar, with minimal protein, delivering a significant calorie load from its alcoholic and dairy components.
Calorie split: 7% protein · 36% carbs · 57% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love the White Russian for its luxurious, dessert-like taste and its iconic status in pop culture, famously featured in the film 'The Big Lebowski.' Its versatility allows for variations using different milks or cream, catering to personal preference.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The cocktail is high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat, which can contribute to blood sugar spikes and is a concern for those managing weight or heart health. To mitigate this, consider using a smaller portion, opting for lower-fat milk, or pairing it with a protein-rich snack to slow sugar absorption. Individuals with lactose intolerance should use a lactose-free alternative.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from alcohol and sugar.
- Contains calcium from the dairy component.
- Offers a comforting, indulgent sensory experience.
- Simple to prepare with just three ingredients.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The drink's name is a historical nod to the political conflict between the 'White' (anti-Bolshevik) and 'Red' (Bolshevik) armies during the Russian Civil War.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 69.9 g |
| Energy | 181 kcal |
| Protein | 2.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 7.9 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 11.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 9.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 73.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.05 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 7.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 66.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 96.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 43.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.28 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 2.3 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.60 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.02 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.14 mg |
| Niacin | 0.10 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.03 mg |
| Folate, total | 2.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 2.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 2.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 12.9 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.13 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 66.0 ug |
| Retinol | 65.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 15.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.17 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.90 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 8.5 g |
| Caffeine | 5.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.8 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.17 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.14 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.21 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.24 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.78 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.2 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.84 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.17 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.40 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.34 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 24.0 mg |
FAQ
What is the difference between a White Russian and a Black Russian?
A Black Russian contains only vodka and coffee liqueur, served over ice. A White Russian adds a float or mix of heavy cream or milk on top.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, you can make a 'White Cow' by substituting the vodka and coffee liqueur with cold brew coffee or a non-alcoholic coffee syrup, mixed with milk or cream.
What is the best milk or cream to use?
Traditional recipes use heavy cream for maximum richness. Half-and-half, whole milk, or even oat milk for a dairy-free version are common alternatives, each altering the texture and calorie count.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.81 kcal/g · 5% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 9.6 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.45 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.