The White Russian’s origin is a playful misnomer, despite its name, the cocktail was actually invented in the United States in the mid 20th century. It evolved from the Black Russian, a simpler two ingredient drink of vodka and coffee liqueur created in 1949 by Belgian bartender Gustave Tops for a diplomat in Brussels. Adding cream transformed the drink into what became known as the White Russian. Its name nods to the vodka base, associating the drink with Russia, rather than any true Russian provenance. Over time the White Russian settled into cocktail culture as a smooth, sweet, and slightly indulgent sipper, popular in home bars and lounges alike.

The classic White Russian is made from three core ingredients being vodka, coffee liqueur (most commonly Kahlúa), and fresh cream or milk. The usual build is poured over ice, vodka and coffee liqueur first, then cream either stirred in or floated on top for a layered effect. The cocktail gained a big boost in mainstream popularity in the late 1990s thanks to the cult film The Big Lebowski, whose protagonist, ‘The Dude’, famously drank White Russians throughout the movie, rekindling interest in this creamy, low effort mixed drink. Its approachable flavour, easily adjustable sweetness and texture, and simple three ingredient recipe have kept it a staple from casual gatherings to cocktail bars.