by Rachel Funk

Created on: October 01, 2009   Last Updated: October 03, 2009

With its popularity seemingly cyclical, the White Russian is enjoying a current upswing in demand. Smooth and creamy with a delicate coffee flavor, tempered by thick cream, the White Russian is a delicate treat well suited for an after dinner drink or for a night at the club.

The recent resurgence in popularity is largely due to the movie, The Big Lebowski ,in which the lead character is constantly seen preparing, drinking, or shopping in order to prepare what he calls, a Caucasian. This strong portrayal of acceptance has increased the drink's popularity with men as well as women.

The White Russian, much as the case is with the Black Russian, is not name for its origin, but rather for its use of vodka. As with the Black Russian another key ingredient is the coffee liqueur, often times Kahlua, but Tia Maria is also commonly used. The final addition that sets the White Russian apart from the Black Russian, is the cream. Fresh cream, shaken, blended or frothed in order to thicken it, is added to the drink, giving it a smoother flavor.

In order to properly serve this drink, you must construct it in the right order. First, take an old fashioned glass and fill halfway with chipped ice or ice cubes. Pour 3 oz of vodka and 2 oz of coffee liqueur over the ice. Take the fresh cream and carefully pour 3 oz over the ice and add a swizzle stick, do not stir. Serve the drink unstirred so the layered effect is visible. This allows the drinker to stir the cream in slowly as they enjoy.

There are a few variations of the White Russian, typically these are highly localized. A White Canadian is made, not with fresh cream, but with goat's milk. The White Mexican has the cream replaced by horchata, a milky beverage made from ground almonds, rice, or tiger nuts. The White Cuban uses cream and coffee liqueur, but uses rum rather than vodka.

With the heavy content of cream, those who are lactose intolerant may feel excluded from enjoying this particular drink. With the use of soy milk and other dairy creamers, an individual with intolerance to dairy can still enjoy a White Russian. If available, tiger nut horchata is dairy free, and can also be used in place of cream.

The White Russian, Caucasian to some, is something that every coffee lover should try, if only to enjoy the cool, smooth delight of it.

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