by Louanne Cox

Created on: June 19, 2007

A good White Russian is similar to an exquisite chocolate truffle, you take that first mouthful and let it sit in your mouth a moment, savouring the flavour, before letting it caress you all the way down your throat. Whilst enjoying the aftertaste, you just cannot wait to try another. As you can tell this is one of my favourite cocktails of all time.

The White Russian has been around since the cold war and along the way have spawned lots of variations, but none beat the classic.

The Classic White Russian

2 parts Vodka
1 part Kahlua
1 part cream
1 part milk
ice

There are three ways of making this, the first is to put all of the ingredients into a shaker and shake before straining into an old fashioned glass to serve. The second way is to pour the ingredients in the above order over ice. A third was is to shake the ice, vodka and Kahlua before straining into a glass and then layering on the milk and cream.

Then you have the Kicked Up White Russian Milkshake (created by Emeril Lagasse)

2oz Kahlua
2oz Vanilla Vodka
1 oz Crme de Cacao
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
toasted sweetened coconut flakes, garnish
unsweetened cocoa powder, garnish

In a blender combine alcohol and ice cream, blend until frothy. Pour into two glasses and garnish with the coconut flakes and cocoa powder. Serve immediately.

If you want more of a kick you may want to try a Blonde Russian? This replaces the cream with Baileys. This cocktail is delicious, but lethal.

A Colorado Bulldog is where you make up a White Russian and add a splash of coke.

If you enjoy rum based drinks then a White Cuban may suit. Take the same White Russian recipe, but substitute the vodka with rum.

After trying the numerous variations, don't forget to take the classic White Russian on another taste trial, you won't regret it.

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