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If you love a classic White Russian, this version adds a fluffy, coffee-forward twist. Homemade “whipped” coffee for café style, mixed with the classic White Russian ingredients of vodka, Kahlúa, and milk. Make it for holiday nights, after-dinner cocktails, or anytime you want something creamy, cold, and just a little bit fun.

side photo of Frothy Whipped Coffee White Russian

Why You’ll love this recipe

  • Classic creamy cocktail, but lighter in feel thanks to airy whipped coffee.
  • Simple ingredients you probably have on hand; no special equipment beyond a whisk or mixer.

Ingredient Notes

  • Instant coffee or espresso powder: Use instant (not ground coffee) so it whips properly. Superfine sugar whips faster; brown sugar adds a little molasses note.
  • Vodka + coffee liqueur: Neutral vodka keeps coffee flavors upfront and coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) adds sweetness.
  • Cream or milk: Half-and-half or heavy cream for classic richness; oat or coconut milk for dairy-free (oat: barista-style foam, coconut: thicker/creamier).

Recipe Inspiration

Well, I finally caved and made the whipped coffee that I’ve seen pretty much everywhere around the internet. I hesitated for quite a while, but once I had this recipe concept for a whipped coffee cocktail, I knew I had to try it.

So I did, and you know something? It’s so easy and actually pretty darn fun.

overhead photo of Frothy Whipped Coffee

If you somehow haven’t yet seen the “whipped coffee” I’m talking about, you can read more about it here. It’s so simple. You just take hot water, instant coffee, and a touch of sugar and whip the three ingredients together until it looks similar to whipped cream. It’s served over ice milk and is currently the coffee drink everyone is talking about. I know it seems odd, and trust me, it is odd, but sometimes odd things work…and this works.

The truth is, I actually enjoy instant coffee a lot. It’s how I first started drinking (and loving) coffee a few years back. I’ve since upgraded my method of brewing coffee (hello to my beloved Breville espresso machine), but every now and then a cup of instant coffee is still enjoyed.

Soo, long story short, I had this idea to top a classic White Russian with whipped coffee. I hesitated at first, but then I just went with it…and here we are today.

overhead photo of Frothy Whipped Coffee

The Details

Whip the coffee: Just whip hot water with instant coffee powder and a touch of honey or sugar until glossy, thick peaks hold their shape. If it’s not thickening, double-check you’re using instant coffee and keep whisking; chill the bowl if your kitchen is warm. I was kind of shocked this worked, but trust me, it does. It’s creamy, light, and extra fluffy.

Build the drink: Add ice to a rocks glass, pour a good splash of vodka and coffee liqueur, then cream and a little vanilla too. Pour over some milk, stir, then dollop on the whipped coffee and let it slowly sink into the cocktail. Stir again to marble.

Sweetness control: Taste and adjust—use less whipped coffee for a stronger, less sweet sip; more for a dessert-like finish.

And that’s it. Enjoy your frothy, Whipped Coffee White Russian.

Frothy Whipped Coffee White Russian | halfbakedharvest.com

Variations and Swaps

  • Decaf: Use decaf instant coffee for the whip; base stays the same.
  • Dairy-free: Swap dairy for creamy oat milk or canned coconut milk; still deliciously frothy.
  • Mocha twist: Whisk in a little cocoa with the coffee whip for chocolate notes.
  • Spiced: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom complements the coffee and cream.
  • Lighter option: Use milk over cream; the drink will be thinner and less rich.
Frothy Whipped Coffee White Russian | halfbakedharvest.com

My recommendation? This drink may be a bit over the top, but hey, it’s Saturday and we’re living life from home…anything goes. Soooo, let’s just make a fun White Russian and have a great Saturday night!

Frothy Whipped Coffee White Russian | halfbakedharvest.com
Can I use brewed coffee or cold brew instead of instant?

You’ll need instant coffee to create the fluffy whip. If you love cold brew, keep it in the base (in place of part of the cream) and still whip the coffee with instant for the topper.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Use a creamy non-dairy milk (oat is great for body, use coconut for extra richness). The coffee whip stays the same.

Can I make it less sweet?

Yes! Use a lighter hand with the whipped coffee and/or choose a less-sweet coffee liqueur. You can also add a splash more cream or milk to soften the sweetness.

My whipped coffee deflated—what now?

Chill it for a few minutes and whisk again to bring back volume. If it’s still soft, it’ll taste great! Just spoon it on and give the drink a stir.

But, just in case this isn’t your thing, here are a few other recent Cocktail Saturday drinks:

Creamy Coconut Lime Mojito

Spicy Cucumber Margarita

Dirty Horchata

Lastly, if you make this frothy Whipped Coffee White Russian, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Frothy Whipped Coffee White Russian

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories Per Serving: 372 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1. Combine the hot water, instant coffee, and honey in a bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip until fluffy and light, 2-3 minutes. Alternately, you can do this with a hand frother too.
    2. Fill a glass with ice. Add the vodka, Kahlua, and a splash of vanilla. Stir. Pour the milk over and stir to combine. Spoon the whipped coffee overtop. Gently stir and enjoy!

Notes

Sweeteners: I love the flavor of honey and it works well, but sugar does whip up prettier and smoother.
If you love a lot of Whipped Coffee on Top: use 2 tablespoons instant coffee, 2 tablespoons hot water, and 1-2 tablespoons sugar. 
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horizontal photo of Frothy Whipped Coffee White Russian

This post was originally published on April 18, 2020
4.43 from 160 votes (133 ratings without comment)

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Comments

    1. Hey Donna,
      Not very long, you’ll want to serve these almost immediately. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Cheers! xx

  1. I am trying this for sure! I just love Affagato & this reminds me of that. Maybe you could fool around with Affagato & see what you come up with.

  2. 5 stars
    This has become one of my favorite winter cocktails. I actually entered it into a work contest….gave you credit, of course…and it won!

    1. Hey Lori,
      Happy Sunday! Lol that’s awesome!! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it was delish! xx

  3. 5 stars
    I’ve been making my White Russian with Absolut Vanilla for a while now. I’m guessing that would work well here too.

      1. Lovely cocktail but we electric mixed our hot water, honey and coffee for three minutes and it in no way made a foam. We used two tablespoons of freshly made espresso instead of hot water and instant, would that have affected things?

        1. Hi there,
          Thanks for trying this recipe!! Yes, you have to use the instant coffee:) I hope this helps for next time! xx

  4. Such a great idea! We made our usual White Russian (equal parts vodka, kahlua and fat free half & half) over ice) and topped it with the Dalgona made with decaf instant coffee.whipped-coffee-white-russian/ It was decadent! I was amazed at how long the Dalgona stayed fluffy! So easy and so good!

  5. 4 stars
    Thanks for the recipe for the foam. It works really well. I had to tweak the cocktail recipe as I didn’t have enough plain vodka so I used one ounce chocolate vodka as well. I also used Mr Blacks coffee Liqueur.

    1. Hey Karen,
      Awesome! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for making it! Have a great weekend:) xTieghan

  6. Combine the hot water, instant coffee, and honey in a bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip until fluffy and light, 2-3 minutes. Alternately, you can do this with a hand frother too.
    Fill a glass with ice. Add the vodka, Kahlua, and a splash of vanilla. Stir. Pour the milk over and stir to combine. Spoon the whipped coffee overtop. Gently stir and enjoy!

  7. I love LOVE your presentation of your most delicious looking recipes. Can you tell us a good instant “DECAF* coffee? I presume decaf would work if it’s instant coffee? And what do you serve with these? Or simply are they a dessert drink?

    1. Hey Lucianne,
      Sorry I never used decaf coffee, but whatever your local grocery store has will work. I like to serve as a dessert drink. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan