The Cherry White Russian is a playful, cherry-kissed twist on a classic cocktail, blending rich coffee liqueur and vodka with the sweet, vibrant tang of cherry syrup, finished luxuriously with silky cream. Imagine a cold, creamy sipper that’s both sophisticated and whimsical, swirling with rich flavors and crowned with a drizzle of cherry and a dusting of dark chocolate. It’s a showstopper on any occasion, and honestly, it’s one of those drinks that’ll have your friends asking for the recipe after the very first sip!

Cherry White Russian Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Cherry White Russian lies in its simplicity—every ingredient punches above its weight, contributing its own unique flair to that gorgeous color, lush texture, and irresistible taste. Each plays a crucial role in building the dreamy layers and flavors this cocktail is loved for.

Vodka: Clean, crisp vodka forms the backbone for this cocktail, letting the cherry and coffee flavors shine through.
Coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa): Brings deep, roasty notes with a little sweetness—key to achieving those signature White Russian vibes.
Cherry syrup: The star of the show, infusing juicy cherry flavor and stunning color; homemade works especially well if you have fresh cherries.
Heavy cream (or milk): Adds that signature creamy swirl; you can use milk for a lighter drink or dairy-free alternatives if you prefer.
Ice: Essential for keeping the drink refreshingly cold and beautifully layered.
Optional garnish—Fresh cherry, cherry syrup drizzle, dark chocolate shavings: These make it dazzling to look at and add a touch of flair with flavors that pop against the creamy drink.

How to Make Cherry White Russian

Step 1: Chill Your Glass

Start by popping your cocktail glass in the freezer or filling it with ice for a few minutes before you build your drink. This extra-cool step keeps the Cherry White Russian perfectly refreshing and helps the cream hold its beautiful, dreamy swirls for longer.

Step 2: Mix Your Liqueurs and Cherry Syrup

In a cocktail shaker or sturdy mixing glass, combine your vodka, coffee liqueur, and cherry syrup. Give it a gentle stir—don’t shake!—so everything blends, but you still keep those rich, distinct flavors. If you’re adjusting for sweetness, try a little less syrup at first and taste as you go.

Step 3: Add Ice and Pour

Fill your chilled glass with lots of fresh ice. Then, pour in your luscious mixture of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cherry syrup. This sets the stage for those hallmark layers and keeps every sip frosty.

Step 4: Layer the Cream Like a Pro

Time for the magic! Take a spoon and hold it just over your drink, then slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of the spoon. This little bartender’s trick creates those gorgeous, swirling clouds that make the Cherry White Russian so mesmerizing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To finish your masterpiece, crown it with a fresh cherry, a delicate drizzle of cherry syrup, and (if you’re feeling extra) a dusting of bittersweet dark chocolate shavings. Serve it up right away and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Cherry White Russian

Garnishes

Garnishing your Cherry White Russian is where you can really let your personality shine. A plump fresh cherry instantly pops against the creamy backdrop, while a little cherry syrup drizzled over the top brings color and cheeky sweetness. Want to channel your inner chocolatier? Grate a little dark chocolate right on top—the contrast of bittersweet and sweet is divine!

Side Dishes

While the Cherry White Russian is a dessert-like treat all on its own, it pairs beautifully with small, sweet nibbles. Try serving it with chocolate truffles, almond biscotti, or even a slice of cherry pound cake. When serving after dinner, it makes a fantastic finale alongside a cheese and fruit plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can be half the fun! For parties, consider serving your Cherry White Russian in mini dessert glasses for a gorgeous little flight. You can even rim the glass with chocolate shavings or crushed freeze-dried cherries for added flair. For a cozy night in, cuddle up with the classic version in a chunky rocks glass—wearing pajamas is optional but highly recommended!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover base mixture (vodka, coffee liqueur, and cherry syrup), simply pour it into a sealed jar and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and ready for whenever you want to add cream and ice for a freshly made Cherry White Russian. Just be sure to add the dairy right before serving so you preserve those pretty swirls.

Freezing

While you wouldn’t want to freeze the finished cocktail (the cream won’t thaw gracefully), you can definitely pre-mix the non-dairy elements and freeze them into ice cubes. When it’s time for happy hour, simply pop a few frozen cubes into your glass, pour over some cream, and enjoy a super-chilled version.

Reheating

Unlike some desserts or drinks, the Cherry White Russian is not made for reheating—this one’s all about that fresh, cold creaminess. If your mixture’s been sitting in the fridge, just shake or stir to recombine before pouring over ice and layering with cream.

FAQs

Can I make a Cherry White Russian without alcohol?

Absolutely! For a mocktail version, mix cherry syrup with a shot of cold brew coffee and splash in cream or milk. The flavors will still shine, and you’ll have a delicious, alcohol-free treat that looks just as stunning.

What’s the best way to make homemade cherry syrup?

It’s easier than you think: just simmer fresh (or frozen) cherries with sugar and water until the fruit breaks down, then strain out the solids. It’s pure cherry goodness, and it turns even the simplest Cherry White Russian into something extra special.

Can I use different types of cream or milk?

Definitely! Heavy cream will give you the most decadent texture, but milk, half-and-half, or even plant-based options like coconut, oat, or almond milk all work beautifully. The drink will be lighter, but just as tasty and colorful.

How do I get those signature cream swirls?

The secret is pouring the cream slowly over the back of a spoon—this gentle touch lets the cream float over the liqueur and syrup, giving you that iconic layered look that makes every Cherry White Russian photo-ready.

Can I prepare a batch for a party?

You bet! Mix up a big batch of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cherry syrup ahead of time and keep it chilled. When it’s party time, simply pour into glasses over ice, then add the cream and garnishes for each guest. It’s fast, festive, and sure to impress.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a stunning cocktail that’s both decadent and a little bit playful, the Cherry White Russian is your new go-to. Mix one up, have fun with the garnishes, and share it with friends—or treat yourself! You won’t believe how irresistible this simple twist on a classic can be.

Cherry White Russian Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 5 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy and fruity goodness of a Cherry White Russian cocktail. This delightful drink combines vodka, coffee liqueur, cherry syrup, and heavy cream for a rich and satisfying flavor profile. Garnished with a fresh cherry, cherry syrup drizzle, and dark chocolate shavings, it’s a treat for the senses.

Ingredients

Scale

Vodka White Russian:

1 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
2 oz heavy cream
Ice

Cherry Syrup:

1 oz cherry syrup (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Garnish:

Fresh cherry
Cherry syrup drizzle
Dark chocolate shavings

Instructions

Prep your glass. Fill your cocktail glass with ice cubes.
Mix the liqueurs and syrup. In a shaker or mixing glass, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, and cherry syrup. Stir gently to combine.
Add the cream. Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon into your glass, creating dreamy, cloudy swirls.
Garnish and serve. Top with a fresh cherry, a drizzle of cherry syrup, and a dusting of dark chocolate shavings. Serve immediately and enjoy!