Paul Kushner
The Red Velvet Russian is a dessert-style twist on a classic White Russian. It blends vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream with a spoonful of red velvet cake mix for a smooth, rich flavor with a fun pop of color. Topped with red sugar sprinkles, it’s sweet, creamy, and perfect for dessert or a festive cocktail night. You can serve it over ice or shake it for a smoother, chilled version.
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Tasting Notes
The Red Velvet Russian brings a fun dessert twist to the classic White Russian. It’s rich without being heavy, with just the right amount of sweetness from the red velvet cake mix. The vodka keeps it clean and smooth, while the coffee liqueur adds depth and warmth. The cream ties it all together, making each sip taste like a spiked version of the popular cake. The red sugar sprinkles on top give it a playful finish and just enough crunch. This one’s made for when you want a treat that’s both familiar and unexpected at the same time.
Equipment and Glassware
You won’t need much to make this drink. A cocktail shaker and a jigger are your main tools. You’ll also need a small whisk or spoon to fully blend the cake mix into the cream. If you want to rim the glass with red sugar sprinkles, grab a small plate and a shallow dish of water or simple syrup to help it stick. Serve this in a rocks glass for that classic Russian look, or a coupe if you want to dress it up a little. Either way, make sure your glass is chilled before pouring.
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz heavy cream
- 1 tbsp red velvet cake mix
- Red sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- In a shaker, combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, and red velvet cake mix. Shake well until the cake mix is dissolved and the mixture is chilled.
- Pour the shaken mixture into the prepared glass.
- Gently float the heavy cream on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon.
- Garnish with red sugar sprinkles.
Pro Tips
- Use chilled cream to help it blend smoothly with the cake mix.
- Whisk the cake mix separately to avoid clumps.
- Don’t skip the garnish it adds fun texture and color.
- Add ice to the glass after rimming to keep the garnish neat.
- Try vanilla vodka for a little extra flavor.
- Use a milk frother to blend cream and cake mix for extra smoothness.
- You can batch the cream mix in advance and refrigerate.
- For a layered effect, pour the cream gently over the back of a spoon.
When to Serve
The Red Velvet Russian is a fun drink for dessert, especially around holidays or birthdays. It’s great after dinner when you want something sweet but not too filling. The bright color and creamy texture make it a nice choice for themed parties, Valentine’s Day, or even just a quiet night in with a sweet tooth. It pairs well with chocolate, cookies, or even a scoop of ice cream. Serve it when you want to bring something playful to the table that still feels like a proper cocktail.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Vodka: Tito’s, Absolut, or Smirnoff
- Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa, Mr. Black, or Tia Maria
- Cake Mix: Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker Red Velvet (dry powder only)
Similar Cocktails
- Carrot Cake Espresso Martini
- S’mores Espresso Martini
- Mango Cucumber Vodka Soda
- Copperhead
- Chi Chi Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur like Kahlúa
- 1 oz heavy cream
- 1 tbsp red velvet cake mix
- Red sugar sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- In a shaker, combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, and red velvet cake mix. Shake well until the cake mix is dissolved and the mixture is chilled.
- Pour the shaken mixture into the prepared glass.
- Gently float the heavy cream on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon.
- Garnish with red sugar sprinkles.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Shake extra well to fully mix the cake powder into the cream.
- If you prefer a richer drink, use half-and-half or swap in vanilla creamer.
- For a smoother texture, strain through a fine mesh sieve.
- Chill your glass for an extra-smooth finish.
