Tiramisu White Russian

The idea for the Tiramisu White Russian came on a quiet weeknight when I wanted dessert but had zero interest in turning on the oven. I saw Kahlua on the counter, remembered a half-used bottle of rum in the cabinet, and found heavy cream in the fridge. A little sugar, a dusting of cocoa, and that first sip felt like a chilled nod to tiramisu, only in a glass instead of a baking dish.

I made it again that weekend when a friend stopped by after dinner. We skipped cake and went straight for low glasses filled with ice, cream, and coffee liqueur. It sat on the table next to a small plate of cookies and felt right for the moment. This drink works as a dessert cocktail, a late-night sip, or something you pour on a slow Sunday when you want a treat that feels a bit special without being fussy.

The Tiramisu White Russian is worth making because it tastes like dessert but is easier than anything that needs an oven. A few simple ingredients, minimal effort, and you have a drink that fits holiday menus, casual dinner parties, or just one quiet night at home.

Why You’ll Love This

The Tiramisu White Russian brings together the familiar flavors of coffee, cream, and cocoa in a way that feels calming and smooth. It tastes sweet without going overboard, rich without feeling heavy, and simple enough for anyone to mix at home.

• Sweet but still balanced
• Only a few ingredients
• Easy to mix directly in the glass
• Great for dessert menus or late-night sipping
• Looks impressive without any effort
• Works well with cookies or chocolate snacks

Once you try it, you may make it on repeat during cool nights at home.

Ingredients

This recipe keeps the ingredient list short and familiar. The Tiramisu White Russian is made with coffee liqueur, rum, and cream, and garnished with a few simple touches that give it a tiramisu-inspired feel.

• 1 oz Kahlua
• 2 oz rum
• 2 oz heavy cream
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• cocoa powder for garnish
• ladyfinger cookie for garnish or
• coffee beans for garnish

Each ingredient adds something essential. Kahlua brings coffee flavor. Rum gives warmth without overpowering the drink. Cream creates a smooth texture. The sugar adds a touch of sweetness, and the garnish makes the drink look like a dessert served in a glass.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

You can use several types of rum and liqueur here. The goal is a blend that stays smooth and steady without turning too bold. If you prefer stronger coffee notes, you can adjust the ratios.

• Kahlua offers a classic coffee flavor that blends well with cream.
• Tia Maria works if you want a brighter coffee note.
• Bacardi Superior keeps the drink light with a gentle rum finish.
• Captain Morgan adds a touch of spice that feels right for fall.
• Substitute half-and-half for something lighter.
• Add a splash of espresso for a stronger coffee profile.

These small changes help you match the drink to your taste while keeping the same cozy feel.

Equipment and Glassware

You do not need much to make this drink. A short, simple glass works best because the drink is rich and tastes better in smaller portions.

• Rocks Glass
• Small plate
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger

If you have clear ice at home, it helps the drink stay chilled without melting too quickly.

How to Make It

This cocktail is easy to mix, making it perfect for late nights or relaxed hosting. The sugared rim and cocoa finish add a slight touch that makes it feel more like dessert service than a quick drink.

1. Rub the rim of a short glass with water, an ice cube, or a splash of rum.
2. Dip the rim into a small plate of sugar until coated.
3. Fill the prepared glass with ice.
4. Pour in the Kahlua, rum, and heavy cream.
5. Add a teaspoon of sugar.
6. Stir gently until everything is blended and chilled.
7. Lightly sprinkle cocoa powder over the rim and the surface of the drink.
8. Garnish with a ladyfinger cookie or a few coffee beans.

For a gentler flavor, increase the amount of cream, or a bit more rum for a stronger Tiramisu White Russian.

Pro Tips

A few small choices can make this drink feel even smoother and more dialed in. None of these takes much time, but they can shift the texture or flavor to suit your taste better.

• Use cold cream so the drink does not thin out too quickly.
• Dissolve the sugar in the liqueur first for a silkier texture.
• Chill the glass in the fridge for a few minutes before building the drink.
• Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup inside the glass for more dessert flavor.
• Use a fine-mesh strainer to sift the cocoa powder until it reaches a light dusting.
• Try flavored rum, like vanilla, for a slightly sweeter profile.
• Use demerara sugar on the rim for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Garnish with shaved dark chocolate for an extra touch.

Have fun with these ideas until you land on a version that feels like your go-to dessert drink.

Variations

You can change the drink in a few easy ways while keeping the same warm, coffee-and-cream character that makes the Tiramisu White Russian feel like a treat.

• Make a no-alcohol version with coffee syrup, milk or cream, and cocoa.
• Swap rum for vodka if you want something closer to a classic White Russian.
• Use Irish cream in place of some or all of the heavy cream for extra sweetness.
• Add hazelnut liqueur for a nutty twist.
• Sprinkle cinnamon with the cocoa powder for a warmer flavor.

These changes help you keep the same general style while tuning it to different moods or guests.

When to Serve and Pairings

This cocktail fits naturally at the end of a meal, during a relaxed movie night, or after a long day when you want something sweet. It pairs best with snacks and desserts that echo its creamy and coffee-forward flavor.

• Chocolate biscotti
• Coffee cake
• Simple butter cookies
• Tiramisu or layered desserts
• Small plates with nuts and dried fruit

You can serve it alone as a “dessert in a glass,” or alongside a small dessert plate for a more complete finish to the evening.

Storage and Serving Notes

You can premix the Kahlua, rum, and sugar in a small bottle and keep it chilled for easy serving. Add ice and cream directly to the glass just before you pour, so the drink stays smooth and doesn’t separate. Wait to rim the glass, add cocoa, and garnish until the last minute so everything looks fresh.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions that come up when people first try making the Tiramisu White Russian.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes. The drink will be lighter and less affluent, but still enjoyable.

Can I skip the sugar on the rim?
You can. The drink will rely on the liqueur for sweetness.

Does the type of rum matter?
Light rum keeps the flavor gentle, while spiced rum adds a touch of warmth.

Can I make a large batch for guests?
Yes. Mix Kahlua, rum, and sugar in a pitcher, then add cream and ice to each glass when serving.

Can I use cocoa mix instead of cocoa powder?
You can, but use it lightly so it does not make the top too sweet.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy dessert-style drinks and warm, relaxed sips, these cocktails carry a similar easygoing mood and work well for cool nights or small gatherings.

• Fall from the Tree: a simple apple drink that fits early fall nights.
• Apple Maple Dark and Stormy: a warm take on the classic with apple and maple.
• Autumn Vodka Smash: fresh and fruity with a bright finish.
• Wild Turkey Thanksgiving Cocktail: a bourbon drink with a gentle holiday flavor.
• Harvest Apple Spritz: a bubbly option with soft apple notes.