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Peanut Butter White Russian

What happens when you combine the nutty goodness of peanut butter with the creamy, boozy delight of a White Russian?

Magic, that’s what.

The Peanut Butter White Russian is a drink that feels like a warm hug on a cold day—or the dessert you didn’t know you needed in cocktail form.

With its rich, indulgent flavors and velvety texture, this cocktail is perfect for impressing guests, treating yourself after a long week, or adding a little flair to a holiday gathering. Think of it as the perfect fusion of comfort and sophistication.

Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or a curious newbie, this recipe is about to become your new favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the full list of ingredients to whip up this dreamy Peanut Butter White Russian:

  • 1 ½ oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
  • 1 oz peanut butter syrup (or peanut butter whiskey for extra oomph)
  • 1 oz heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
  • Ice cubes
  • Crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Breakdown

Vodka: The backbone of any White Russian. Go for a clean, neutral vodka to let the peanut butter and coffee flavors shine. If you’re feeling adventurous, flavored vodkas like vanilla or caramel can add an extra layer of complexity.

Coffee Liqueur: This is where the classic White Russian vibe comes in. Kahlúa is the gold standard, but any coffee liqueur works. It adds depth and a touch of sweetness.

Peanut Butter Syrup: The star of the show! You can buy ready-made peanut butter syrup, or you can easily whip it up at home by mixing peanut butter, sugar, and water over low heat until smooth. Peanut butter whiskey is another excellent option if you want to up the alcohol content while keeping that nutty flavor.

Heavy Cream: This gives the cocktail its signature creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, whole milk or even oat milk can work. Want to make it extra indulgent? Swap the cream for half-and-half or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Ice Cubes: Don’t underestimate the importance of good ice. Large cubes melt slower and won’t dilute your drink as quickly.

Garnishes: Optional but highly recommended. Crushed peanuts, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup can take your presentation to the next level.

How to Make a Peanut Butter White Russian

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to bring this creamy masterpiece to life. Follow these steps for a foolproof Peanut Butter White Russian:

Step 1: Prep Your Glass

Start by chilling your glass—trust me, this small step makes a big difference.

Fill a rocks glass (or any short tumbler) with ice water while you prepare the drink. Once you’re ready to serve, dump out the water and dry the glass.

If you want to be fancy, rim the glass with crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings by dipping the rim in water or syrup and then rolling it in your garnish.

Step 2: Build Your Cocktail

In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, and peanut butter syrup. Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes to ensure everything stays cold.

Don’t have a shaker? A mason jar with a lid works just as well—because we’re resourceful like that.

Step 3: Shake It Like You Mean It

Shake the mixture for about 15-20 seconds. The goal here isn’t just to mix the ingredients but to chill them thoroughly and slightly dilute the drink for a smoother flavor. You’ll know it’s ready when the shaker feels icy to the touch.

Step 4: Pour and Layer

Fill your prepared glass with fresh ice cubes. Strain the shaken mixture over the ice, leaving a bit of room at the top for the cream. Gently pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon to create a beautiful layered effect. If you’re not into layering, you can mix the cream in for a fully integrated drink—it’s your cocktail, your rules!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top your Peanut Butter White Russian with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra pizzazz. Want to make it Instagram-worthy? Pop in a cute cocktail stirrer or a paper straw. Serve immediately and watch your friends’ faces light up with delight.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Peanut Butter White Russian

  • Homemade Peanut Butter Syrup: If you’re making your syrup, use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture. Combine 1 part peanut butter, 1 part sugar, and 2 parts water in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until fully dissolved and strain out any solids. This syrup keeps for up to a week in the fridge.
  • Adjust Sweetness: If you find the drink too sweet, reduce the amount of peanut butter syrup slightly. On the flip side, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, a splash of simple syrup can up the ante.
  • Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version. It’ll still be creamy and delicious but with a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Batch It for a Party: Multiply the recipe by four or five to make a pitcher. Combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, and peanut butter syrup in advance, then let guests pour their own over ice and add cream.

Peanut Butter White Russian Recipe

Peanut Butter White Russian

The Peanut Butter White Russian features vodka, coffee liqueur, and a luscious peanut butter syrup, and is layered with heavy cream for a smooth, velvety finish. Perfect as a dessert drink or a cozy nightcap, this cocktail is as easy to make as it is delicious.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Servings 1
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur e.g., Kahlúa
  • 1 oz peanut butter syrup or peanut butter whiskey
  • 1 oz heavy cream or milk for a lighter option
  • Ice cubes
  • Crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Chill a rocks glass by filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
  • For an optional touch, rim the glass with crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings for added flavor and presentation.
  • In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, coffee liqueur, and peanut butter syrup. Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes.
  • Shake the mixture vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. The shaker should feel icy to the touch.
  • Discard the ice water from the chilled glass and fill it with fresh ice cubes. Strain the shaken mixture over the ice.
  • Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.
  • Alternatively, stir the cream into the drink for a fully blended cocktail.
  • Top with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra flair.
  • Enjoy your Peanut Butter White Russian immediately!

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