You’re going to love this twist on a vegan white Russian! Sweet, creamy, and delicious—perfect for parties or a cozy night in!
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It’s beginning to look a lot like Cocktails…..
On my first date with Irving, some 15 years ago, I quite confidently ordered myself a Whiskey + Coke. It was the only drink I had ever really heard of, and I wanted to look like I knew what I was doing. After I ordered Irving looked at me and nicely asked “do you really like that?” I confessed that I didn’t really like it, but it was…..ok. He asked if he could order me my next drink. Over the next few months Irving ordered me drinks like Lemon Drops, Cosmos….and my most favorite—White Russians. I mean, what’s not to like? Vodka? Yes. Kahlua? Yes. Cream? Yes!!! I loved them. Like a dessert in a glass. After falling off the bar scene (Thank you David and Jonny), and becoming vegan, my cocktail game has lost some oomph. A few months ago I thought “why don’t I just make a vegan white Russian at home?” And here we are…..
Valencia Vegan White Russian
For this vegan white Russian I wanted to put my own spin on it, or twist, if you will. When I was first out of college, and working as a graphic designer in downtown Seattle, I lived for coffee breaks. Not that I really drank a lot of coffee. I ordered my drinks decaf—this was obviously long before kids! And I always ordered the sweetest, most dessert like coffees they had! One of my favorites I found at Cafe Lladro, called the Valencia. It was orange peel, sort of muddled in hot coffee, and I’m sure with some orange flavored syrup as well. Really yummy! So when I was day dreaming of vegan white Russians I decided this was my spin!
How Do You Make a Vegan White Russian?
Making a Vegan White Russian is really simple. It’s just one simple swap! Traditional white Russians are made with dairy cream, so I sub a dairy free creamer. My favorites are vanilla soy and oat creamers. Yum! Then all you need is equal parts coffee flavored liquor and vodka. I choose Kahlua, though there are other coffee flavored liquors available. And then I use orange flavored vodka for my special twist. It’s perfect!
How do you make an orange garnish for a cocktail?
Making an orange garnish for a cocktail is super simple! Just slice your fruit around the “equator.” Then using kitchen scissors cut the peel away from the flesh. Twist the peel into a coil and hold it with your fingers for a few seconds. It will hold it’s shape! (Be sure to check out the video to watch me make one!). I also make a lemon garnish for my Rosé Vodka Cocktail using the same technique!
Cocktails for the Holidays
The richness of a vegan white Russian makes it a perfect holiday drink. Irving and I have a bit of a tradition that we mix up cocktails and sip away while wrapping all of the presents on Christmas Eve, and watching Harold and Kumar’s Christmas until 2 in the morning. This year Irving “tricked” me into wrapping them early while the boys had an overnight at Grandma and Grandpa’s, so I’m not sure what to do with my time on the 24th this year! I guess I’ll have plenty of time to mix up my drink(s)! This easy cocktail is sure to be a hit with visiting relatives, on Christmas Day after the festivities have died down, or even for New Year’s Eve. Or you know, any old day that you’d like a special, delicious drink!
Other Cocktails You Will Love!
- Rosé Vodka Cocktail
- Eggnog Latte Martini
- Sparkling Blueberry Mojito Punch
- Champagne Sangria with Pineapple and Berries
- Vegan Eggnog Punch with Candy Cane Ice Cream
- Sparkling Pineapple Mojito
Let’s make a Valencia Vegan White Russian!
Are you ready to make my favorite cocktail? Let’s get started! Just three easy ingredients and you’ll have a decadent, holiday worthy cocktail to sip on! Leave me a note in the comments and let me know how you like it!
Valencia Vegan White Russian
Ingredients
- 1 ounce orange flavored vodka (I like Ketel One and Absolut)
- 1 ounce coffee flavored liquor (I like Kahlúa)
- 1 ounce dairy free creamer (I like Silk Soy or So Delicious Oat creamers)
- 1 slice orange (for garnish, optional)
- ice
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add the vodka, coffee liquor, and creamer to the glass.
- Stir well and garnish with orange peel (see post and video for directions to make garnish).
- Enjoy (responsibly!)!
This sounds so delicious! I’ve wanted to know how to make an orange garnish, so thanks so much for sharing xo
Of course! The first time I googled it I was shocked at how easy it is! Just twist and it will hold its curl! And cheers!
I like the taste of oranges and this sounds refreshing!
It’s so delicious! I love it too!