If you’re on a keto diet but still love to indulge in a cocktail every now and then, let me introduce you to the Keto White Russian—a creamy, coffee-infused, vodka-packed drink that’s both luxurious and low-carb. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, this drink is a game-changer for anyone keeping carbs in check without skimping on flavor. Let’s break it down from ingredients to variations to pro-tips so you can sip like a keto mixologist.

What is a White Russian?

Before we keto-fy this classic, let’s talk about what makes a White Russian so iconic. This cocktail is traditionally made with vodka, coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa), and heavy cream. It’s rich, indulgent, and perfect for when you want something dessert-like but still boozy. Think of it as a liquid coffee-flavored treat with a bit of a punch.

But, of course, regular coffee liqueur is loaded with sugar, and some heavy creams sneak in unwanted carbs. That’s where the keto magic comes in.

The Keto Makeover: Why This Version Works

To make a White Russian keto-friendly, you need two main swaps:

Low-carb coffee liqueur substitute: Traditional Kahlúa? Out. A sugar-free coffee-flavored syrup or DIY keto coffee liqueur? In.
Keto-approved cream: Regular heavy cream can work, but double-check for added sugars. You can also opt for unsweetened coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

This keto twist keeps the classic flavors alive while slashing the carb count to practically zero.

Ingredients for a Keto White Russian

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your own keto-friendly cocktail:

Must-Haves:

2 oz Vodka: Pure vodka is naturally carb-free. No substitutions here.
1 oz Sugar-Free Coffee Syrup: Brands like Torani and Jordan’s Skinny Syrups have excellent keto-friendly options. If you’re feeling crafty, I’ve included a DIY recipe below.
1 oz Heavy Cream or Unsweetened Coconut Cream: Both options are keto-approved. Coconut cream adds a slightly tropical twist, while heavy cream keeps it classic.

Optional Garnishes:

Whipped Cream: Make your own keto version with heavy cream and a touch of powdered erythritol.
Coffee Beans: For that extra “I’m-a-professional-mixologist” vibe.
Shaved Dark Chocolate: Use a sugar-free brand for a fancy (and keto) finishing touch.

DIY Keto Coffee Liqueur

Can’t find a good sugar-free coffee syrup? No problem. You can make your own keto coffee liqueur at home. Here’s a quick recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup brewed coffee (strong and chilled)
½ cup vodka
2 tbsp powdered erythritol or allulose
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool completely.
In a mason jar or small bottle, combine the coffee, vodka, sweetener, and vanilla extract.
Shake well and store in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 2 weeks.

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Perfect Keto White Russian

Let’s get to the fun part: making the cocktail!

Step 1: Grab a Glass

Use an old-fashioned glass for the traditional look, but honestly, any sturdy glass will do. Fill it with ice cubes—bigger ones are better because they melt slower, keeping your drink chilled but not watered down.

Step 2: Add the Vodka and Coffee Syrup

Pour in your vodka first, followed by the sugar-free coffee syrup. Give it a gentle stir to mix.

Step 3: Float the Cream

Slowly pour the heavy cream (or coconut cream) over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the drink. This creates that iconic layered look. If you’re not into aesthetics, just pour it in and stir—you’ll still get all the deliciousness.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of shaved chocolate, or a couple of coffee beans. Now, sit back and enjoy your keto-friendly masterpiece.

Pro-Tips for Nailing Your Keto White Russian

Chill everything: A cold vodka and cream make all the difference. You’re aiming for smooth and silky, not lukewarm and sad.
Go easy on the cream: If you’re tracking macros, remember that heavy cream has calories. Measure it out to avoid accidentally turning your cocktail into a calorie bomb.
Experiment with flavors: Add a drop of almond or hazelnut extract for a nutty twist, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, cozy vibe.

Keto Variations to Try

1. The Skinny Coconut White Russian

Use unsweetened coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Add a splash of unsweetened coconut milk for an extra layer of flavor.

2. Mocha White Russian

Mix in 1 tsp of unsweetened cocoa powder with the coffee syrup before adding it to the glass.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa for that mocha magic.

3. Spiced Keto White Russian

Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the cream before pouring.
Perfect for holiday vibes or when you need something a little extra cozy.

4. Keto White Russian Frappe

Blend all the ingredients with ice for a frozen version.
Top with keto whipped cream and sugar-free chocolate drizzle.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Drink

The Keto White Russian is the perfect mix of indulgence and balance. It satisfies your sweet tooth, hits that coffee craving, and gives you a little buzz—all while keeping your keto goals intact.

You can whip it up in minutes, customize it to your taste, and impress anyone with its rich flavor. Plus, let’s be honest, holding a fancy cocktail just feels good, doesn’t it?

Final Thoughts: Make It Yours

Whether you’re a cocktail newbie or a seasoned keto pro, the Keto White Russian is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to. It’s simple, versatile, and downright delicious. The best part? No guilt, just good vibes in a glass.

Now, go ahead, grab your shaker, and get sipping. Cheers to cocktails that don’t mess with your macros! 🥂

Keto White Russian Drink – How To Make It

Print Recipe

A creamy and low-carb Keto White Russian that’s sugar-free and perfect for anyone on a keto diet. This quick and easy cocktail is made with vodka, a sugar-free coffee syrup, and heavy cream. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for relaxing or hosting guests.

Author: Jane Summerfield
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 servings 1x
Category: Drinks/Cocktails
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American, Keto, Low-Carb

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz vodka
1 oz sugar-free coffee syrup (e.g., Torani or Jordan’s Skinny Syrups)
1 oz heavy cream (or unsweetened coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
Ice cubes

Optional Garnishes:

Keto whipped cream
Coffee beans
Shaved sugar-free dark chocolate

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Add vodka and sugar-free coffee syrup to the glass, and stir gently.
Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon to create a layered look.
Garnish with whipped cream, coffee beans, or shaved chocolate if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

To make your own sugar-free coffee syrup, mix 1 cup of strong brewed coffee with ½ cup vodka, 2 tbsp powdered erythritol, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Chill all ingredients before making the drink for the best flavor and texture.
Use unsweetened coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Please note: The recipe or ingredients shown in the video might vary slightly from what’s listed here. Use the video as an illustration, but for the best results, you might want to stick to the recipe provided in this article.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 150 Sugar: 0 g Sodium: 5 mg Fat: 11 g Saturated Fat: 7 g Unsaturated Fat: 4 g Trans Fat: 0 g Carbohydrates: 1 g Fiber: 0 g Protein: 1 g Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keto White Russian: Your Guide to A Creamy and Low-Carb Choice