Hazy Russian
The Hazy Russian is a slight but very impactful twist on a traditional White Russian. With the addition of one extra ingredient, Hazelnut Liqueur, this cocktail is elevated to a whole other level. The hazelnut adds complexity and depth to the cocktail while staying true to its origin. The cream and the coffee liqueur are still the central ingredients in this cocktail, just like they are in the original, making this a solid choice for a dessert or after-dinner cocktail. This is an original World of Mixology cocktail.
Ingredients
Vodka
Any decent neutral tasting vodka will do. We recommend Soplica.
37.5 ml
Hazelnut Liqueur or Soplica Hazelnut Vodka
This recipe is built around Frangelico Liqueur, which we highly recommend, but other Hazelnut Liqueurs might do the job. As an alternative you can use Soplica Hazelnut Vodka by replacing both vodka and Hazelnut Liqueur with Soplica Hazelnut Vodka (add 60 ml).
22.5 ml
Coffee Liqueur
We recommend Kahlua. If you choose another Coffee Liqueur that is less sweet, like Mr. Black, you might need to add some simple syrup to the recipe.
30 ml
Cream
30-45 ml. heavy or whipping cream. It should have high enough fat percentage that it will be able to thicken.
30 ml
Nutmeg (Garnish)
Optional. This cocktail will look very nice even without this, but this will add the finishing touch and some extra aroma.
1/8 tsp
Method
Step 1: Add Vodka and Liqueurs to mixing glass
Add Vodka, Hazelnut Liqueur and Coffee Liqueur to a mixing glass and add ice. If you don’t have a mixing glass, add it directly to the serving glass.
Step 2: Stir for 5-10 seconds
This cocktail doesn’t need a lot of dilution, so stir it only briefly.
Step 3: Pour into lowball glass
Pour the content from the mixing glass into a lowball glass over ice.
Step 4: Thicken cream
Add the cream into a container with a lid and shake it until it thickens lightly. Be careful not to overdo it, you don't want Whipped cream. Alternatively, use a milk frother.
Step 5: Float cream on top
Float the cream on top of the other ingredients in the glass. If the cream is thickened properly, it should be able to float without any assistance if poured carefully.
Step 6: Grate nutmeg on top (Optional)
Grate nutmeg on top of the cream, to give the cocktail some extra aroma.
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Ingredient #1
Vodka
Sobieski
Ingredient #2
Hazelnut Liqueur
Frangelico
Ingredient #3
Coffee Liqueur
Kahlúa
Flavor profile
The experience of this cocktail differs depending on whether you choose to mix the layers or sip it through the cream. Our recommendation is to sip it through the cream because that creates an evolving experience that unfolds itself over four waves. First, you’re hit with a velvety texture from the cream that coats your mouth. As you reach the second layer of the cocktail a sweet sensation from the sugar contents of the liqueurs hits you. The sweetness is soon overtaken by the complex hazelnut taste, which creates body and works perfectly with the coating from the cream. Lastly, the coffee taste becomes present, which leaves you with a dark roast, but mild, bitterness for a pleasant aftertaste.
3 thoughts on “Hazy Russian”
Great cocktail. Really great twist on the White Russian.
Never tried frangelico before i saw this recipe… What a great liqueur!!
Great drink… Love the name, hahaha.