Horchata White Russian
This Mexican-inspired twist on a White Russian swaps plain cream for a frothy horchata and heavy cream float poured over vodka, coffee liqueur, and a warm cinnamon spice syrup. Rimmed with cinnamon sugar and finished with a cinnamon stick, it's cozy, and dangerously smooth, like dessert in a glass with a serious kick.
Equipment
- Glass
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
For the Cocktail:
- 1½ oz vodka
- 1½ oz coffee liqueur
- 1½ oz store-bought horchata, well shaken
- 1 oz heavy cream
For the Cinnamon Spice Syrup:
- 2 tbsp piloncillo or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp warm water
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
For the Rim and Garnish:
- Honey, for rimming
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar mixed with ½ tsp ground cinnamon, for the rim
- Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions
- Start with the cinnamon spice syrup. Combine the piloncillo or brown sugar, warm water, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl and stir until completely dissolved. Set aside.
- Prepare the glass. Dip the rim lightly in honey then press firmly into the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely and evenly coated. Fill generously with ice.
- Pour the vodka, coffee liqueur, and cinnamon spice syrup directly over the ice and give it a quick stir to combine.
- In a small bowl or glass, combine the horchata and heavy cream and froth with a handheld electric whisk until light and frothy. Pour slowly over the cocktail in one clean pour so it sits beautifully on top.
- Finish with a cinnamon stick garnish and serve immediately. Give it a stir right before drinking to bring all the flavors together.
Notes
- Shake the horchata well before measuring – the rice and cinnamon settle at the bottom and an unshaken horchata will taste flat and watery.
- The cinnamon spice syrup is what makes this drink. Store-bought horchata is sweet but one-dimensional and the piloncillo, cinnamon, and nutmeg add the warm depth that makes this taste homemade.
- Frothing the horchata and cream together before pouring creates a thick creamy layer that sits beautifully on top of the cocktail and makes every sip incredibly smooth and cohesive.
- Stir right before drinking so every layer swirls together into the most creamy and delicious sip.
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