Ingredients

Making the Classic Bailey’s Pistachio White Russian requires just a handful of ingredients, each contributing a distinct flavor that works harmoniously to create a drink that is smooth, indulgent, and utterly delicious. Here’s a closer look at each component:

1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream: Bailey’s is the cream liqueur of choice for this cocktail. Its rich, sweet, and creamy texture makes it the perfect base for this indulgent drink.
1 oz Vodka: Vodka provides the backbone of the White Russian and helps balance the sweetness of the other ingredients. Use a good quality vodka to ensure the cocktail has a smooth finish.
1 oz Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlúa): The coffee liqueur adds depth and a slight bitterness, balancing out the sweetness of the Bailey’s and pistachio milk. The coffee flavor also complements the nutty pistachio, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
1 oz Pistachio Milk: Pistachio milk is the star of this variation. It adds a nutty, creamy richness that complements the Bailey’s. If you don’t have pistachio milk, you can make a homemade version by blending pistachio paste with milk.
Crushed Ice: Crushed ice is used to chill the drink and dilute it slightly, making it smoother and more refreshing.
Crushed Pistachios (for garnish): Crushed pistachios add a crunchy texture and a fresh burst of nutty flavor, making your cocktail even more delightful. They also add visual appeal.
Pinch of Ground Pistachio or Pistachio Powder (optional): For those who want a stronger pistachio flavor, a small pinch of ground pistachio can be sprinkled on top. It enhances the overall pistachio experience of the cocktail.
Fresh Cream (optional, for extra creaminess): If you prefer a thicker, more indulgent cocktail, adding a float of fresh cream on top creates a luxurious texture and rich taste.

Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to create this delightful cocktail. Follow these simple steps to make the Classic Bailey’s Pistachio White Russian:

Step 1: Prepare the Pistachio Milk

Before starting the cocktail, prepare your pistachio milk. If you’re using store-bought pistachio milk, make sure to shake it well before pouring. If you’re using pistachio paste, combine 1 tablespoon of pistachio paste with 1 oz of milk (dairy or non-dairy) and whisk until fully combined and smooth. This pistachio milk will infuse the drink with that signature nutty flavor that makes this White Russian stand out.

Step 2: Prepare the Glass

Take a lowball or rocks glass and fill it with crushed ice. Crushed ice is preferable for this cocktail, as it chills the drink quickly and evenly while ensuring the right texture. The ice also helps to dilute the cocktail ever so slightly, which makes the creaminess even more pronounced.

Step 3: Mix the Cocktail

In a cocktail shaker, combine the Bailey’s Irish Cream, vodka, coffee liqueur, and pistachio milk or pistachio paste mixture. The shaker helps to blend all the ingredients together, ensuring a smooth consistency. Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This will ensure all the ingredients are well-combined and chilled.

Step 4: Pour and Serve

Strain the mixture from the shaker into your prepared glass filled with ice. The cocktail should have a creamy consistency with a light beige color, signifying the perfect balance between the Bailey’s, vodka, coffee liqueur, and pistachio milk.

Top the cocktail with a generous sprinkle of crushed pistachios. This not only adds a nice crunch but also enhances the flavor of the drink. If desired, you can also sprinkle a pinch of ground pistachio or pistachio powder to intensify the nutty flavor. If you prefer a richer drink, float a small amount of fresh cream on top for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

Be sure to use good quality vodka and coffee liqueur for the best taste.
If you’re making the cocktail for a crowd, you can pre-mix the liquid ingredients (Bailey’s, vodka, coffee liqueur, and pistachio milk) and store them in a large pitcher. Just add ice when you’re ready to serve, so the ice doesn’t dilute the drink too much.
Experiment with the ratio of ingredients to suit your taste. If you like a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the amount of coffee liqueur.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 350-400
Sodium: 35mg
Protein: 3g