A cold drink, with all the flavors of fall. This pumpkin spice white russian will warm you up and set the mood for the season.
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Pumpkin spice is the quintessential fall flavor. The arrival of these wildly popular flavored drinks and foods means fall is just around the corner. These delicious treats usually start showing up in late summer. When the air is warm but we can’t resist moving toward fall.
Pumpkin pie spice is a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves and smells like a cozy fall dinner party. Traditionally this spice blend is used for a pumpkin pie, but America has found a way to incorporate it into just about any kind of food.
This inviting spice blend can be purchased pre=mixed and ready to use, or you can make your own. It comes in handy when you want to enhance the flavor of a dessert or drink. Try sprinkling it on top of an iced coffee or over a bowl of ice cream.
The White Russian
The classic white russian is a mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream. It first appeared on the scene in the mid 1900’s and has gained a following ever since. This drink spurs from the older black russian, the same drink without the addition of cream. Neither drink is russian in origin but picked up the title because of the addition of vodka.

The white russian became a cult classic after the movie The Big Lebowski in the 90’s where the Dude enjoys the cocktail throughout the film.
This drink is made by combining coffee liquor, Kahlua being the most popular, with vodka over ice. The drink is stirred and topped with cream. The cream can sit on top creating a separation between the layers. Or you can stir the whole thing to combine the flavors. Layered drinks make a statement and look lovely when served with a few hand picked garnishes.
This creamy sipping cocktail is served cold, but there are a variety of warm options like this hot white russian made with coffee. Many view this as a winter or seasonal drink because of the thick creamy consistency. It’s easy and enjoyable to sip on a cool day whether you take it cold or warm.
How to make a Flavored White Russian
This classic cocktail is easy to update by adding a little seasonal flavor. The recipe calls for cream, but you can substitute a flavored coffee creamer to enhance the drink. Try pumpkin spice or peppermint for a holiday drink. Or use hazelnut, vanilla or cocoa for a year round flavored white russian.
You could also make your own flavored cream. Combine cream or half and half with a coffee syrup or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Mix well then use in your drink.

The simple recipe below calls for pumpkin spice coffee creamer, which is only available seasonally. It’s something to look forward to and use in your drinks and desserts while it’s out.

Pumpkin Spice White Russian
A cold cocktail perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Kahlua
- 2 oz Pumpkin spice creamer
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Pour in kahlua and vodka and stir.
- Top with pumpkin spice creamer. Let this layer sit on top or stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice and add a cinnamon stick to garnish.
These drinks look as good as they taste. Top each glass with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and a cinnamon stick before serving. White russians make a delicious after dinner cocktail, skip dessert and sip on these.
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