I adore a white russian cocktail.

They are so delicious and decadent, and for some reason, they’re something I only want this time of year.

I also love how simply they come together. All you need is vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream. Three ingredients, so much yummy flavor.

It’s like the best of all worlds: boozy, creamy, sweet coffee. Sign me up!

Instead of keeping things classic (when do I ever?), I’m switching things up just a touch with these Amaretto Orange White Russians! All the flavors you love about the classic with a few warm additions. T’is the season, after all!

This is the type of drink I envision sipping on while finishing up the Christmas decorating, listening to holiday music, and with a fire going in the fire place.

Despite being a cold cocktail, there’s something COZY about a white russian. And this amaretto orange version takes the coziness factor up a notch or two. And not just from the vodka, which makes everyone warm and cozy on the inside, right?

Let me walk you through making one of these babies.

Ingredients You Need to Make Amaretto Orange White Russians:

Orange rind – I like to start these cocktails by muddling a couple fresh orange rind pieces in a cocktail shaker to really impart the fresh orange oils to the drink. This step adds so much flavor!
Amaretto liqueur – my favorite brand is Disaronno. The amaretto works wonderfully with both the orange and coffee flavors. It adds a rich, nutty warmth and sweetness to the cocktail.
Coffee liqueur – my favorite brand is Kahlua. A classic and necessary ingredient in any white russian.
Angostura (orange) bitters or a squeeze of fresh orange juice – these reinforce the fresh orange flavor from the muddled rind. If you can’t find bitters, just squeeze a tiny bit of fresh orange juice into the mix.
Vodka – a clean and light spirit that stays neutral in flavor – which is important to allow the other flavors of amaretto, orange, and coffee to shine.
Ice – this cocktail is always served over ice, so make sure you have plenty of ice to both mix the cocktail up and for serving in the glasses.
Heavy cream – the classic float of heavy cream on top of a white russian is necessary. This adds decadence and creaminess – and a little drama!

How to Make Amaretto Orange White Russians:

Muddle your orange peel – start by gently pressing on a few orange peels in a cocktail shaker. Next, add ice to the shaker.
Add the other ingredients – add the amaretto and coffee liqueurs, bitters, and vodka to the shaker with the orange peels.
Shake it up – Stir or vigorously shake to thoroughly combine and chill the ingredients.
Taste the mixture – I am a firm believer that most cocktails are a “to taste” situation. Before serving, taste your cocktail mix and see if it is sweet enough, has enough coffee or amaretto flavor, and adjust as needed.
Strain into serving glasses – strain the mixture into rocks glasses filled with ice.
Add a heavy cream float on top – float a few tablespoons of heavy cream on top of the ice, garnish with an additional orange peel. Stir to incorporate the cream just before serving.

Other Cocktails You May Enjoy:

If you’re still in the mood for a white russian, try these Root Beer White Russians! A whimsy take on the classic with some nostalgic flavor mixed in.
These Pistachio Espresso Martinis are an excellent drink that feature similar ingredients in the way of vodka and coffee AND they have a nuttiness much like this amaretto cocktail.
If you want to take your coffee cocktails to a heartier place, I suggest this Espresso Bourbon Fizz. Warm and deep in flavor with a fizziness that balances it out a bit.
If cozy coffee is your thing, check out these Spiced Chocolate Espresso Martinis with Cinnamon Whipped Cream! Dessert and cocktail in one decadent glass.
If the flavor of amaretto is your thing, I highly suggest these Amaretto Margaritas (with homemade sweet-and-sour mix). The amaretto sweetens up and rounds out a classic margarita by adding some of that warm nutty flavor. You’ll be so surprised at how well the flavors work together.

If you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss, delicious, and decadent cocktail with a twist, these Amaretto Orange White Russians are for you.

They’re classic with a touch of warmth and nuttiness, and to me, that screams holiday season.

Cheers, friends!