This Tiramisu White Russian takes the flavors of the classic Italian dessert and turns them into a creamy after-dinner cocktail with the flavors of coffee, chocolate and homemade tiramisu syrup. Made with either dark rum or vodka, it tastes like a rich, cozy dessert in a glass.
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About this Tiramisu White Russian recipe
Tiramisu has always been one of my favorite desserts, so turning those flavors into a cocktail was a natural choice. My husband and I had tiramisu the night we got engaged, which makes this drink feel a little extra special every time I make it.
This cocktail starts with homemade tiramisu syrup, which combines coffee, cocoa, vanilla and dark rum into a delicious, dessert-like mixer. Paired with coffee liqueur and cream, it creates a drink that’s unmistakably inspired by tiramisu without being too sweet or heavy.
I usually build this cocktail directly in the glass because it’s easy, but shaking it creates a frothier, creamier texture if you want something a little more decadent. Finish it with cocoa powder and a ladyfinger cookie to really lean into the tiramisu vibes.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It tastes like tiramisu in cocktail form. Coffee, cocoa, vanilla and cream come together in a way that’s rich and dessert-like without being overly sweet.
- It’s easy to make ahead. The homemade tiramisu syrup keeps well in the refrigerator, so you can mix drinks quickly whenever the craving hits.
- It works as both dessert and cocktail. This creamy coffee drink feels just as appropriate after dinner as it does at a holiday gathering or winter cocktail night.
Ingredients & essentials
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
This cocktail starts with homemade tiramisu syrup, which gives the drink its signature flavor.
Brewed coffee acts as the base, while cocoa powder, vanilla extract * and dark rum or vodka add the rich, warm flavors you’d expect from tiramisu. Dark rum is my favorite option because it adds warmth and depth that feels especially close to the dessert, but vodka works well too if you want a more classic white Russian flavor profile.
You’ll also need coffee liqueur and half-and-half. Half-and-half is the sweet spot for texture here. Heavy cream makes the drink almost milkshake-thick, while regular milk is a little too thin and watery.
For equipment, you’ll just need a saucepan for the syrup plus either a rocks glass or cocktail shaker * depending on how you want to make the drink. Building it directly in the glass is easiest, but shaking it gives the cocktail a thicker, frothier texture.
Rum vs. vodka
Dark rum gives this tiramisu white Russian a more indulgent flavor that tastes the most like actual tiramisu. The caramel and vanilla notes from the rum pair especially well with the coffee and cocoa in the syrup.
Vodka creates a cleaner, more classic White Russian flavor. It lets the tiramisu syrup stand out a little more while keeping the drink lighter overall.
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Both versions are delicious, so it really comes down to the flavor profile you prefer. If you already love rum in coffee drinks or desserts, start there.
Check out these handy rum 101 and vodka 101 articles for more info on each spirit.
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brewed coffee and sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then whisk in the cocoa powder.
- Fill a rocks glass * with ice. Add dark rum or vodka, coffee liqueur and tiramisu syrup.
Don’t let the syrup go to waste! If you love coffee drinks, be sure to try this syrup in our tiramisu latte recipe as well!
- Add in the half-and-half. Stir to combine.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder and a ladyfinger cookie, if desired.
Tips & tricks
- Use half-and-half for the best texture. It keeps the cocktail creamy and rich without becoming too thick or too thin.
- Shake it for a frothier drink. Building the cocktail in the glass is easiest, but shaking creates a creamier texture.
- Let the syrup cool fully before storing it. Adding the rum while the syrup is still hot can dull some of the flavor.
- Lean into the tiramisu garnish. A dusting of cocoa powder and a ladyfinger cookie make the drink feel extra special with very little effort.
Serving suggestions
This Tiramisu White Russian is ideal as an after-dinner cocktail, especially around the holidays or during colder months. Since it’s rich and creamy, it pairs especially well with lighter or simpler desserts, like these sugar cookies.
If you want to fully embrace the tiramisu theme, serve it alongside a slice of tiramisu or this tiramisu trifle at your next gathering. It also works beautifully as part of a dessert cocktail spread with espresso martinis, coffee cocktails or creamy winter drinks.
For a cozy cocktail night, pair it with salty snacks like pretzels or a cheese board. You can also serve with chocolate-covered espresso beans to balance the sweetness.
FAQ
Yes. The syrup keeps in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, making it great for prepping ahead for parties or holiday gatherings.
Dark rum gives the cocktail a richer, warmer flavor that tastes more like tiramisu, while vodka keeps it closer to a classic white Russian. Both work well.
You can, but the cocktail will be noticeably thinner. Half-and-half creates the best balance between creamy and drinkable.
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Tiramisu White Russian
ingredients
Tiramisu Syrup
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1½ tablespoons dark rum
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Tiramisu White Russian
- 2 ounces dark rum or vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce half-and-half
- ½ ounce tiramisu syrup
- 1 whole ladyfinger cookie for garnish (optional)
- 1 pinch cocoa powder for garnish (optional)
instructions
Tiramisu Syrup
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine coffee and sugar. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Whisk in the cocoa.1 cup brewed coffee, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- Remove from heat. Let cool completely.
- Stir in dark rum and vanilla extract *.1½ tablespoons dark rum, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Transfer to a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Tiramisu White Russian
- Fill a rocks glass * with ice.
- Add dark rum or vodka, coffee liqueur, tiramisu syrup and half-and-half. Stir to combine. Alternatively, combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker * filled with ice and shake well, then pour into the glass.2 ounces dark rum, 1 ounce coffee liqueur, ½ ounce tiramisu syrup, 1 ounce half-and-half
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder and a ladyfinger cookie, if desired.1 whole ladyfinger cookie, 1 pinch cocoa powder
notes
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