The first time I had a Rum Raisin White Russian, it wasn’t on a menu. It was something passed down—a drink made by someone who understood how flavors tell a story.
The idea came from the classic rum raisin ice cream, a favorite in old-school dessert shops, but here, it was transformed into something smooth and sippable.
I remember being skeptical at first—raisins in a cocktail? But after one sip, I understood. The spiced rum deepened the drink, the raisins added a natural caramel sweetness, and the cinnamon tied it all together.
It was like taking the comfort of an old-fashioned treat and giving it a little edge. Now, it’s one of those drinks I introduce to customers who think they’ve tried every variation of a White Russian. One sip, and they get it.
Flavor Profile
This drink is smooth, warming, and just sweet enough to feel indulgent.
Taste: Deep caramelized rum, bold coffee, creamy vanilla notes
Texture: Velvety and rich
Sweetness: Well-balanced—not too sugary, but dessert-like
Food Pairings
I recommend pairing this with:
Warm Bread Pudding – The soft, custardy texture and warm spices mirror the rum-soaked raisins perfectly.
Dark Chocolate Truffles – The slight bitterness of the chocolate cuts through the richness of the drink.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake – The creamy cheesecake complements the smoothness of the cocktail, while the caramel highlights the rum’s deeper notes.
Spiced Nuts – Adds a crunchy contrast and enhances the spiced rum flavors, especially with cinnamon or nutmeg.
Similar Drinks
If you like this, you’ll probably enjoy:
Classic White Russian – The foundation of this drink, smooth and simple.
RumChata White Russian – A cinnamon-spiced version with extra creaminess.
Brandy Alexander – Another dessert-like cocktail with cream and depth.
Espresso Martini with Spiced Rum – For those who want a stronger coffee kick.
Mudslide – A chocolatey, indulgent cousin of the White Russian.
Rum Raisin White Russian
This twist on the classic White Russian brings in the rich, spiced flavors of rum-soaked raisins, adding depth and warmth to the creamy coffee cocktail. The combination of dark rum, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream creates a smooth, indulgent drink with a nostalgic touch. The cinnamon garnish enhances the spiced notes, making it a perfect after-dinner sipper.
Ingredients
- 1 oz dark rum (spiced for extra depth)
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 2 oz heavy cream
- ¼ cup raisins, soaked in 2 oz dark rum for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better)
- Ice
- Ground cinnamon, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Pour in the coffee liqueur and dark rum.
- Strain some of the rum from the soaked raisins into the glass (save the raisins for garnish).
- Gently float the heavy cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Stir lightly if you want a blended drink, or leave it layered.
- Garnish with a few rum-soaked raisins and a dusting of cinnamon.
FAQ
Can I use golden raisins instead of regular ones?
Yeah, absolutely. Golden raisins have a slightly lighter, fruitier sweetness, but they still soak up the rum beautifully.
How long should I soak the raisins?
At least an hour, but overnight is best if you want that deep, caramelized flavor. The longer, the better.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yep! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or oat milk creamer—it’ll still be rich and smooth.
What type of rum works best?
Go for a dark, aged, or spiced rum. White rum won’t have the depth you need.
Can I batch-make this for a party?
Definitely! Mix the rum, coffee liqueur, and rum-soaked raisins in a pitcher. Let guests pour their own over ice and add cream to their liking.