Kahlua Cocktails Series: Russian on Holiday

Spring has officially sprung. Everyone survived the change to Daylight Savings time, the robins are back, my crocus and daffodils (and dandelions!) are in bloom and according to the calendar, it is finally officially here. In NE Ohio, it might not be time to put away our scarves just yet, but everyone is definitely thankful that winter is over and we are ready for spring. Whether you're thinking of Easter, Passover, gardening or March Madness, it's a great time of year!

But nothing is better than an early spring trip to somewhere tropical. That's where I want to be ~ Sandals. Sundresses. Painted toes. Beaches. Palm trees. Cocktails.

I love a tasty tropical cocktail - who doesn't? But I'm not a huge fan of the typical neon-colored sugar water and cheap booze that you normally find at the beach. My favorite kind of cocktail is a classic with a twist.

As I was day dreaming about a tropical getaway this weekend, I came up with a really fun take on the classic Kahlúa® White Russian cocktail. If all you know about White Russians has to do with The Big Lebowski, you’re in for a treat. This Dude is a lot more fun. He’s a Russian on Holiday. He's still kind of pale because he just arrived, but he's ready to hit the beach, get some sun and have some fun. Let me introduce you:

This super easy cocktail mixes up fast and is perfect for anytime you want to add a little tropical fun to your cocktail menu ~ whether you're on vacation or just want to feel like you are.

Here's the recipe:

1 1/2 parts Kahlúa®

1 part Absolut vodka

1 part half & half 

   (or heavy whipping cream depending on how naughty you want to be)

1 part coconut milk

1/8 t. coconut extract, optional

Garnish: cocoa nibs, almonds and shaved coconut

Fill shaker with ice. Add half & half and coconut milk. Shake vigorously. You want the dairy to be really cold and frothy. Add Kahlúa®, Absolut and coconut extract. Shake, shake and shake again. If you want to go old school, serve over ice. If you want to look a little fancy, pour into a martini glass. Garnish with cocoa nibs, chopped almonds and shaved coconut. Enjoy!

Tasty Tips:

• I used the coconut milk you find in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. It's really delicious and so much better than the canned variety.
• Look for coconut nibs in the bulk food section - it's a pricey ingredient and this way you can buy just what you need.
• You can use flavored syrup like they use at coffee shops instead of coconut 
  extract. It will make the drink sweeter so adjust the amount accordingly. You can use it to make a coconut Kahlúa® flavored coffee too! 
• Mix in some banana puree for an tasty twist.

For more great cocktail ideas, follow Kahlúa® on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

*** Disclosure: I partnered with Kahlúa® to bring you this post. 

Please remember to drink responsibly. As always, all opinions and ideas are my own. ***