The Ingredient Swap That Turns A White Russian Into A Toasted Almond Cocktail

You don't need to be a professional bartender to confidently pour a few recipes for your friends from behind your home bar. Once you've mastered the delicious simplicity of a classic White Russian cocktail, you can make a second version of the drink with an easy switch up. Instead of pouring vodka, Kahlua, and heavy cream into a cocktail shaker to mix, you'll swap out the White Russian's vodka for a splash of cozy, nutty amaretto. The almond-flavored liqueur lends itself to many drink pairings that include Scotch and coffee, and its versatility makes it one of the more reliable inclusions you can splash into cocktail recipes. 

Toasted almond cocktails play into this idea, as the creamy drink serves up a satisfying sipper that can be enjoyed at the end of a night or on a cold winter's day. Whether poured on the rocks or into a delicate martini glass, this easy cocktail recipe can delight guests looking for something sweet to cap off a rich meal. The best part of this three-ingredient beverage is that you can customize the recipe to suit specific dietary preferences. 

There are many different spins you can put on a toasted almond cocktail. You can use plant-based milk alternatives instead of cream — almond milk or oat milk can offer a complementary creamy flavor, though will be a bit thinner to drink — or consider crowning these beauties with dollops of homemade honey whipped cream and fine shavings of chocolate. Once your selected ingredients have been dumped into your cocktail shaker, be sure to shake well to combine the milky, boozy liquids. Then, use a cocktail strainer to capture any icy shards that might have broken off into the drink before pouring the finished concoction into your glass of choice. 

Your toasted almond cocktails can pack even more of a punch if you want to bring the vodka back into the mix. Consider using a flavored vodka like vanilla, chocolate, or espresso to build even more layers of flavor into your sweet treat, and serve these decadent delights with trays of pretty and simple chocolate truffles for a luxurious spread that will certainly not go unnoticed by your attending dinner guests.