Large Cheese Russian Recipe

Soften and blend cream cheese

Place the softened cream cheese and half-and-half in a small bowl or measuring cup. Whisk vigorously (or use an immersion blender) until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. If you prefer a thinner pour, add up to 0.5 oz more half-and-half. Taste and stir in simple syrup if you want a touch more sweetness.

Fold in the grated aged cheddar: add the 0.25 cup grated cheddar to the cream mixture and stir briefly so small flecks remain suspended. This creates the signature 'cheesy' texture and flavor in the cream layer.

Chill glass and add ice

Fill a large rocks glass or double Old Fashioned glass with the cup of ice. Swirl to chill the glass, then drain any excess water if needed.

Pour spirits

Add the vodka (2.5 oz) and coffee liqueur (1.5 oz) over the ice. If using simple syrup, add the 0.5 tsp now and gently stir once to combine the spirits and sweetener.

Float the cheese cream

Using the back of a spoon held just above the drink surface, slowly pour the cream-cheese mixture over the spoon so it floats as a distinct layer atop the coffee-vodka mixture. The grated cheddar bits will suspend slightly in the cream layer.

Garnish and finish

Lightly dust the top with grated chocolate or cocoa powder (0.5 tsp) and scatter the extra cheddar shavings on top for visual contrast and an extra hit of savory umami. Serve with a short stirring straw so the drinker can mix layers if desired.

This cocktail is intended to be sipped slowly so the drinker experiences the contrast of cold coffee-laced spirits and the creamy, slightly savory cheese top. If you prefer a fully blended drink, stir gently before drinking to distribute the cheddar throughout.

To prepare a larger batch, scale ingredients proportionally. For a dairy-free variation, substitute the cream-cheese mixture with a blended silken tofu and coconut cream mixture and omit cheddar garnish.