White Russian and Black Russian in Side: Kahlua Cocktails at Hawaii

Hawaii Restaurant & Bar in Side old town serves both. Its menu lists the White Russian as vodka, kahlua and milk, and the Black Russian as vodka, kahlua and cola. A classic Black Russian has no cola, just vodka and coffee liqueur. For other creamy drinks, try the Screaming Orgasm or Jamaican Sunrise. Open daily until 02:00.

The Kahlua family

Kahlua is a coffee liqueur: sweet, dark and tasting of roasted coffee with a hint of vanilla. Mixed with vodka it creates two of the most recognisable cocktails in the world, the Black Russian and its creamier sibling, the White Russian. Neither is actually Russian; the name comes from the vodka. Both are easy to like because the coffee liqueur rounds off the edge of the spirit, which is also why they are easy to drink faster than you intended. Tia Maria, another coffee liqueur on Hawaii's bar list, plays a similar role in the Jamaican Sunrise.

White Russian at Hawaii

Hawaii's menu lists the White Russian as vodka, kahlua and milk. The classic recipe is vodka and coffee liqueur over ice, topped with cream, so Hawaii's milk-based version will usually be a little lighter than a cream-topped one. It is smooth and sweet with a gentle coffee flavour, an easy-drinking choice after dinner or on a long evening.

If you prefer it stronger, sweeter or with less milk, ask the bartender. It is a drink that rewards sipping slowly over ice rather than rushing, and it works just as well on a winter evening as in the height of summer.

Black Russian at Hawaii

Hawaii's menu lists the Black Russian as vodka, kahlua and cola. That is worth knowing before you order, because the classic Black Russian has no cola: it is simply vodka and coffee liqueur stirred over ice, served short and strong. Some bars top it with cola to make a longer, fizzier drink, and that is the style Hawaii's menu describes.

If you want the short, cola-free classic, just ask the bartender whether they can make it that way.

White Russian vs Black Russian at a glance

Other creamy cocktails on the menu

If you like the White Russian, Hawaii's list has two more milk-based options:

• Screaming Orgasm: vodka, kahlua, baileys, amaretto and milk. Think of it as a White Russian with extra layers of cream liqueur and almond.
• Jamaican Sunrise: malibu, tia maria, batida de coco and milk. Tia Maria is another coffee liqueur, and the Malibu and batida de coco bring coconut.

And if coconut is your favourite, the Pina Colada is listed as bacardi, malibu and milk.

Coffee-lover pairings

Coffee liqueur cocktails sit naturally beside the rest of the coffee menu. The Espresso Martini is the obvious next step, and for something hot, see Irish coffee and liqueur coffees. A White Russian also works as a stand-in for dessert; or have both.

When to order them

• After dinner: creamy cocktails close a meal well, particularly after grilled meat or pizza.
• During a match or karaoke: Hawaii shows live sport on screens, including football, Premier League, Champions League, F1 and ice hockey, and runs karaoke.
• Happy Hour: runs daily 19:00–20:00. Ask at the bar which drinks are included that night.

For the full drinks picture, see the cocktail bar in Side guide.

Dairy and allergies

The White Russian, Screaming Orgasm and Jamaican Sunrise all contain milk according to the menu, and amaretto is almond-flavoured. If you have a dairy or nut allergy, tell the bartender before ordering. The Black Russian, as listed, has no milk.

Adults only, drink responsibly

These cocktails contain alcohol and are for adults only. Sweet, creamy drinks can feel lighter than they are, so pace yourself and drink water. Hawaii's free round-trip hotel pickup from selected hotels helps you get back safely.

Visit Hawaii

Hawaii Restaurant & Bar has been in Side old town since 2000 and is open daily 10:00–02:00. Current prices are on the live menu. Book a table or message WhatsApp +90 533 930 12 83.