The easiest cocktail you’ll ever make, all you need for a Black Russian drink is vodka and Kahlua! Sweet but simple, this vodka cocktail is perfect for when you’re craving something coffee-flavored. It’s easy to memorize as you only need 2 parts vodka and 1 part Kahlua, so scaling this cocktail up for a crowd is a breeze.
It’s a smooth drink served over ice and takes seconds to stir together. No shaking is required, and no garnish is needed! It’s an excellent cocktail for anyone who doesn’t own a cocktail shaker. It’s a dark and mysterious drink perfect for any occasion. For other classic drink ideas, try my Sidecar recipe, Manhattan, or Negroni cocktail.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Vodka — while you do not have to use the most expensive vodka, I recommend picking a good quality vodka that is creamy and smooth as vodka is the base of this cocktail. While some believe vodka to be flavorless, vodkas can vary in flavor based on the type of fermentation material used to make the spirit. I use Grey Goose for this Black Russian as it has hints of pepper and anise along with subtle citrus notes.
Kahlua — this is a coffee liqueur that is made with arabica coffee beans and Mexican-grown sugar, giving off delicious coffee notes, so it tastes like sweetened coffee. Keep in mind that this liqueur does contain caffeine.
How to Make Black Russian
1. In an old-fashioned glass or rocks glass, add the vodka.
2. Add the Kahlua to the vodka.
3. Fill with ice.
4. Stir together until well chilled.
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- Feel free to adjust the amount of each ingredient to your liking. For a sweeter cocktail, add more Kahlua. For a stronger cocktail, add more vodka.
- Do not use crushed ice or small ice cubes for this cocktail. Larger ice cubes melt slower, so you won’t have a diluted drink.
- Try using flavored vodka such as vanilla to add another layer of flavor to the Black Russian.
- For a colder cocktail, place the vodka in the freezer. It won’t freeze due to the alcohol content but instead keep the spirit cold.
- To keep the drink cold longer, chill the glass in the freezer 30 minutes beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did this cocktail originate from?
While it’s named Black Russian, the cocktail was created in Brussels. Bartender Gustave Tops created the cocktail while working at the Hotel Metropole in the 1940s. It got its name due to the color of the Kahlua and vodka’s association with Russia.
What are some substitutes for Kahlua?
Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Tia Maria, Leopold Bros Frenchpress-Style Coffee Liqueur, and Sheridan’s are great coffee liqueurs. As this cocktail only features two ingredients, try to use a liqueur you enjoy as there’s nowhere for the flavors to hide.
What are some variations on this vodka cocktail?
- Add some soda water to the cocktail to make a Mind Eraser.
- Add a splash of heavy cream to the drink to make a White Russian.
- Add cola and heavy cream to make a Colorado Bulldog.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to make a Black Magic cocktail.
If you love this recipe try these out!
If you’ve tried this Black Russian recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
Black Russian
Equipment
- Old-fashioned or rocks glass
- Cocktail stirrer
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- ice
Instructions
- In an old-fashioned glass or rocks glass, combine the vodka and Kahlua. Fill with ice. Stir together until well chilled.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the amount of each ingredient to your liking. For a sweeter cocktail, add more Kahlua. For a stronger cocktail, add more vodka.
- Do not use crushed ice or small ice cubes for this cocktail. Larger ice cubes melt slower, and you won’t have a diluted drink.
- Try using flavored vodka such as vanilla to add another layer of flavor to the Black Russian.
- For a colder cocktail, place the vodka in the freezer. It won’t freeze due to the alcohol content but instead keep the spirit cold.
- To keep the drink cold longer, chill the glass in the freezer 30 minutes beforehand.
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