With its timeless flavor and effortless preparation, this black Russian recipe is an ideal cocktail for any occasion, especially when you’re in the mood for both coffee and a cocktail. It is simple enough to enjoy as a wind-down drink at the end of the day and sophisticated enough to impress guests if you’re hosting a gathering. The rich and indulgent flavors of this easy cocktail make it a perfect after-dinner drink or nightcap.
The origins of this classic cocktail are rooted in prestige. As the story goes, the original black Russian cocktail recipe was invented in the late 1940s by bartender Gustave Tops at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, Belgium. It is said that the drink was created as a signature cocktail for the American ambassador to Luxembourg at the time, socialite Perele Mesta. If you’re looking for more cocktail recipes, try my sidecar, manhattan, or Negroni.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Vodka – I recommend using a high-quality vodka for a smooth, clean-tasting finish in this black Russian recipe.
Kahlua – this coffee-flavored liqueur adds a delicious creamy taste and notes of caramel and vanilla.
Ice – use regular ice cubes or one large rock ice cube.
How to Make a Black Russian
1. In an old-fashioned glass or rocks glass, add the vodka.
2. Add the Kahlua.
3. Fill the glass with ice or add one rock ice cube.
4. Use a stir stick to stir together until well chilled.
What’s the Difference Between a Black Russian and a White Russian drink?
The main difference between a White Russian and a Black Russian drink is that a White Russian uses heavy cream or milk. The two cocktails have the same base of vodka and coffee liqueur, but since a white Russian includes cream, it has a lighter color, different texture, and a slightly sweeter taste.
What’s the Difference between Espresso Martini and Black Russian?
A Black Russian uses vodka and coffee liqueur while an espresso martini uses both of those along with a shot of espresso and simple syrup for sweetness. The martini is also made in a cocktail shaker instead of stirred together in a cocktail glass.
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- Adjust the ratios to taste. While a classic black Russian cocktail recipe calls for equal parts vodka and Kahlua, I prefer a little less coffee liqueur. Start with the recommended amounts in this recipe, then add more of either liquor to suit your taste.
- Chill the ingredients beforehand. Put the black Russian ingredients – including the vodka, Kahlua, and cocktail glass – in the freezer so they are cold before you make this recipe. Chilling them first makes an extra cold and delicious drink and won’t melt the ice as fast.
- Garnish. While you can serve this black Russian drink as is, you can also add a festive garnish like a maraschino cherry or an orange twist for a pop of color, flavor, and impressive presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ice is one of the key ingredients in a classic black Russian to chill the drink, but you can also make this recipe without it. If you omit the ice, I recommend chilling the glass and the liquor before making the drink, as it’s best served cold.
You can swap Kahlua 1:1 with Tia Maria, a liqueur very similar to the coffee and vanilla flavor profile, or another brand of coffee liqueur.
Or, you can make your own coffee liquor by mixing equal parts espresso syrup with vodka to replace the Kahlua. In a pinch, you replace the Kahlua with an equal part of vodka and dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of instant espresso and 1 teaspoon of simple syrup per ounce of vodka to add a sweet coffee flavor.
Switch up your sipping experience by making any of the following adaptations: finish off the drink with a splash of club soda to make a Mind Eraser, stir in heavy cream and a pour of cola for a Colorado Bulldog, or try your hand at a Black Magic cocktail by squeezing in fresh lemon juice before serving.
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
- Adjust the ratios to taste. While a classic black Russian cocktail recipe calls for equal parts vodka and Kahlua, I prefer a little less coffee liqueur. Start with the recommended amounts in this recipe, then add more of either liquor to suit your taste.
- Chill the ingredients beforehand. Put the black Russian ingredients – including the vodka, Kahlua, and cocktail glass – in the freezer so they are cold before you make this recipe. Chilling them first makes an extra cold and delicious drink and won’t melt the ice as fast.
- Garnish. While you can serve this black Russian drink as is, you can also add a festive garnish like a maraschino cherry or an orange twist for a pop of color, flavor, and impressive presentation.
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