The Black Russian is all about keeping it simple and strong. Just vodka and coffee liqueur; two ingredients, zero fuss. It’s the drink you go for when you want bold flavor without the extra fluff.
Pour it over ice, give it a quick stir and you’re done. What you get is a rich, boozy, coffee-forward cocktail that hits with coffee depth and vodka clarity.
Perfect for nights when you want to keep it real. No sweetness, no cream, just that dark, smooth kick that doesn’t need to say much to make an impression.
What Is a Black Russian and Where Did It Come From?
The Black Russian is a simple yet bold cocktail made with just vodka and coffee liqueur. It’s rich, dark and all about that coffee flavor with a strong, boozy finish.
This drink first showed up in 1949 at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels. It was created by bartender Gustave Tops for the American ambassador to Luxembourg, a woman who clearly knew what she wanted in a cocktail.
Named for the vodka’s Russian roots and the coffee liqueur’s dark color, the Black Russian is the older, moodier sibling to the White Russian. It’s the drink you sip when you want something strong, simple and to the point.
White Russian vs. Black Russian?
Two drinks, same roots, wildly different vibes.
You ever meet siblings who grew up in the same house but turned out completely different? That’s the White Russian and Black Russian. Born from the same mix of vodka and coffee liqueur, but where they go from there? Whole different stories.
How to Make the Perfect Black Russian at Home
Want that smooth, bold Black Russian vibe without stepping into a bar? Here’s how to do it:
- Chill the glass: Fill a rocks glass with ice and let it sit for a minute. Keeps the drink cold and crisp.
- Pour the base: Add vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice.
- Stir it up: Give it a gentle stir to blend the flavors. No need to shake.
- Garnish to impress: Drop a couple of coffee beans on top or sprinkle some chocolate shavings if you’re feeling extra.
- Serve it straight: This drink is all about keeping it simple, so no frills, no fuss.
Best Food Pairings for a Black Russian
The Black Russian is bold, rich and a little bitter, so it pairs best with sweet and intense flavors:
Dark chocolate truffles: Rich and slightly bitter to match the coffee liqueur.
Espresso brownies: Dense and fudgy with that deep coffee kick.
Candied almonds: Sweet, crunchy and just a little smoky.
Cheesecake bites: Creamy, tangy and a nice contrast to the strong, dark flavors.
Salted caramel popcorn: Sweet, salty and perfect for sipping and snacking.
The Perfect Blend of Vodka and Coffee Liqueur
This Black Russian cocktail offers a delightful mix of potent vodka and the sweet richness of coffee liqueur. It’s served over ice, making it a refreshing choice that maintains its bold character without being overpowering.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- Ice cubes
- Coffee beans or chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Zero-proof version: Replace the vodka with cold brew coffee. Swap the coffee liqueur for a coffee syrup or a splash of espresso concentrate. Keep the richness with a few drops of vanilla extract or a dash of chocolate syrup.
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice.
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- Garnish with coffee beans or chocolate shavings if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 518 kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 69g
Black Russian Variations to Try
Wanna shake things up? Here are some easy ways to remix the classic Black Russian:
Spicy Black Russian: Add a splash of cinnamon or chili liqueur for a warm, spicy kick.
Mocha Russian: Swap the coffee liqueur for chocolate liqueur for a richer, sweeter vibe.
Orange Black Russian: Add a dash of orange bitters to bring out a citrusy note.
Nutty Russian: Mix in a splash of amaretto for a hint of almond flavor.
If you like this you may want to try an Irish Coffee.
To pin for later:
Black Russian Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 60 ml Vodka
- 30 ml coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- Ice cubes
- Coffee beans or chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice.
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- Garnish with coffee beans or chocolate shavings if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Zero-proof version: Replace the vodka with cold brew coffee. Swap the coffee liqueur for a coffee syrup or a splash of espresso concentrate. Keep the richness with a few drops of vanilla extract or a dash of chocolate syrup.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 518Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 886mgCarbohydrates: 69gFiber: 11gSugar: 35gProtein: 13g
This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.
