Black Russian Cocktail
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A classic Black Russian cocktail is minimal, unapologetic and deeply flavorful. With just 2 ingredient – vodka and coffee liqueur – it delivers a dark, aromatic richness balanced by the crisp neutrality of the spirits. Served over ice, it’s bold but smooth, with a bittersweet finish that lingers longer than its short ingredient list suggests.
Black Russian Recipe
Recently I was at a bar in Chicago, child-free and travelling with friends, and ordered this classic cocktail… only to be greeted with a “huh?”
I thought everyone knew how to make this easy 2-ingredient cocktail, but apparently it’s fallen so out of fashion that even a bartender at a popular nightclub had no idea how to make it… so after I told him how to whip it up, I thought I should also share this super simple recipe here to hopefully spread the love for this cocktail classic.
It’s no frills, simple and unapologetic, yet smooth and satisfying. No garnish required – though a sweet maraschino cherry is always welcome – this is the drink to order or make when you want something strong yet simple, an effortless nightcap or the start of a much-needed night out.
A bold, elegant cocktail that never goes out of style. Just vodka, coffee liqueur and ice. This timeless Black Russian recipe is the ideal blend of smooth, dark and lightly sweet.
First mixed in Brussels in 1949, the Black Russian was created by a Belgian bartender in honor of a visiting American diplomat. Its name nods both to the color of the drink and the vodka base, which at the time was closely associated with Russia. Though it later evolved into the creamy White Russian, the original remains an icon of mid-century cocktail minimalism.
This is hands-down my favorite cocktail and with just two ingredients, it’s easy to make and love. The flavor is smooth, despite the lack of mixers, making it a great option for casually sipping or enjoying when you’re responsibility-free for the night.
Black Russian Variations:
- Frozen Black Russian: Blend the ingredients with ice until slushy, then serve in a chilled glass for a summer-ready twist.
- White Russian: Add 1 ounce of heavy cream or half-and-half for a softer, dessert-like version. (Check out our Halloween version here.)
- Cold Brew Black Russian: Replace half the vodka with cold brew concentrate for a lighter, more aromatic cocktail.
- Spiced Russian: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of vanilla extract to the coffee liqueur before mixing.
- Coconut Black Russian: Swap traditional vodka for coconut vodka or infuse your own with shredded coconut for a tropical edge.
Black Russian Cocktail FAQs
Can I make a Black Russian ahead of time? You can mix the vodka and coffee liqueur in advance and store in a sealed jar in the fridge, but always pour it over fresh ice just before serving to preserve the texture and chill.
What type of vodka works best? A clean, neutral vodka highlights the flavor of the coffee liqueur. Premium brands aren’t necessary, but avoid heavily flavored vodkas that can overpower the drink’s simplicity. (A vanilla vodka can add some depth of flavor but it won’t be traditional.)
How to serve a traditional Black Russian? Use small, heavy-bottomed glasses with a single large ice cube for a slow melt and polished presentation.
What’s the difference between a Black Russian and a White Russian? The White Russian adds cream, giving it a richer, dessert-like character, while the Black Russian remains sharp and spirit-forward.
Black Russian Cocktail Ingredients
- Vodka
- Coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- Ice cubes
- Maraschino Cherries, optional garnish
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.
Tip: Coffee liqueur choice matters: Kahlúa is classic, but brands like Tia Maria or Mr. Black offer deeper, less sweet profiles that let the coffee shine.
Tip #2: Ice size influences dilution: Use large cubes or a single sphere to slow melting and keep the drink bold until the last sip.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
- Liquid Measure
- Highball Glass
I really loved using my gorgeous Omishome Bartending Kit to make this recipe. The pretty bamboo holder contains all of the tools you need to make perfect cocktails, and those pretty gold tools add a touch of class to your home bar set-up.
How to Make a Black Russian Cocktail
Fill an old-fashioned or rocks glass with ice.
Pour in the vodka, followed by the coffee liqueur.
Stir gently to combine.
Serve immediately, unadorned or with a single maraschino cherry if desired.
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Black Russian Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- Ice cubes
- Maraschino Cherries, optional garnish
Instructions
- Fill an old-fashioned or rocks glass with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, followed by the coffee liqueur.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Serve immediately, unadorned or with a single maraschino cherry if desired.
Notes
Adjust this recipe with equal parts vodka and Kahlua, if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 244Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 0gSugar: 13gProtein: 0g
Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.
For more tantalizing cocktails, check out our full cocktail recipe collection here:
