Black Russian
A simple and potent cocktail, the Black Russian combines vodka and coffee liqueur, served over ice. It's the darker, spirit-forward sibling to the White Russian, without the cream.
What is this drink?
The Black Russian is a stripped-down, spirit-forward cocktail created in 1949 Brussels, combining just vodka and coffee liqueur over ice. It's the sleek, no-cream sibling to the White Russian.
Why you'll love it
Bold, bittersweet, and unapologetically strong — this two-ingredient cocktail is ideal when you want the full punch of coffee and spirit with none of the dilution.
When to serve
Serve as an after-dinner digestif, alongside dark chocolate desserts, or whenever you want a quick and satisfying spirit-forward drink.
Pro tip
Use a large, single ice cube to minimize dilution and keep the flavors concentrated and the drink beautifully cold.
Vodka
Clean and neutral, it amplifies the coffee liqueur without interfering — choose a smooth, well-made vodka for the best result.
Coffee Liqueur (Kahlúa)
The star of the show — its deep, sweet coffee flavor and syrupy body give the Black Russian its character and richness.
Swap Options
Mr. Black or Tia Maria can replace Kahlúa for a less sweet, more coffee-forward profile. Add a splash of cold brew concentrate for an extra espresso hit. A shot of cream transforms it into a White Russian instantly.
Prepare the glass
Fill an old fashioned glass (or rocks glass) with 1 serving of ice.
Tips:
- •Large ice cubes melt slower and are ideal for spirit-forward drinks.
Add ingredients
Pour 2 ounces (60 ml) vodka and 1 ounce (30 ml) coffee liqueur over the ice in the glass.
Tips:
- •The ratio can be adjusted slightly to suit preference; more vodka for stronger, more liqueur for sweeter.
Stir and serve
Stir gently for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- •Stir just until well-chilled.
- Use a good quality vodka, as its flavor will be noticeable.
- Experiment with different coffee liqueurs for varied coffee notes.
- For a touch of creaminess without the full White Russian, add a very small splash of heavy cream or milk.
- Can be served as a digestif after a meal due to its strong, rich flavor.
Different ways to make this drink your own
White Russian
Add a float of heavy cream over the back of a spoon on top of the Black Russian. The cream transforms the cocktail entirely — creamier, richer, and dessert-like. The contrast between the cold cream and the coffee-spirit base beneath creates a layered drinking experience.
Mr. Black Black Russian
Replace Kahlúa with Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur for a more intense, less sweet, more authentically coffee-forward version. The cold brew character adds depth and genuine coffee complexity that makes this variation feel considerably more grown-up than the standard.
Espresso Black Russian
Add a fresh shot of cooled espresso alongside the Kahlúa for a cocktail that bridges the gap between a Black Russian and an Espresso Martini. The extra coffee depth makes this version more aromatic and complex, with a pleasant bitterness from the fresh espresso.
Tools that make this drink come together
Rocks Glass
The Black Russian is built directly in a rocks glass over ice — no shaker or mixing glass needed. The short, wide format concentrates the aromas of vodka and coffee liqueur while providing room for a generous pour over ice.
Bar Spoon
Stir once or twice after adding both spirits to combine them evenly over the ice. The Black Russian is simple enough that over-stirring is not a concern — just ensure the vodka and Kahlúa are properly integrated before serving.
Large Ice Cube or Sphere
A single large ice cube or sphere melts slowly and looks striking in the short glass. The slow melt prevents the Black Russian from diluting too quickly, keeping the coffee and vodka flavours concentrated and strong.
Can't Find These?
Any short, wide glass works perfectly. Stir with any spoon. Regular ice cubes are fine. The Black Russian is one of the simplest cocktails to make — two ingredients, over ice, stirred gently.
The right glass makes a real difference
Rocks Glass (Old Fashioned Glass)
A Black Russian is served in a short rocks glass over ice, which suits the drink's spirit-forward, unfussy character. The wide, open mouth concentrates the aromas of the coffee liqueur and allows the ice to chill the drink efficiently. The compact format signals that this is a serious, concentrated cocktail rather than a long, sipping drink — it is meant to be appreciated in fewer, more deliberate sips.
Alternatives
Any short, wide tumbler works well. A stemless wine glass provides an elegant alternative for a dinner party setting. Avoid tall glasses — the Black Russian is a concentrated, short drink that loses its character when lengthened.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Dark Chocolate
Rich 70% dark chocolate shares the Black Russian's bittersweet coffee notes. The intensity of good dark chocolate matches the concentrated vodka and Kahlúa, with neither overwhelming the other. A classic after-dinner pairing.
Espresso Cookies
Crispy espresso-flavoured shortbread or biscotti echo the coffee character of the Kahlúa. The subtle sweetness of the biscuit complements the cocktail without making the combination feel overly rich or cloying.
Affogato
A scoop of vanilla ice cream with a shot of espresso poured over it is the dessert equivalent of a Black Russian — coffee and sweetness together. Served alongside each other, they create a luxurious coffee-themed dessert course.
Mature Cheddar
A bold, sharp aged cheddar provides an interesting savoury contrast to the Black Russian's sweetness. The cheese's crystalline texture and tangy character cut through the Kahlúa's richness, refreshing the palate between sips.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Pre-Measure the Spirits
Portion vodka and Kahlúa into a small jug or individual shot glasses in advance. Two ingredients need two measurements — having them ready means each Black Russian assembles in seconds with no delay during service.
Chill Rocks Glasses
Place rocks glasses in the freezer 30 minutes before service. A cold glass keeps the Black Russian chilled for longer without relying entirely on the ice, reducing the rate of dilution and keeping the flavours concentrated.
Prepare Large Ice Cubes
Make large ice cubes or an ice sphere the night before using filtered water. Large ice in a rocks glass looks beautiful and melts slowly, preserving the Black Russian's concentrated character throughout the drinking experience.
Set Up Coffee Garnish
For an elegant presentation, have a small dish of dark chocolate shavings or coffee beans ready to garnish each Black Russian. Three coffee beans placed on the surface is a classic touch that signals the cocktail's coffee character.
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