Cocktail Art
Black Russian
The Black Russian is a classic two-ingredient cocktail combining clean vodka with rich, sweet coffee liqueur. Created in the late 1940s at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, this drink is smooth, bold, and intensely dessert-like. It is an excellent after-dinner drink or late-night sipper, offering a simple yet deeply satisfying flavor profile for coffee lovers.
- GlassRocks glass
- MethodBuild
- Time2 min
- Strength≈ 31% ABV
How to make a Black Russian
Build it in a rocks glass with ice cubes. About 2 minutes.
- Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 50 ml of vodka over the ice.
- Add 20 ml of coffee liqueur.
- Stir the mixture gently to combine and chill.
Bartender’s tips
- If you want a subtle citrus twist, you can substitute regular vodka with vodka citron.
- Keep your vodka in the freezer beforehand to ensure the drink is served as cold as possible.
- Use a high-quality coffee liqueur to balance the clean strength of the vodka.
You may also like
If you enjoy the rich coffee and vodka profile of the Black Russian, you might also like these similar cocktails: Espresso Martini, Absolut News, Alesha, and Jingle Juice.
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★ 4.6 · 584 ratingsBlack Russian questions
What is the best vodka for a Black Russian?
A clean, neutral vodka works best to let the rich flavor of the coffee liqueur stand out.
Can I use vodka citron in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the standard vodka with vodka citron for a bright, citrusy variation.
How strong is a Black Russian?
With 50 ml of vodka and 20 ml of coffee liqueur, the drink has an alcohol by volume of about 31%.