The Black Russian cocktail is a classic vodka cocktail with a dark rich coffee liqueur flavor. Only those two simple ingredients. Just pour and stir. So good!
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I’m a sweet cocktail fan. The black Russian is a bit strong for my taste. Especially when made according to the IBA specifications. Lots of vodka and just a little kahlua.
Most of the recipes for this drink are a bit less high test than that. Mine uses just 2 oz. of vodka to every oz. of kahlua. Even that is strong for me.
However, my sister loves it that way. So this cocktail post is for her. And for you.
Black Russian Two Ways:
Watch me make the Black Russian cocktail recipe in TWO versions in the video. The traditional recipe makes a deep flavored cocktail with strong notes of vodka and coffee with a hint of rum from the kahlua liqueur.
I made my own personal version I call Twisted Black Russian. If you love coffee and vanilla…
The Twisted black russian is a delicious blend of cold brew, vanilla vodka, and kahlua all mixed together to blend into a coffee cocktail. It’s a big hit in my house.
The traditional black russian is my sisters personal favorite. She enjoys a bit of strength in her alcoholic drinks. I’m more of a light weight. Yep I am.
More Kahlua Drinks:
If you want more yummy ways to use up your bottle of kahlua coffee liqueur take a look at these cocktail. All delicious kahlua drinks.
History of the Black Russian:
The Black Russian history began in a bar as most cocktails do. All the bartenders have their very own way of making it by now I’m sure. Here’s how the marriage of vodka and kahlua started.
According to WikiPedia:
“This combination first appeared in 1949 and is ascribed to Gustave Tops, a Belgian barman, who created it at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels in honor of Perle Mesta, then United States Ambassador to Luxembourg. (She had a very colorful party life with lots of famous people).
This cocktail owes its name to the use of vodka, a typical Russian spirit, and the blackness of the coffee liqueur.”
WikiPedia
And there you have it. You’ll find the traditional black Russian cocktail in about any bar or cocktail lounge. It’s a popular well drink.
Kahlua and vodka are great mates. It all started with the Black Russian made as a signature drink for our aforementioned Perle Mesta. She was a very popular hostess amongst the rich and powerful.
Eventually someone decided to tone it down a bit with cream and so… the White Russian. And now the versions of this drink are endless. Including my Twisted Black Russian Coffee Drink.
The Glass:
Black Russians are traditionally made in an old fashioned glass. Any short 10 or 12 oz. whiskey or scotch glass like these will do the trick.
Use VERY smooth vodka for a good Black Russian. You’ll spend a bit more but the result is worth it.
Black Russian Recipe:
The standard recipe contains five parts vodka to two parts coffee liqueur, per IBA specified ingredients. WOW. That is a LOT of alcohol in one cocktail.
Most of the recipes I see are similar to mine. It seems to be a popular proportion.
I use a two parts vodka to one part coffee liqueur recipe and that is fine. That is Excellent!
If you love more vodka feel free, but watch it. One of these will hit you pretty hard at Happy Hour.
Black Russian Drink Ingredients:
The classic Black Russian is a cocktail of vodka and coffee liqueur. Just those two ingredients.
- Skyy vodka (or other high end smooth vodka)
- kahlúa rum and coffee liqueur
- Old fashioned glass half filled with ice.
pour ice half full into a whiskey glass and pour alcohol over top, stir with a cocktail stirrer and serve immediately.
Black Russian Cocktail Recipe
The Black Russian cocktail is a classic dark vodka cocktail with a rich coffee liqueur flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka (use high end smooth vodka)
- 1 oz Kahlua
- Classic Black Russian ratio: the IBA standard is 5:2 (vodka to coffee liqueur). We prefer an easy 2:1 mix — 2 oz vodka to 1 oz Kahlúa — for a smooth, balanced sip.
Instructions
- Put ice half full into an old fashioned glass
- Add the Vodka
- Pour Kahlua over the top
- Stir with a cocktail stirrer
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
1 cocktailServing Size
10 oz.Amount Per Serving Calories 343Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 6mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 0gSugar 22gProtein 0g
FAQ: Classic Black Russian Cocktail
What’s in a Black Russian cocktail?
A classic Black Russian is made with just two ingredients: vodka and coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa). It’s typically served over ice in a rocks glass.
What is the standard Black Russian ratio?
The IBA standard ratio is 5:2 (vodka to coffee liqueur). Our preferred “house” ratio is 2 oz vodka + 1 oz Kahlúa (a simple 2:1 mix) for a smooth, balanced coffee flavor.
What’s the difference between a Black Russian and a White Russian?
A Black Russian is vodka + coffee liqueur. A White Russian adds cream or milk, making it creamier and sweeter.
What coffee liqueur is best for a Black Russian?
Kahlúa is the classic choice, but you can also use other coffee liqueurs (like Tia Maria or Mr Black). Different brands change the sweetness and coffee intensity.
How strong is a Black Russian?
A Black Russian is a strong cocktail because it’s mostly spirits. Using 2 oz vodka + 1 oz Kahlúa makes a robust drink—serve over plenty of ice and sip slowly.
Can I make a Black Russian less sweet (or less strong)?
Yes. For less sweet, choose a less-sugary coffee liqueur or slightly reduce the Kahlúa. For less strong, use more ice, or add a splash of cold brew or cream (which turns it into a White Russian-style drink).
Should a Black Russian be shaken or stirred?
It’s usually built in the glass over ice and gently stirred to combine. Shaking isn’t necessary.
More coffee cocktails to try
- Chocolate Cake Shot (Frangelico):
- Twisted Black Russian (vanilla vodka + cold brew):
- White Russian with Kahlua:
- Espresso Martini (Kahlua):
- Peppermint Mocha Cocktail Coffee Drink:
More cocktail recipes
Wilbur Lloyd
Sunday 22nd of August 2021
I like to add 2 shots of Coca-Cola 2 shots of Stolichnaya (forgive my spelling) and 2 shots of coffee liquor or substitute Coca-Cola with cold brew coffee and lots of ice.
Kayti Lavergne
Sunday 22nd of August 2021
Oh that sounds really good Wilbur! I'll have to give that a try, thank you for your suggestion!