Here’s how to make a Black Russian! This coffee-flavored vodka cocktail is perfect for after dinner drinks or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Here’s a cool sweet treat in the form of a cocktail: the Black Russian! This classic cocktail from the 1950’s is the perfect after dinner drink or afternoon pick-me-up. It’s got just 2 ingredients, and almost tastes like a dessert.
You might know its more popular cream-filled cousin, the White Russian. But the Black Russian is the original, and as a cocktail expert: I might like it even a little better. Here’s what to know about this classic drink.
What’s a Black Russian?
The Black Russian is a vodka cocktail with coffee liqueur. This classic cocktail was invented back in 1949, when it was created in a hotel bar in Brussels for the American ambassador to Luxembourg (here’s more about that).
So, the drink is not Russian in origin! It was named for the vodka and the black color of the coffee liqueur.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cocktail is on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, meaning that it has an “official” definition. The ingredients in a Black Russian are:
- Vodka: A clean, mid-priced vodka is best here, and lets the coffee flavor lead. I like Tito’s for most vodka cocktails.
- Coffee liqueur: Kahlúa is the standard and what I stock in my home bar. It’s made in Mexico from rum, sugar, and coffee. It does have some caffeine, but only about 25% as much as the same volume of coffee. A bottle runs around $20 and lasts for years when stored in a dark, dry place.
Tip: Use up leftover Kahlua in my favorite Kahlua drinks like the White Russian, Mudslide or an Espresso Martini!
What Does a Black Russian Taste Like?
If you like coffee and sweet drinks, a Black Russian is the drink for you. The Kahlua has notes of coffee, vanilla, and brown sugar, and the neutral vodka rounds it out as the spirit.
It’s similar to a boozy iced coffee, but smoother and more rounded. I personally feel like it’s not quite as rich as a White Russian, making it easier to sip on.
How to Make a Black Russian
Once you’ve got your ingredients, this two ingredient cocktail takes only a few minutes to make. There’s one difference from the White Russian: you don’t mix the ingredients together in the glass. Instead, stir them in a mixing glass: it’s a classic stirred cocktail like the Martini. Here’s what to do:
- Stir together the vodka and Kahlua in a cocktail mixing glass. Shaking dilutes the drink with ice. Adding to the glass doesn’t get it cold enough. So you have to stir it in a separate container like a cocktail mixing glass.
- Don’t have a mixing glass? Use any glass or container you like to mix the drink, then strain it into the serving glass. Or, grab yourself a cocktail mixing glass. (Plus, it just looks cool.)
Black Russian vs. White Russian
What’s a Black Russian vs White Russian? The Black Russian is vodka and Kahlua, and the White Russian is the same ingredients with heavy cream. To make the popular White Russian variation, just add 1 ounce of heavy cream along with the same amount of Kahlua. To make a lighter version, you can use milk if you like. The flavor’s not nearly as creamy, but it’s lighter and easier to drink.
Why drink a Black Russian instead of the white variation? Well, it’s healthier with less calories! Even better, we prefer the flavor and simplicity of the straight version to its creamy cousin.
More Variations to Try
There are a few other riffs on the Black Russian theme that are worth mentioning! If you’re a fan of this drink, make sure to try:
- Mind Eraser: Essentially a layered version of the Black Russian, topped with soda water! It’s bubbly and refreshing.
- Colorado Bulldog: Try the White Russian in a highball glass with a splash of cola, and it tastes like a root beer float.
When to Serve a Black Russian
The Black Russian is a sweet cocktail, almost a dessert! It works before dinner, after dinner, or anytime in between. Serve it as a:
- After-dinner drink or nightcap
- Happy hour or cocktail hour pour
- Afternoon pick-me-up
- Dinner party offering (it scales easily)
- Cozy, low-effort drink for two
Black Russian (Coffee Cocktail!)
Pin RecipeHere’s how to make a Black Russian! This coffee-flavored vodka cocktail is perfect for after dinner drinks or an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) vodka
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Kahlua*
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
- For the garnish: cocktail cherry (optional)
Instructions
- Add the vodka and Kahlua to a mixing glass and fill with it ice. Stir until cold.
- Strain the drink into an ice filled lowball glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.
Notes
*Make it a White Russian by adding 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) heavy cream.
More Easy Two-Ingredient Cocktails
The Black Russian is a minimalist drink you can throw together without a recipe. A few more I keep on hand:
- Best Gin and Tonic The classic! All you need is gin and tonic water.
- Classic Martini The most famous two ingredient cocktail: just gin and vermouth.
- Vodka Cranberry This highball is refreshing and tangy, with cranberry juice and vodka.
- French Connection Equal parts Cognac and amaretto.
- Whiskey Highball A bubbly way to drink your whiskey: mix it with soda water or ginger ale.
- Chambord and Champagne This raspberry liqueur is perfect with bubbles.
from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/Wk6JahO
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