Say hello to one of the simplest winter vodka cocktails you’ll ever mix up! With just two ingredients, the Black Russian recipe couldn’t get easier. And sometimes easy is exactly what you need when you’re hosting a crowd. While this winter cocktail isn’t as popular as the White Russian, it totally deserves to be. Made with just vodka and coffee liqueur, this dark cocktail is surprisingly flavoursome—especially if sweetened cold coffee is your vibe.
Black Russian Recipe
PREP TIME 3 min
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Pour coffee liqueur and vodka into an ice-filled lowball glass
02
2.
Stir to chill (about 20 seconds)
03
3.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry
04
4.
Serve
Black Russian cocktail recipe
This two-part recipe can be whipped up in seconds, but that doesn’t mean you can take a shortcut with the ingredients. Always use premium quality liquor for the best result. Your cocktail will only be as good as the sum of its parts.
For the coffee liqueur, we suggest finding one with full-body flavour and vanilla caramel notes to give this cocktail an indulgent edge. When it comes to vodka, you want a spirit that is smooth and soft and won’t overpower the coffee taste. That’s why the best vodka for this dapper drink is SKYY Vodka.
More coffee cocktails >> 9 Best Coffee Cocktails to End Your Evening with a Kick
Tips for making an awesome Black Russian cocktail
- When you are learning how to make this drink, getting the balance right is just as important as the quality of your ingredients. When mixing it for the first time, use our recipe as is. If you want it slightly sweeter, add more coffee liqueur, and if you want it stronger (or weaker), add more (or less) vodka. Experiment with the quantities until you find the sweet spot that suits your taste.
- Play around with the ice you’re using. Use a large ice sphere (or ball) for a classic look and a more robust taste. Go for chipped ice to make it a bit more diluted. Or shake it up in an ice-filled cocktail and strain it into a chilled martini glass.
- Use flavoured ice. A great trick is to make filtered coffee ice cubes for a more pungent coffee taste.
Make this cocktail your own
Since the 1940s, it’s safe to say that this recipe has been around the block a few times, so it makes sense that it comes with a few varieties you can try. The simplicity of the coffee liqueur and vodka creates a decent foundation to add more flavours and combinations. So have some fun and experiment!
- The White Russian: This is the most obvious spin-off of the OG, and you make it by simply adding a dash of double cream to the vodka and coffee liqueur.
- The Dirty Black Russian: This is served in a highball glass and topped with cola.
- The Mudslide: Add Baileys Irish cream and double cream for absolute indulgence.
- The Irish Russian: Yes, it’s a thing! Top your Black Russian with Guinness or other stout beer – ideal for beer cocktail enthusiasts!
- The Colorado Bulldog: Add double cream and cola for a surprising twist.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
That depends! How long does it take you to pour liquor over ice and stir it? This is one of the fastest and tastiest drinks out there —and you can pull it off in under 30 seconds (or less if you have a bottle in each hand).
Like cold, sweetened boozy black coffee, with hints of caramel and vanilla.
While the White Russian is made with the same ingredients, it gets a dash of double cream and a cherry if you're feeling fancy.
It’s ‘black’ for the colour of the coffee liqueur and ‘Russian’ for the use of vodka.
