PREP TIME 3 min
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.
The first Black Russian was poured back in the late 1940s in Brussels and nowhere near Russia. So, when it comes to its name, our best guess is that the ‘black’ refers to the color of the coffee liqueur, and ‘Russia’ comes from the country’s love of vodka.
Pour the coffee liqueur over ice in an old fashioned glass
Stir until icy cold (around 30 seconds)
Serve
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 flavorsome — especially if sweetened cold coffee is your vibe.
This two-part Black Russian 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 flavor 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 a Black Russian is SKYY Vodka.
More coffee cocktails >> 9 Best Coffee Cocktails to End Your Evening with a Kick
Since the 40s, it’s safe to say that the Black Russian 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 flavors and combinations. So have some fun and experiment!
