Black Russian (Coffee Cocktail!)

How to make a Black Russian! This coffee-flavored vodka cocktail is perfect for an after-dinner drink or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Here’s a sweet treat in the form of a cocktail: the black russian! This classic 1950s cocktail is the perfect after-dinner drink or afternoon pick-me-up. It only has 2 ingredients and tastes almost like a dessert. You may be familiar with its more popular cream-filled cousin, the White Russian. But the black Russian is him Original. Maybe we even like it a little better. Here’s what you need to know!

What is a black russian?

The Black Russian is a vodka cocktail with coffee liqueur. This classic cocktail was invented in 1949 when it was created in a hotel bar in Brussels for the American ambassador to Luxembourg (more info). So the drink is not of Russian origin! It was named after the vodka and the black color of the coffee liqueur.

This cocktail is on the International Bartender Association’s list of official IBA cocktails, meaning it has an ‘official’ definition. The ingredients of a Black Russian are:

• vodka
• Coffee Liqueur Like Kahlua

What is Kahlua anyway?

Kahlua is pretty standard in a liquor cellar these days, but what is it really? Here’s what you need to know about this coffee liqueur and some substitutes:

• Double is a coffee liqueur made in Mexico: It is made from rum, sugar and coffee. It contains caffeine but only about 25% of the same amount of coffee.
• How much is Kahlua? Kahlua costs around $20 per bottle.
• What are the Kahlua Substitutes? You can also use other coffee liqueurs like Tia Maria or Sheridan’s.
• What other cocktails does Kahlua use? Use it to prepare Kahlua drinks like White Russian, Mudslide or an Espresso Martini.

Want more coffee cocktails? Go for cafe cocktails worth trying.

How to make a black russian cocktail

Once you have your ingredients, it only takes a few minutes to whip up this two-ingredient cocktail. There is one difference with the White Russian: you don’t mix the ingredients in the glass. Instead, stir them in a mixing glass: it’s a classic stirred cocktail like the martini. Here’s what to do:

• Mix vodka and Kahlua in a cocktail glass. Shaking dilutes the drink with ice. Adding to the jar doesn’t cool it enough. So you need to stir it in a separate container like a cocktail glass.
• Don’t have a mixing glass? Use any glass or container to mix the drink, then strain into the serving glass. Or do you take one cocktail glass. (Plus, it looks cool.)

Make him a Belarusian!

What is a black russian versus a white russian? The Black Russian is made with vodka and kahlua, and the White Russian is made with the same ingredients with cream. To make the popular White Russian twist, simply add 1 ounce of heavy cream with an equal amount of Kahlua. To make a lighter version, you can use milk if you like. The taste is not as creamy but lighter and easier to drink.

Why drink a Black Russian instead of the white variety? Well it’s healthier with fewer calories! Even better, we prefer the flavor and simplicity of the pure version to its creamy cousin.

More variations on Black Russian

There are a few more Black Russian themed riffs worth mentioning! If you are a fan of this drink, be sure to try:

• Mind Eraser: Essentially a layered version of the Black Russian, topped with soda water! It’s sparkling and refreshing.
• Colorado Bulldog: Try the White Russian in a tall glass with a squirt of Coke, and it tastes like a root beer float.

More two-ingredient cocktails

Because there are only two ingredients, the Black Russian is one of those easy cocktails you can make for unexpected guests. Here are some more famous two-ingredient cocktails. Most don’t even need to be shaken: just mix in a glass:

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 as:

• Happy hour drink
• afternoon cocktail
• Late night drinks
• Night drink for girls or boys
• Aperitif at aperitif time