Black Russian co*cktail Recipe (2024)

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The Black Russian is a Vodka-based co*cktail mixed with coffee liqueur (typically Kahlua), this classic remains as cool now as it was in your granddad’s time.

Black Russian co*cktail Recipe (1)

History

The origin of the Black Russian is still debated, though the most common story traces back to the Hotel Metropole in late 1940s Belgium. It’s said the hotel barman Gustav Tops created the drink in honor of Perle Mesta—an American diplomat. Tops appropriately named this new co*cktail the Black Russian: Black for the rich dark color of coffee liqueur and Russian after the quintessential Russian spirit.

Did You Know?

Though technically a vodka drink, the main flavor profile comes from the Kahlua. The coffee liqueur provides a nutty roasted richness, the syrupy sweetness of the liqueur tempered by the vodka’s neutrality. Bonus: Kahlua is caffeinated, so you can get tipsy and wired at the same time!

Fun Fact

A Washington DC socialite (which is a fancy way of saying “a super-rich party girl with good manners”), Mesta famously hosted huge galas, entertaining the powerful and elite. As she inspired the co*cktail, we’re guessing Black Russians definitely made it into the hands of a few politicians during these lavish little shindigs.

Black Russian co*cktail Recipe (2)

Ingredients
  • 1 oz Kahlua: Any coffee liqueur will do, but Kahlua is our go-to!
  • 2 oz Vodka: Absolut or other mid-range vodkas should work fine. No need to get too fancy unless you really want to.
  • Cherry garnish: We use maraschino cherries but fresh works as well.

Steps
  • Fill a rocks or Old Fashioned glass with ice
  • Pour 1 oz Kahlua
  • Pour 2 oz Vodka
  • Stir gently
  • Garnish with the cherry

Variations

Its simplicity makes the Black Russian a good foundational co*cktail for different variations. Some of the more popular versions are listed below.

  • Brown Russian: A few drinks are referred to as a Brown Russian. One of the more common versions involves topping off a regular Black Russian with ginger ale.
  • Taylored Black Russian: Same as above, but add 1oz Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup. Named after Elizabeth Taylor, who evidently loved this rich, chocolatey variation.
  • Colorado Bulldog: Make a Black Russian as above, but top with cola. Also known as a Dirty Black Russian, Australian Black Russian, or Tall Black Russian.
  • White Russian: Same recipe but with cream added. Some may balk at White Russians being classified as a “variant,” but even The Dude must abide the Black Russian was here first. (Optional: carefully layer the cream on top for a dramatic light-to-dark presentation.)
  • Mudslide: A variant with 1 oz vodka, 1 oz Kahlua, 1 oz Irish Cream, and 1½ oz cream.

Substitutions

  • Though Kahlua is the most widely used, any coffee liqueur may be substituted, such as Tia Maria, Kamora, or Toussaint. If you’re feeling frisky, try using Patrón XO Cafe!
  • Using various flavored vodkas can add pleasant new flavor combinations. Vanilla vodka, raspberry vodka, even coffee flavored vodka may be used if you’re really nuts about coffee.
  • Replace the cherry garnish with a raspberry for a touch of bright acidity.

When to Serve a Black Russian

The co*cktail’s versatility allows it to be enjoyed at any occasion, but especially:

  • For dessert: A sweet and pleasant way to end a good meal, especially when paired with a chocolatey or creamy dessert.
  • When hosting a party: Black Russians are crazy easy to make at home.
  • Christmastime: The comforting, restorative qualities of coffee in a chilled drink.
  • Occasions calling for iced coffee: which is pretty much always.

What to Serve with a Black Russian

  • Chocolate: This includes cakes, fudge, ice cream, and just about anything made with chocolate. Go nuts! Speaking of nuts…
  • Nuts: Anything with almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, you get the idea.
  • Fruits: Figs, cherries, currants, raspberries, and blackberries.

If you’re looking for more pairings just remember: if it goes well with coffee, it likely goes well with a Black Russian.

As always, remember to enjoy responsibly. Black Russians are easy to make, but even easier going down!

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Black Russian co*cktail Recipe (11)

Black Russian co*cktail Recipe

  • Author: samantha warren
  • Total Time: 1
Print Recipe

Description

The Black Russian is a Vodka-based co*cktail mixed with coffee liqueur (usually Kahlua), this classic remains as cool now as it was in your granddad’s time.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce Kahlua
  • 2 ounce vodka
  • Cherry garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a rocks or Old Fashioned glass with ice
  • Pour 1 oz Kahlua
  • Pour 2 oz Vodka
  • Stir gently
  • Garnish with the cherry

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 235
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g

Keywords: Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, Old Fashioned Glass, Rocks Glass

samantha warren2020-04-29T20:18:26+00:00February 17th, 2020|co*cktail Recipes|0 Comments

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Black Russian co*cktail Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a black Russian co*cktail made of? ›

If you've ever wondered how to make a black Russian co*cktail, it's easy! Just combine vodka (the quintessential Russian spirit) with the dark coffee-flavored liqueur (Kahlua).

What is the difference between a black Russian co*cktail and a White Russian co*cktail? ›

What is the difference between a White Russian and a Black Russian? A Black Russian and a White Russian share the same base ingredients. For a Black Russian, simply combine vodka and coffee liqueur. To elevate to a White Russian, add half and half or heavy cream to the mixture as well.

Is a Black Russian an Espresso Martini? ›

A Black Russian co*cktail is traditionally made with two main ingredients namely; vodka and coffee liqueur. The Espresso Martini, however, takes the coffee infused flavour and strength one notch further by adding a shot of freshly brewed espresso.

What is black bullet drink made of? ›

Home / Black Bullet Can 250ml x 24
Weight (Kg)6
ColourBlack
Package TypeCan
Main MaterialGlucose & Peppermint Oil
Shop TypeAlerzoshop/Pwa
3 more rows

What is Kahlúa made of? ›

Made with 100% Arabica coffee beans and rum, Kahlúa coffee liqueur is one of the main ingredients in many of the world's favorite co*cktails. From the White Russian, Black Russian and Mudslide, to the co*cktail du jour… the Espresso Martini!

What co*cktail is made from vodka and Kahlúa? ›

The Black Russian is the big brother of the equally famous White Russian. It's a simple yet tasty drink, combining Kahlúa coffee liqueur and vodka in a truly unforgettable way.

What is a good substitute for Kahlúa in a White Russian? ›

Kahlua substitutes: Try swapping out the coffee liqueur with crème de cacao or amaretto. Vodka Substitutes: The vodka can be swapped for gin, bourbon or dark rum. Make a White Russian with Bailey's Irish Cream: Swap the cream for Irish cream.

What does the dude drink? ›

During the course of Ethan and Joel Coen's The Big Lebowski, Jeffrey “the Dude” Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) downs nine White Russians, thus making the sweet, creamy drink synonymous with the film. Despite its name, the co*cktail was actually created in Belgium.

Why is a Black Russian called a Black Russian? ›

The co*cktail owes its name to the use of vodka, a typical Russian spirit, and the blackness of the coffee liqueur.

What is in a White Russian but not in a Black Russian? ›

The Black Russian is a simple, two-ingredient co*cktail that consists of vodka and coffee liqueur. It's the forebearer to the more popular White Russian, which follows the same base but includes cream.

Which ingredients change a Black Russian to a White Russian? ›

The traditional co*cktail known as a black Russian, which first appeared in 1949, becomes a white Russian with the addition of cream. Neither drink has any known Russian origin, but both are so-named due to vodka being the primary ingredient.

Is Kahlua or Baileys better for espresso martini? ›

Kahlua is a coffee liqueur with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of caramel. It is a good choice for espresso martinis that you want to have a strong coffee flavor. Baileys is an Irish cream liqueur with a creamy texture and a flavor of chocolate, vanilla, and cream.

What is a substitute for Kahlua in Black Russian coffee? ›

Is there a substitute for Kahlua? You can swap Kahlua 1:1 with Tia Maria, a liqueur very similar to the coffee and vanilla flavor profile, or another brand of coffee liqueur.

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