Have you tried a Black Russian cocktail? It’s a spirit forward, classic cocktail. The Black Russian, made with just vodka and Kahlúa is the original drink, created in 1949, and once heavy cream was added it became the White Russian.
With only two ingredients and a prep time of one minute, this is a simple dessert cocktail to make. It makes an excellent after-dinner drink. It is somtimes garnished with a maraschino cherry or an orange slice.
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Ingredients in a Black Russian
- Vodka – Choose a quality, unflavored vodka.
- Kahlúa – The classic rum and coffee liqueur. This gives the recipe its coffee flavor.
This drink is best served in a rocks glass. You’ll also want to make large ice cubes for a drink like this.
What does a Black Russian taste like?
This cocktail tastes like coffee and vodka. It is made with Kahlua, which is a coffee and rum liqueur with hints of vanilla. The flavors are a nice balance of spirit, sweet, and bitters.
Directions
Add vodka and Kahlúa to a mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill.
Strain over an oversized ice cube in a rocks glass.
Serve immediately. Cheers!
History
The Black Russian cocktail was first created in the 1940s by bartender Gustave Tops at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, Belgium for Perle Mesta, the ambassador to Luxembourg. American ambassador Perle Mesta was known at the time as a socialite for the lavish parties he hosted.
The drink was not created in Russia, but simply named for the main ingredient of vodka.
Tips for Making
- This drink calls for one part Kahlua and two parts vodka. For a sweeter drink, you can swap the proportions or do equal pours of both.
- You can try seasonal flavored Kahlua spirits to create a festive variation.
- Garnish with a cherry or orange slice if you like.
Variations
- Black Magic Cocktail – This drink made by combining 1 ounce of vodka and 1 ounce Kahlua with 1/3 ounce of lemon juice served over ice.
- White Russian – When you add heavy cream to a Black Russian, it becomes a White Russian.
- Brown Russian – This recipe uses equal parts vodka, creme de cacao, heavy cream and chocolate syrup. It’s shaken and poured over ice.
- Colorado Bulldog – When you top a White Russian cocktail with cola, it becomes a Colorado Bulldog.
Serving Suggestions
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Black Russian and a White Russian drink?
The only difference is that a White Russian has heavy cream added and a Black Russian does not.
What is in a Black Russian?
A Black Russian cocktail is made from vodka and kahlua.
Is a Black Russian drink from Russia?
No. Both the Black Russian and White Russian drinks originated in Europe and are called “Russian” because they contain a base of vodka.
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Learn to mix a Black Russian cocktail at home.
Instructions
Add vodka and Kahlúa to a mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill.
Strain over an oversized ice cube in a rocks glass.
Serve immediately. Cheers!
Notes
- This drink calls for one part Kahlua and two parts vodka. For a sweeter drink, you can swap the proportions or do equal pours of both.
- You can try seasonal flavored Kahlua spirits to create a festive variation.
- Garnish with a cherry or orange slice if you like.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Black Russian
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
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