Black Russian
The Black Russian is a very strong vodka spirit-forward cocktail, sweet and bitter on the palate. Built and served in a rocks glass. It's one of the International Bartenders Association's official contemporary classics cocktails.
- 2 min
- Rocks glass
- Built
Flavor profile
- Sweet
- 70 out of 100
- Bitter
- 36 out of 100
- Smoky
- 14 out of 100
- Boozy
- 99 out of 100
How to make a Black Russian
To make a Black Russian, build over ice in a rocks glass: ¾ oz Coffee liqueur and 1½ oz vodka.
You'll need
- Coffee liqueur¾ oz
- Vodka1½ oz
Instructions
- 1
Fill a rocks glass with one large ice cube.
- 2
Pour in coffee liqueur and vodka.
- 3
Stir briefly to mix.
Why build it in the glass? Coffee liqueur and vodka only need a gentle stir, so there's no shaker to wash.
Black Russian questions
What does a Black Russian taste like?
Mostly sweet and bitter, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. It's a very strong drink at about 30% ABV once mixed.
How strong is a Black Russian?
About 30% ABV after mixing with ice, close to a neat spirit.
What's the difference between a Black Russian and an Espresso Martini?
Both use Coffee liqueur and vodka. The Espresso Martini uses simple syrup. The Black Russian is built in the glass and served in a rocks glass; the Espresso Martini is shaken and served in a cocktail glass.
What glass do you serve a Black Russian in?
A rocks glass.