Fitness / August 9, 2023

Black Russian Cocktail Recipe

Discover the allure of the timeless Black Russian Cocktail, a smooth mix of vodka and coffee liqueur that’s as sophisticated as it is simple to prepare.

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Want a drink with history AND oomph? Try a Black Russian Cocktail, conceived during the Cold War. Since then, its smooth blend of vodka and coffee liqueur has been enjoyed worldwide.

You probably know the Black Russian’s cousin, the White Russian — the cocktail the Dude from ‘The Big Lebowski’ couldn’t live without. Well, the Black Russian is that and much more. It rocks the same vodka and coffee liqueur base, but it has a glint to it. Why? It’s cream-free, letting the liqueur duo shine. It reminds me of an Espresso Martini with its vodka-coffee combo but has a straightforwardness to it that makes it enjoyable any time, anywhere.

INGREDIENTS

Did I mention the straightforwardness?

2 oz. vodka
1 oz. coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)

equipment needed

rocks glass
mixing glass
strainer
bar spoon
jigger or a measuring tool

Note: The Black Russian does not require a muddler or sugar cubes, which simplifies the process even more! As the Russian saying goes, “Brevity is the sister of talent.” I reckon they had cocktails in mind.

INSTRUCTIONS

Chill

Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes to chill.

Combine

In a mixing glass, combine 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of coffee liqueur. Stir the ingredients until well combined.

Strain

Remove the ice cubes from the rocks glass and add fresh ice. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over the fresh ice.

Garnish

For an extra touch, you can garnish the Black Russian with a lemon twist, an orange slice, or a cherry.

How to Make a Healthy / Low-Calorie Black Russian Cocktail

A Black Russian isn’t too bad on the waistline — around 185 calories — but if you want to lighten it up a bit, we can do that. First, swap your regular vodka for a light version; some liquor brands have low-calorie versions. Similarly, go for a sugar-free coffee liqueur. Doing so will cut out most of the calories. Last, size matters! Serve these drinks up in cute little glasses. You’ll feel like you’re having a full serving but you’re not. Clever, huh!

For a boozeless version, swap out vodka for seedlip, which is like a spirit sans alcohol. Then, replace the coffee liqueur with coffee syrup or coffee essence. You may have to play around with the quantities to find your sweet spot.

Tips & Tricks For Making a Perfect Black Russian Cocktail

Start with a cold glass to keep your drink cold for a longer time. Store your rocks glass in the freezer for a while before you’re ready to start mixing.
Reach for top-shelf vodka and high-quality coffee liqueur. With only two ingredients, this cocktail hinges on their quality. Don’t skimp here!
Stirring, not shaking, is required. Shaking forms tiny air bubbles that can dilute the drink.
The ice matters. Start with fresh ice when serving. It may sound trivial, but old ice can absorb flavors from your freezer and impact the taste of your cocktail (in a bad way).
Lemon twist, orange slice, cherry — they all add color and aroma, so try each garnish out and see which one(s) you prefer.

FAQs

how many calories are in a Black Russian Cocktail?

A standard Black Russian is about 185 calories, depending on the vodka and coffee liqueur brand. But hey, there are healthier options! Check the section above for some tips on how to cut those calories.

What’s the right way to drink a Black Russian Cocktail?

This one’s a slow and smooth ride. Take gentle sips, and let the flavors chill and melt on your tongue.

Can I play with the ratio of vodka to coffee liqueur?

Of course! Who am I to say you can’t tweak it? The textbook Black Russian is a 2:1 mix of vodka to coffee liqueur but you can adjust the ratio to fit your taste.

I’m always messing up. How do you pronounce Kahlúa?

You’re not alone. It’s ka-LOO-ah. It’s a Mexican coffee liqueur that pairs well not only with other alcohols but with other food and beverages (coffee being the first that comes to mind).

Delicious Black Russian Cocktail Variations

White Russian: Adding a splash of cream or milk to your Black Russian transforms it into the famous White Russian, a creamier, slightly milder version of its darker cousin.

Black Magic: This version adds a citrusy twist to the classic. To craft a Black Magic, add a dash of lemon juice and serve it with a lemon twist garnish.

Brown Russian: Fancy a chilled dessert drink? Convert your Black Russian into a Brown Russian by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How To Prep And Store A Black Russian

If you’re hosting a party and want to do as much work beforehand as possible, you can do up a quick pre-mix of the vodka and coffee liqueur in a fancy pitcher. Keep it chilled until your guests arrive. Just hold off on the ice until serving so as not to dilute your drinks.

For leftovers, this is an easy cocktail to see to as it’s just booze, no dairy or fresh stuff to worry about. So, you can either pour it back into your fancy pitcher or a Tupperware container and store it in the fridge for a few weeks. Just give it a stir before serving it again.

Or, should you feel so inclined, add some to next morning’s coffee, carefully drizzle it onto a cake for a decidedly adult dessert, or better yet, freeze it into ice cubes for a naughty twist in your iced coffee.