Black Russian Cocktail

Vodka
Author: The Bar Team
Black Russian cocktail garnished with a lemon twist sitting on a wooden table

Just like its moniker — the cocktail is made with only two ingredients – vodka and coffee liqueur. In contrast to the White Russian, this variation has since been sipped with a variety of mixers such as cola, lemon juice, ginger ale and Irish cream - showcasing the versatility of the drink. 

What you’ll need

Ingredients

Serves:
1
  • Vodka
    30ml
  • Coffee liqueur
    15ml
  • A large ice cube

Equipment

  • 1 x Rocks glass
  • 1 x Jigger
  • 1 x Cocktail shaker
  • 1 x Spoon

Method

Step 1

Add one large ice cube to a short glass to regulate dilution and chill the drink without overwatering it.

Step 2

Pour vodka into the glass initially, followed by coffee liqueur directly over ice for clean layering and easy blending.

Step 3

Stir 10–12 seconds to mix the spirits evenly and chill the mix without adding excess air or melting.

Step 4

Serve straightaway with no garnish to preserve the drink's simplicity and highlight the direct flavour profile

Tips & Suggestions

  • Use a large, clear ice cube rather than standard cubes, as this slows dilution, maintains the flavour, and prevents the coffee liqueur's texture from being watered down.

  • Always pour the vodka first, add the coffee liqueur over it, then stir, to prevent the layered viscosity from being altered on the first stir, and make the mouthfeel smoother.

You may also like

A tall glass of blue beverage with ice cubes and a mint garnish sits on a gray surface, with a potted plant and orange straws in the background.
Virgin Blue Lagoon Mocktail
Low
A cocktail glass filled with a dark beverage sits on the strings inside an open grand piano.
The Singleton 12 Rob Roy Cocktail
Whisky
A glass of iced whiskey cocktail garnished with a lime wedge, surrounded by bottles of liquor, lime halves, and a metal jigger on a cloth surface.
Johnnie Ginger Cocktail
Whisky
Two glasses of blue cocktail with ice, lime wedges, and mint garnish on a gray surface, near a cocktail shaker, tongs, strainer, and ice cubes.
Blue Lagoon Cocktail
Vodka
A glass of amber-colored drink with ice and garnish sits on a dark coaster atop a round table.
The 69th Barrel Cocktail
Whisky
A glass of strawberry and mint iced drink sits on a plate with ice, garnished with mint and strawberries, on a rustic white wooden table with a white napkin and strawberries in the background.
Smirnoff Strawberry Smash Cocktail
Vodka
A glass of red cocktail with mint, lime, and a straw sits on a wooden bar, with string lights and a blurred background behind it.
Pom-Lime French 75 Cocktail
Gin
A glass of whiskey with ice sits on a dark wooden surface against a dimly lit background.
J&B Classic Cocktail
This is one of the easiest blended scotch whisky-based cocktails to make, which has a spicy, sweet and light note along with effervescence from cola.
Whisky
A bartender garnishes a tall glass of iced cocktail with a lemon twist at a bar.
J & B and Sprite Cocktail
This simple cocktail requires two key ingredients – good quality scotch and fizzy lemon soda, for a citrus flavour and bubbly mouthfeel.
Whisky

FAQs

More from The Bar

A marble countertop with cocktails, a bottle of Don Julio tequila, Baileys, Johnnie Walker Black Label, snacks, and candles in a warmly lit room with red walls.
Elegant cocktail with a dried citrus garnish on a wooden table in warm lighting
A person in a purple shirt holds a glass of water at a wooden table with a bowl of green olives and a small dish of nuts.
Smiling person enjoying a cocktail outdoors in bright lighting
Smiling person enjoying a cocktail outdoors in bright lighting

Stay Inspired

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive recipes, insider secrets and special offers - all delivered straight to your inbox.