You may have heard of the classic
White Russian, a creamy coffee cocktail that gained popularity in the 1990s, but its predecessor the Black Russian delivers on simplicity and strong coffee flavor. This two-ingredient, spirit-forward cocktail combines vodka and coffee liqueur served over ice, making it a flavorful dessert cocktail, especially when garnished with an orange slice or a Maraschino cherry.
History:
The Black Russian was created in Brussels in the 1940s by a Belgian hotel bartender for the American ambassador to Luxembourg. Its name comes from the Russian spirit—vodka—and the color the coffee liqueur gives the drink. With the addition of heavy cream or milk, you’ve got a White Russian.
How to make a Black Russian cocktail:
— The coffee liqueur. Traditionally made with Kahlúa, Black Russians also work well with any type of coffee liqueur. Kahlúa is a rum-based coffee liqueur lending to a sweeter, vanilla flavored cocktail. If you’re a coffee lover and looking to emphasize the coffee flavors or even feel a caffeine buzz, swap for a cold-brew coffee liqueur. If you’re looking to enhance the coffee notes in your Kahlúa, add a few dashes of orange bitters to your drink.
— The vodka. When selecting a vodka, opt for something neutral—let the coffee shine. Feel free to experiment with the essential flavors of this classic drink, depending on your taste. Use your favorite vodka brand, or check out our favorite vodka brands for more inspo.
Made this cocktail? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
You may have heard of the classic
White Russian, a creamy coffee cocktail that gained popularity in the 1990s, but its predecessor the Black Russian delivers on simplicity and strong coffee flavor. This two-ingredient, spirit-forward cocktail combines vodka and coffee liqueur served over ice, making it a flavorful dessert cocktail, especially when garnished with an orange slice or a Maraschino cherry.
History:
The Black Russian was created in Brussels in the 1940s by a Belgian hotel bartender for the American ambassador to Luxembourg. Its name comes from the Russian spirit—vodka—and the color the coffee liqueur gives the drink. With the addition of heavy cream or milk, you’ve got a White Russian.
How to make a Black Russian cocktail:
— The coffee liqueur. Traditionally made with Kahlúa, Black Russians also work well with any type of coffee liqueur. Kahlúa is a rum-based coffee liqueur lending to a sweeter, vanilla flavored cocktail. If you’re a coffee lover and looking to emphasize the coffee flavors or even feel a caffeine buzz, swap for a cold-brew coffee liqueur. If you’re looking to enhance the coffee notes in your Kahlúa, add a few dashes of orange bitters to your drink.
— The vodka. When selecting a vodka, opt for something neutral—let the coffee shine. Feel free to experiment with the essential flavors of this classic drink, depending on your taste. Use your favorite vodka brand, or check out our favorite vodka brands for more inspo.
Made this cocktail? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
- Yields:
-
1
- Prep Time:
-
5 mins
- Total Time:
- 5 mins
Directions
-
- Step 1
Fill a large measuring glass with ice. Add vodka and Kahlúa and stir with a bar spoon or another long-handled spoon until mixture is chilled, about 30 seconds.
- Step 2Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange slice, cherry, and/or bitters (if using).
- Step 1
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
