The Black Russian is a simple, two-ingredient cocktail that stuns. With a combination of vodka and coffee liqueur, it’s the perfect boozy nightcap that’s lighter than its creamy counterpart. You don’t even need a cocktail shaker *!
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About this Black Russian recipe
The Black Russian is a classic drink that combines Kahlua (coffee liqueur) with vodka. With just two ingredients, plus ice, it is one of the easiest drinks you can make.
Since it doesn’t have the cream of the White Russian, it’s a nice dark drink with chocolatey, coffee sweetness. I find it especially satisfying to sip as a nightcap in place of a cup of coffee. It’s also a great option to have in my back pocket for my nightcap-loving family, as I have some relatives who eat dairy-free or vegan.
Although two-ingredient drinks are light on, well, ingredients, they certainly don’t have to be light on taste as proved by this flavorful sip. It’s simple enough for beginning bartenders to make without feeling intimidated, but produces a drink that works for everything from an at-home happy hour to a cocktail party.
Note from the author
2026 update: I first published this recipe back in 2014, but I have since I updated it with new photos and tips for making it the best ever. This recipe is so easy yet so much fun — I know you are going to love it!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Uses only 2 ingredients. I’m guessing if you check your bar cart *, you may already have everything you need!
- Quick and approachable to make. Even beginners can handle this recipe, since it doesn’t require any special equipment or prior skill.
- Perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sipping solo or need something that’s a crowd-pleaser, this cocktail works.
Ingredients & essentials
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
The Black Russian doesn’t need much. It’s a combination of coffee liqueur, commonly Kahlua, and vodka. You’ll also want ice to cool down your drink, and a bar spoon for stirring — a regular spoon works well, too.
If you already have a bottle or favorite brand of coffee liqueur, you can certainly use that in your drink. You can also make your own coffee liqueur at home. It’s easier than you think and only takes a few days before it’s ready to use.
Best vodka for Black Russians
As always, my advice for selecting a spirit is to use the best bottle you can afford. When it comes to vodka, I recommend sticking to the $15-20 range if you can. Cheap vodka can end up tasting cheap and stand out in your drink, rather than offering your drink a blank base to build upon. Tito’s, Deep Eddy, Reyka and Absolut are all brands I’ve used and enjoyed.
The classic Black Russian recipe calls for regular vodka. It’s crisp, clean and works well with the coffee liqueur. If you want to switch things up, you could opt for a flavored vodka like vanilla or marshmallow to add some new fun flavors to your drink.
Don’t miss Vodka 101 where you can learn more about which bottles to buy.
Instructions
No extensive prep needed for this simple sipper! Simply grab your favorite glass — I used a rocks glass — and fill it with ice, and you’re ready to go. For the slow sipper, you may want to freeze a batch of large ice cubes ahead of time, but that’s totally optional.
- First, measure your vodka and pour over ice.
- Then add your vodka. Gently stir your drink to combine the flavors and cool things down. Then you’re ready to enjoy!
Tips & tricks
- Stir gently to avoid melting your ice and diluting the drink.
- Use a large ice cube if you prefer your drink stronger because it melts more slowly.
- Add a splash of cream or half-and-half to mellow out the booze (and turn it into a White Russian).
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Serving suggestions
Thanks to notes of coffee and chocolate, this drink pairs well with dessert! Serve it after a hearty dinner for guests who prefer something stronger than coffee alongside a creamy dessert like milk tart or cheesecake. You could even transform your drink into dessert by adding a scoop of ice cream, similar to an affogato.
For a more elegant presentation, opt for a large ice cube instead of several smaller ones. Using the directional freezing method will give you clear ice that elevates any drink. You can also offer cream to guests who may prefer to transform their cocktail into a White Russian.
FAQ
Both of these classic drinks are made with Kahlua (a coffee liqueur) and vodka. The difference is that a White Russian also contains cream, giving it a white color and creamier texture.
Since the Black Russian only two ingredients — coffee liqueur and vodka — are alcoholic, it is considered a strong drink.
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Black Russian
ingredients
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur such as Kahlua
- 1 large ice cube or a few small ice cubes
instructions
- Fill a rocks glass * with ice.1 large ice cube
- Pour in vodka and Kahlua.1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce coffee liqueur
- Gently stir together. Serve immediately.
notes
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Deirdre Reid says
White Russians are one of my favorite liquid desserts. Last weekend I tried a variation — a White Lithuanian. Replace the vodka with Krupnikas – a Lithuanian liqueur made with honey and spices by the Brothers Vilgalys in Durham. NC made! It’s so good that my vodka bottle may get dusty.
LEE @ Modern Granola says
Very creative! I’ve never tried this, but maybe I will this season 🙂
Gwen says
Susannah! I think you are simply amazing. So charming, creative and un-pretentious. I love to visit Feast and West. I’ll be posting about you, perhaps this weekend. Thank you for sharing the cleverness and humor in your soul!
Camila Grace says
I am so in love with this recipe of Black Russian. I will try this on my birthday for sure. I bet my friend would definitely love this, Cz they are so crazy for Vodka just like me. So yay!! I will try this and definitely give you their reactions.
Susannah says
Thanks so much, Camila. Hope you love it!