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Classic cocktail

Black Russian

A simple two-bottle mix of vodka and coffee liqueur.

3 minutes · Easy · Rocks glass · Makes one drink

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Black Russian illustration

What you will need

Ingredients for one drink

  • 50 ml Vodka
  • 20 ml Coffee liqueur

Bar tools

Jigger, Bar spoon, Strainer

How to make it

  1. Pour the measured ingredients over ice in a rocks glass.
  2. Stir gently to combine.

BEHIND THE DRINK

The story & background

The Black Russian is a two-ingredient vodka and coffee-liqueur drink. The linked IBA page describes a cream-topped White Russian variation, while this version keeps the ingredients to the original pairing.

Coffee is a flavor ingredient, so use a brew you enjoy. Follow the recipe’s hot or cold preparation and keep the liqueur measure controlled so it does not overwhelm the coffee.

Background reference ↗ Recipe reference ↗

Bottles to consider

Explore Black Russian ingredient ideas from our catalog. Match the spirit style in the recipe and contact your store for current prices and availability.

Make it for your group

The cocktail guide adjusts ingredient quantities and lets you leave out items you already have.

Open this recipe in the guide ↗