Black Russian

The Black Russian is a popular after-dinner/dessert cocktail made with equal parts vodka and coffee liqueur, served in a rocks glass with ice and gently stirred. The Black Russian is a variation of the classic White Russian cocktail.

“First of all, Kahlúa is one of the best coffee liqueurs out there – super coffee, super chocolatey. That’s enhanced by the Absolut Vodka…plus you get to eat cherries afterwards,” shares Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

A Black Russian is bold, rich, and sweet, reminiscent of sipping a dark coffee. It delivers the robust coffee richness paired with the smoothness of vodka, making it a perfect choice for a late-night sipper or after-dinner cocktail.

It’s said that the Black Russian cocktail was invented by in Belgium in 1949 by a bartender working at a bar in Brussels.

• No cola and keep it short
  “First of all guys, don’t put no cola in your Black Russian – it’s a straight-up alcohol drink, so stop making it long, it’s a short drink,” says Rico.Listen to Rico! While some recipes might suggest a highball glass topped with cola (see the Variations section below), a classic Black Russian is simply vodka and coffee liqueur, served in a rocks glass.
• Stir like a pro, not a whirlwind
  Stir your cocktail gently with a bar spoon for a velvety texture, but not too much otherwise you’ll cause the ice cubes to melt and it’ll dilute your drink too quickly.

• Dirty Black Russian
  Grab a highball glass, fill it with ice cubes, follow the recipe for a Black Russian but then top up your glass with cola and you’ve got yourself a Dirty Black Russian.

  This version brings together the richness, depth and sweetness of the coffee liqueur, the smoothness of vodka, and the effervescence, sweetness and caramel notes from the cola.

• White Russian
  The White Russian is one of the most beloved dessert cocktails around. It shares the same two ingredients as a Black Russian, but adds whipping cream to create a sumptuous, velvety, and creamy texture. Discover the recipe for a White Russian.
• Brown Russian
  Follow the same recipe for a Dirty Black Russian (above) but swap cola for ginger ale.
• Mudslide
  Similar to a White Russian, the Mudslide is another incredibly popular dessert cocktail that mixes vodka, coffee liqueur and Irish cream liqueur. Sweet, creamy and decadent, check out the recipe for a Mudslide cocktail.

• Black Magic
  This twist on a Black Russian stirs together vodka, coffee liqueur and fresh lemon juice, giving a nod to Southern Italy where Italians often add lemon peel or zest to espresso during the summer. Check out our Black Magic recipe.

• The Black Russian should be served in a rocks glass filled with ice cubes.
• As you’ll see in the video, Rico garnishes his Black Russian with a single fresh cherry. However, it’s traditionally served with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry on a cocktail stick.
• Squeeze the lemon over the drink for an aromatic lift that plays off the coffee notes.
• If you prefer orange over lemon, garnish your drink with an orange twist.
• Serve your Black Russian with a square of dark chocolate to echo the bittersweet flavors.