
The Black Russian is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail known for its bold coffee and vodka flavors. It's a fantastic choice for an after-dinner drink or a contemplative sip.
The Classic Black Russian Recipe (Easy!)
This is the foundation of all the variations.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (60ml) Vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlúa, Tia Maria, or others - we'll discuss the best later!)
- Ice Cubes
Equipment:
- Old Fashioned glass (or a similar short, sturdy glass)
- Jigger or measuring spoons
Instructions:
Step 1: Fill the Glass with Ice
Fill your old fashioned glass completely with ice cubes. This will chill the drink quickly and keep it cold.

Step 2: Add Vodka
Pour 2 ounces (60ml) of your favorite vodka over the ice.

Step 3: Add Coffee Liqueur
Next, pour 1 ounce (30ml) of coffee liqueur into the glass.

Step 4: Stir Gently (Optional)
You can gently stir the drink a couple of times to combine the ingredients. Traditionally, it's often served unstirred, allowing the layers to mix as you sip.

Step 5: Garnish (Optional)
A traditional Black Russian garnish is a couple of maraschino cherries or coffee beans.

Variations on the Black Russian:
1. White Russian Recipe
The White Russian is simply a Black Russian with the addition of cream or half-and-half.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (60ml) Vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) Coffee Liqueur
- 1-2 oz (30-60ml) Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half
Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-3 of the Black Russian recipe.
- Gently float or stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half on top.

2. Black Russian with Coke Recipe (BBC - Black Russian with Coke)
This variation adds a fizzy and slightly sweeter element to the classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz (30ml) Vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) Coffee Liqueur
- Cola (to top)
- Ice Cubes
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add the vodka and coffee liqueur.
- Top with cola.
- Stir gently.

3. Dirty Black Russian Recipe
The "dirty" element usually comes from adding a bit of the brine from a jar of maraschino cherries. This adds a subtle salty and slightly tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the liqueur.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (60ml) Vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) Coffee Liqueur
- 1/4 - 1/2 oz (7-15ml) Maraschino Cherry Brine (adjust to taste)
- Ice Cubes
- Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill an old fashioned glass with ice.
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and maraschino cherry brine.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

4. Black Russian with Baileys
Adding Baileys Irish Cream introduces a creamy, whiskey-tinged sweetness to the Black Russian.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz (30ml) Vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) Coffee Liqueur
- 1 oz (30ml) Baileys Irish Cream
- Ice Cubes
Instructions:
- Fill an old fashioned glass with ice.
- Add the vodka and coffee liqueur.
- Gently float or stir in the Baileys Irish Cream.

Answering Your Questions:
What is the difference between a Black Russian and a White Russian?
The fundamental difference is the addition of cream. A Black Russian consists only of vodka and coffee liqueur, resulting in a dark, potent, and coffee-forward drink. A White Russian takes the Black Russian and adds a layer of heavy cream or half-and-half, making it creamier, smoother, and slightly sweeter.
What coffee liqueur is best for Black Russian?
The "best" coffee liqueur is subjective and depends on your taste preferences. However, here are some popular and highly regarded options:
- Kahlúa: The most classic and widely recognized coffee liqueur. It has a rich, sweet coffee flavor with hints of rum and vanilla. It's a solid all-around choice.
- Tia Maria: Known for its more pronounced rum notes and a slightly spicier coffee flavor. It tends to be less viscous than Kahlúa.
- Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur: For those who prefer a less sweet and more intensely coffee-flavored liqueur. It's made with real cold brew coffee and has a bolder, more bitter profile.
- Other Craft Coffee Liqueurs: Many smaller distilleries offer unique coffee liqueurs with varying flavor profiles (e.g., chocolatey, nutty). Exploring these can lead to discovering your personal favorite.
How do you make Black Russian with Coke BBC?
As shown in the "Black Russian with Coke Recipe" section above, the BBC typically refers to a Black Russian with Coke. The ingredients are vodka, coffee liqueur, and cola, served over ice in a highball glass.
How to make a Black Russian with Tia Maria?
To make a Black Russian with Tia Maria, simply follow the standard Black Russian recipe using Tia Maria instead of Kahlúa or another coffee liqueur.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (60ml) Vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) Tia Maria
- Ice Cubes
Instructions:
- Fill an old fashioned glass with ice.
- Pour in the vodka.
- Pour in the Tia Maria.
- Stir gently if desired.
- Garnish (optional).
Using Tia Maria will impart a slightly different flavor profile with its more prominent rum notes and spicier coffee character compared to a Black Russian made with Kahlúa.
Enjoy experimenting with these Black Russian variations and finding your perfect serve!
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