How to Make a Black Russian Cocktail

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 7, 2023 References Tested

A Black Russian is a slightly sweet, crisp, and smooth cocktail. The opposite of a White Russian, this cocktail's variation is great for unwinding at the end of a long day, or for complimenting your creamy dessert. Whether you are keeping it classic, exploring variations, or learning how and when to drink it, the Black Russian cocktail won't disappoint your taste buds.

Ingredients

2.5 fl oz (74 mL) of vodka
1 fl oz (30 mL) of coffee liqueur
³⁄₄ to 1 c (180 to 240 mL) of ice cubes

Makes 1 serving

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Creating a Classic Black Russian

1
Put ³⁄₄ to 1 c (180 to 240 mL) of ice cubes into a stainless steel shaker. Filling the shaker with ice will chill all of your ingredients while you mix them. A stainless steel shaker will work best for creating your Black Russian cocktail.
- If you don't have a cocktail shaker, you can also mix your ice and ingredients directly in a rocks glass.
- You can add or decrease the amount of ice you use, depending on your preference.
2
Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur into the shaker and shake it. Add 2.5 fl oz (74 mL) of vodka and 1 fl oz (30 mL) of coffee liqueur to your cocktail shaker. Shake your ingredients for around 10 seconds to ensure that they have mixed thoroughly.^{[1]
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- You may opt to pour your ingredients directly into your rocks glass. Use a stir stick to mix your ingredients together.
- You can use any type of coffee liqueur. Keep in mind that they all have a slight variation in taste. Make sure to taste test them ahead of time, so you know how much you want to add to your drink.
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3
Strain the liquid into a rocks glass filled with ice if you're using a shaker. Fill your glass about ¼ of the way full with ice. Strain your drink into the glass and give it one more quick stir before serving.
- Use either a traditional old-fashioned glass that holds 6–8 fl oz (180–240 mL) or a double old-fashioned glass that holds between 12 and 14 fl oz (350 and 410 mL).^{[2]
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4
Serve your cocktail right away. To prevent your drink from becoming watered down, serve it before the ice has a chance to melt. If you are making your cocktail ahead of time, you can make it in a shaker and add the ice right before you serve it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Exploring Variations

1
Use cola to make it a Dirty Black Russian. Top your cocktail off with a dark cola to make it a highball drink. Add as much or as little cola as you want. The cola will help dilute the alcohol and add extra flavor and a bit of fizz.^{[3]
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- A Dirty Black Russian is also called a Black Russian with Coke, Tall Black Russian, or an Australian Black Russian.
- Coke is the cola recommended to make a Dirty Black Russian, but you can use whichever dark cola you prefer.
- A highball drink is a spirit mixed with soda or soda water. If you pour the mixture into an old-fashioned glass, it is considered a lowball.
2
Compliment your cocktail by making it a Brown Russian with ginger ale. This carbonated soft drink adds a subtle sweetness that reduces the strength of the Black Russian. Simply pour your ingredients into a highball glass with ice and top it off with ginger ale.^{[4]
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- A highball glass holds 8 to 12 fl oz (240 to 350 mL) and is used to serve a variety of mixed drinks.
3
Replace the cola with a stout to create a Smooth Black Russian. This drink is usually made in a highball glass with ice and topped off with Guinness stout. The amount of stout you add will vary depending on the size of your glass. However, the recommended amount of stout to use is about 3.4 fl oz (100 mL).^{[5]
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- Add a splash of cola to make it an Irish Russian.
- You may choose to use a different stout, but flavors will vary.
4
Add lemon juice for a tangy twist. A Black Magic Cocktail is a variation of a Black Russian that is served with a dash of lemon juice and garnished with a lemon twist. Try adding 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of lemon juice at a time until you get your desired tangy flavor.^{[6]
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5
Create the perfect winter cocktail by adding cinnamon whiskey. To create a Cinnamon-Vanilla Black Russian, add 1 fl oz (30 mL) of cinnamon whiskey or pumpkin spice vodka. Replace the original vodka of the Black Russian with 1 fl oz (30 mL) of vanilla vodka.^{[7]
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- You can also add a splash of cola for added flavor.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Enjoying a Black Russian Cocktail

1
Make your Black Russian a dessert drink. Due to the slightly sweeter taste of the coffee liqueur, Black Russians pair nicely with creamy desserts.^{[8]
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- Some desserts that go great with a Black Russian are tiramisu, bonet, and blueberry cheesecake.
2
Enjoy your Black Russian slowly. Black Russians have a higher ABV (alcohol by volume), so it is best to pace yourself while indulging in this cocktail. The ABV depends on the size of your drink, but it is wise to have a 12 fl oz (350 mL) glass of water in between drinks.^{[9]
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3
Sip your Black Russian cocktail slowly when drinking before a meal. Consuming alcoholic beverages with a higher ABV can cause you to feel full before you get to your meal. Slowly sipping this crisp cocktail makes a great appetizer, just remember to pace yourself.^{[10]
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- Although Black Russians are a great drink to sip on before a meal, it is never a good idea to drink alcohol on an empty stomach.

Warnings

Do not consume alcohol if you are under the legal age limit.

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Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach.

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Make sure you always arrange for transportation if you need to get home. Never drink and drive.

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