Black Russian
Vodka and coffee liqueur over ice. Rich, simple and strong.
Built in glass · Rocks glass · Easy · about 2 minutes · about 31% ABV
Ingredients
- 50 ml Vodka
- 25 ml Coffee liqueur
Method
- Ice the glass
- Pour 50 ml vodka into the glass
- Pour 25 ml coffee liqueur into the glass
- Serve
About the Black Russian
Created in 1949 by Belgian bartender Gustave Tops at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, for Perle Mesta, the US ambassador to Luxembourg. The "Russian" name comes from the vodka and the Cold War mood of the time.
The coffee family. Coffee and spirits have long been paired across Europe, from the Spanish carajillo to the Italian caffè corretto. Irish Coffee was created at Foynes in Ireland in the early 1940s, and the Espresso Martini in London in the 1980s. These drinks belong to the after-dinner tradition.
Black Russian FAQ
What's in a Black Russian?
50 ml vodka, 25 ml coffee liqueur.
How strong is a Black Russian?
About 31% ABV once mixed with ice, which is 2.0 Australian standard drinks per serve. That is close to a straight spirit, so sip it slowly.
Should I shake or stir a Black Russian?
Neither. Build it straight in the glass over ice, then give it one gentle stir.
What glass do you serve a Black Russian in?
A rocks glass, about 300 ml. Serve it over ice. No rocks glass? Use any short, heavy tumbler.
