BLACK RUSSIAN

The name Black Russian actually pays homage to vodka’s Russian roots and the dark hue of the Kahlúa coffee liqueur, making it a fitting title for this elegant concoction.

The history of the Black Russian dates back to 1949, when it was invented by Belgian bartender Gustave Tops at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels. The story goes that it was created in honor of Perle Mesta, the then U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg.

The Kahlúa coffee liqueur gives it that unmistakable coffee taste. When it’s mixed with the vodka, it gives the drink a strong, smooth taste. And, unlike its cousin—the White Russian—it’s not creamy.

The difference is in the cream. A White Russian includes cream, making it smoother and creamier, while the Black Russian keeps it simple with just Absolut Vodka and Kahlúa coffee liqueur.

Definitely! With only two ingredients, the Black Russian is super easy to make, making it a great choice for those new to cocktail mixing.

Sure! We usually serve it over ice to help blend the flavors nicely, but you can skip the ice by chilling your ingredients and glass beforehand.

Of course! While equal parts are traditional, feel free to tweak the ratio to suit your taste. More Kahlúa adds sweetness, while more vodka emphasizes the boldness.

You can, but we recommend preparing it just before serving to keep the ice fresh and the flavors vibrant. It’s best enjoyed immediately.

We typically stir it gently to blend the flavors without diluting them too much. A few slow turns with a bar spoon do the trick.

We love adding a touch of elegance with a cherry on top. If you don’t have any or if they’re out of season, we think a twist of an orange peel is just as classy.

We love pairing it with rich, savory foods like dark chocolate, nuts, or a cheese platter. These complement the cocktail’s bold flavors beautifully.

The simplicity of this drink makes it a perfect base for many other cocktails, most notably the White Russian with added cream. Some of our other favorites include the Colorado Bulldog with cream and cola, the Mudslide with Irish cream liqueur, and the Brave Bull with Tequila instead of vodka.