Cocktail
Black Russian
A short, dark drink made with vodka and coffee liqueur. There is no espresso, cream or foam in this two-ingredient classic.
Vodka · Coffee · Sweet
Ingredients
Ice and water are assumed. Add everything else you have.
Method
Stir
Equipment: Jigger or measuring spoon · Mixing glass · Bar spoon · Strainer
- Add vodka and coffee liqueur to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir for about 20 seconds to chill and dilute.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
A small detail
Coffee liqueurs vary in sweetness and alcohol content. Use the actual bottle strength when checking the estimate.
Estimated strength
Strong
What does this mean?
Per serving: ≈ 27.6% ABV · ≈ 18.3 g alcohol
An estimate, not a measurement. Dilution lowers concentration but does not remove alcohol. Check your bottle label. These typical alcohol levels can vary by brand and market.
Added water from ice: 20%. Water added as a percentage of the measured liquid before mixing. Ice melt varies with temperature, time and technique.
Plan for a party
Ready-to-pour batch
Combine, dilute and chill the batch. Finish each glass when serving.
Guests: 6
Combine, dilute and chill the batch. Finish each glass when serving.
One recipe serving per guest. Choose the amount you want to prepare.
Batch to pour: 504 ml · Per serving: 84 ml. Use a container larger than the volume shown; allow room for fruit and stirring.
Prepare the base
- 300 ml Vodka
- 120 ml Coffee liqueur
Water for the batch
This starting amount replaces ice melt during mixing. Test one serving and adjust before making the whole batch. It is not a measured result.
84 ml added water for 6 servings.
Make one serving using the original method. Weigh the liquid before ice, then strain completely and weigh again. The gain in grams is approximately the added water in ml. Liquid left on the ice makes this an underestimate. Taste the chilled sample, repeat if needed, and enter the water amount above.
Prepare and serve
- Measure the base ingredients into a clean, covered container and stir to combine. Keep the quantities in the serving section separate.
- Stir 84 ml chilled water into the base. This is in addition to any water already specified in the recipe.
- Prepare for today’s service. Label and refrigerate the covered base; follow ingredient storage labels. Keep ice out of the container and chill the glasses before serving.
- Pour 84 ml of the chilled, diluted batch over fresh ice per glass. Add garnish at service. Do not repeat the original full stir or shake, which would add more water.
The list saves ingredient names, not party quantities. Check the totals above against how much you have. Garnishes and ice are not added.
Bartender sources: Campari Academy: batching techniques · Dave Arnold: measuring dilution and batching · Simon Difford: water and dilution · Jeffrey Morgenthaler: batch calculator
Sources & inspiration
About this recipe
Recipes and house adaptations have source links. Measures, substitutions and estimated strength are explained separately. Images are AI-generated illustrations.
We do not claim every recipe has been physically tested. Community reviews are moderated user reports, separate from recipe sources.
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