Black Russian cocktail illustration

Vodka · COCKTAIL GUIDE

Black Russian

Coffee liqueur gives the Black Russian a dark, sweet-bitter centre, while vodka keeps the drink direct and strong. There is no cream to soften the edges, so it finishes firmer than a White Russian. It is best suited to slow after-dinner drinking, especially with chocolate, nuts or coffee desserts.

CoffeeSweetStrong
APPROX. ABV
27%
STRENGTH
4/5
DRINKABILITY
2/5

TASTE PROFILE

How it is likely to feel

Sweetness4
Bitterness2
Sourness0
Strength4
Body4
Drinkability2
Fruity0
Herbal0
Smoky1

CLASSIC STRUCTURE

What is usually in it

50 ml Vodka

25 ml Modifier

Method
Stir with ice and strain.
Glass
Coupe or Old Fashioned
Garnish
House garnish
Recipes and serving sizes vary by bar. ABV is an approximate guide.

PAIRING DIRECTIONS

Useful places to start

01Chocolate
02Coffee desserts
03Nuts

Pairing suggestions are directions, not fixed rules. Sauce, seasoning and serving temperature can change the result.

UNDERSTAND THE STYLE

Read the guide, then compare the drink

Cocktail basicsHow to choose a cocktail when the menu tells you almost nothing→Cocktail basicsCocktail families, made useful rather than complicated→TasteSweet, sour, bitter and strong are not the same question→

MAKE IT YOURS

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