Black Russian Cocktail Recipe with Ingredients and Instructions

The Black Russian is a two-ingredient cocktail made with vodka and coffee liqueur, built directly over ice. It is darker, drier, and more spirit-forward than the White Russian because there is no cream to soften the coffee sweetness. A good Black Russian recipe should taste clean and cold, with vodka giving structure while the liqueur brings roasted coffee, cocoa, and caramel notes. Stirring briefly in the glass chills the drink without making it watery. It is a compact after-dinner cocktail for anyone who wants coffee flavor in a stronger, simpler format than a creamy dessert drink. Adjust the ratio slightly at home if your coffee liqueur is especially sweet or thick.