Black Russian
A two-ingredient after-dinner sipper of vodka and coffee liqueur built right over ice. Its fixed spirit-to-liqueur ratio and zero-juice profile make it trivially scalable, with dilution coming only from the rocks.
Set servings & plan this recipe →
How to make it
Built in the glass · Easy · about 2 minutes
- 1
Add the vodka and coffee liqueur to the rocks glass and fill with ice.
- 2
Stir gently to combine.
- 3
Serve immediately.
Tools you'll need
Making a batch for a party?
This example makes 12 servings with added water at 0% of the full recipe volume before dilution. This is a planning assumption; water from ice at service is not predicted. Edit this recipe and create a purchase sheet →
| Ingredient | × 12 | mL |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka | 24.0 oz | 710 |
| Coffee liqueur | 12.0 oz | 355 |
BatchPour tools produce estimates for planning purposes only. Actual dilution, ABV, and ingredient yields vary by technique, ice temperature, and produce. Always taste and adjust. Drink responsibly.
If you like the Black Russian, try…
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Espresso Martini
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Vodka Martini
vodkaThe clean, neutral vodka take on the Martini; smooth and spirit-forward, it scales reliably for batching when you nail the water dilution.
Black Russian FAQ
What's in a Black Russian?
A classic Black Russian is made with vodka, coffee liqueur. It's built in the glass and served in a rocks glass.
What is the ABV of a Black Russian?
The listed ingredients calculate to approximately 33.3% ABV before added water or ice melt, with approximately 1.67 US standard drinks per serving. Water lowers the concentration but does not change the alcohol quantity.
Should I shake or stir a Black Russian?
Neither — the Black Russian is built right in the glass, so no shaker or mixing glass is needed.
How do I batch Black Russians for a party?
Scale each ingredient by your number of servings. Open this recipe in the batch planner to choose added water, package sizes and ingredients to hold for service. Preset water percentages are planning assumptions applied to all recipe liquid before dilution, not predictions of ice melt.