How To Make A Black Russian Cocktail At Home; Key Tips Included
Deriving its name as a reference to the use of vodka, the black Russian cocktail originated in Brussels in the 1940’s – holding its vintage value across evolving mixology trends. The rich, bittersweet profile of the drink acted as a predecessor to the now popular white Russian cocktail – made with heavy cream or milk. Made using two ingredients – vodka and coffee liqueur – some variations of the recipe also use dark cola for topping up and introduce an effervescent texture.
Black Russian Cocktail Recipe For Two
Ingredients
- 50 ml Smirnoff vodka (or any other vodka of choice)
- 20 ml coffee liqueur
- Cherry, for garnish
Method
- In an ice-filled old fashioned glass, pour the vodka and coffee liqueur.
- Stir gently using a bar spoon and served with a cherry on top for garnish.
Key Tips To Craft The Ideal Black Russian Cocktail
- Due to the simplicity of the cocktail, it is crucial to use high quality ingredients that can prevent a harsh alcohol burn.
- Explore different varieties of coffee liqueur with robust flavour profiles for variation of flavours – look for notes of espresso, vanilla and cocoa that bring depth and mellow profiles.
- The ideal black Russian cocktail recipe uses a 2:1 ratio – two parts of vodka and one part coffee liqueur, to maintain a spirit-forward structure.
- To prevent dilution, use reusable metal cubes that have been pre-chilled or spheres that melt slowly while keeping the temperature consistent.
- For an interesting twist, add a splash of cola or a few drops of citrus bitters for complexity. Avoid overdoing it since the beauty of the drink lies in its minimalism.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
