How to Make a Black Russian Cocktail: Classic Black Russian Recipe
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jun 17, 2025 • 1 min read
The Black Russian is an easy-to-make mixed drink consisting only of vodka and coffee liqueur—essentially a White Russian without the cream.
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The Origins of the Black Russian Cocktail
The Black Russian recipe was invented in 1949 at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels by Belgian barman Gustave Tops. Tops created the drink to salute the achievements of his regular patron Perle Mesta, who was both the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg and a notable American socialite. Although the Black Russian originated in Belgium, its moniker evokes Russia's well-known association with vodka.
Black Russian Cocktail Recipe
makes
1 cocktailprep time
2 mintotal time
2 minIngredients
- 1
Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
- 2
Pour the vodka over the ice cubes, followed by the Kahlúa coffee liqueur.
- 3
Stir well, and serve.
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