What does a Black Russian taste like?
A Black Russian tastes like strong, sweet coffee with a kick: just vodka and coffee liqueur over ice, so it is dark, roasty, sugary and boozy.
Black Russian
vodka and coffee liqueur, dark
A Black Russian is two ingredients: vodka and coffee liqueur, usually Kahlúa, stirred over ice. With no cream to soften it, it tastes like a sweet, cold espresso with a strong alcohol warmth. The liqueur brings roasted coffee, caramel and vanilla, plus a fair amount of sugar, and the vodka makes it punchier without adding much flavor. It's simple and dessert-like but stronger than it seems. Add cream and it becomes a White Russian.
Where you’ll see it
On bar rail and after-dinner drink menus, in a rocks glass over ice. It shows up on fewer menus than it used to, but almost any bar can make one on request.
Order it if you like coffee liqueur and want something sweet and strong without cream.
Quick questions
- Is a Black Russian strong?
- Yes. It is all spirits and liqueur with no mixer, so it is stronger than a White Russian.
- Is a Black Russian sweet?
- Pretty sweet. Coffee liqueur is sugary, and there is nothing tart or creamy to balance it, so it sips like dessert.