This Twisted Black Russian Drink recipe doubles down on the coffee with the addition of cold brew for a strong chilled cocktail. Vanilla vodka adds a warmer note to this delicious twist on the classic Black Russian, balancing out the extra coffee and finishing with a smooth, satisfying taste.
What is a Black Russian made of?
A classic Black Russian is a simple drink made of vodka and coffee liqueur. It provides the perfect balance of a relaxing refreshment with the pick me up of coffee. The drink first made it onto the scene in the late 1940’s by bartender Gustave Tops at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels. Since then, it has held its place as a classic cocktail.
Watch the video for a complete demonstration on how to make this delicious alcoholic coffee drink and also the Classic Black Russian.
What is the difference between a Black Russian and a White Russian?
A classic White Russian, which we also have featured on the blog, is made by combining vodka, coffee liqueur and swirling in a bit of heavy cream. It is a creamy coffee drink that tones down the coffee flavor and provides a slightly sweeter refreshment.
What do Black Russians taste like?
Black Russians are made with coffee liqueur, most often Kahlua, that gives a slightly sweet undertone to the strong coffee flavor. We love the addition of vanilla flavored vodka because it warms and deepens the flavors even more.
Looking for More Kahlua Drink Recipes? Try these
How much alcohol is in a Black Russian?
The Black Russian is a two parts drink of Kahlua coffee liqueur and vodka, so the alcohol content can be high.
Our recipe calls for 1oz vodka, 1oz Kahlua to 3oz cold brew, poured over ice. This balances the alcohol content and tones it down making it a wonderful late afternoon pick me up.
Black Russian Drink with Cold Brew and Vanilla Vodka
Twisted Black Russian ingredients
Any coffee liqueur, vanilla vodka and cold brew brands will work for this recipe. Use what you have on hand, but the flavor may change depending on the brand.
- Smirnoff Vanilla vodka
- Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
- Starbucks cold brew
- Ice as needed
The Method and Visual Guide
A classic two ingredient Black Russian is stirred not shaken and has only two ingredients.
Our twisted version is made in a cocktail shaker for a bit more cold brew vibe.
- Use a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker and shake 30-60 seconds until cold.
- Fill a whiskey glass half full with ice and pour contents of the cocktail shaker over the ice.
- Serve immediately.
Simple and refreshing. Let us know how you like this twist!
Are there variations to the Black Russian?
Besides the popular White Russian there are a few other variations to the classic Black Russian for you to enjoy.
- Salted Caramel Black Russians are made with salted caramel Kahlua
- The Long Black Russian (also known as the Dirty Black Russian) adds cola soda for a bubbly mocha cola drink
- Top your Black Russian with a maraschino cherry for a pop of color and flavor
Black Russian Cocktail with Vanilla Vodka And Cold Brew
Double down on the coffee with this kahlua coffee liqueur drink with cold brew. Vanilla vodka adds a warmer taste to this delicious twist on the classic black russian cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz kahlua
- 3 oz cold brew
- ice as needed
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour Kahlua, vanilla vodka and cold brew into cocktail shaker
- Cap the shaker and Shake 30-60 seconds until cold.
- Fill a whiskey glass half full with ice
- Pour the twisted black russian from the cocktail shaker into the ice filled glass.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Any coffee liqueur, vanilla vodka and cold brew brands will work for this recipe. Use what you have on hand. But the flavor may change if you don't use these brands. Feel free to adjust the proportions to suit yourself. This is how I like this drink. Let us know your favorite brands and proportions.
Nutrition Information
Yield
1 cocktailServing Size
10 oz.Amount Per Serving Calories 172Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 5mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 0gSugar 13gProtein 0g
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Wendy Flood
Monday 6th of July 2020
What is cold brew is it the whiskey that Jamieson make scold brew or is it just coffee actually cold coffee came out with Jameson came out with cold brew
Kayti Lavergne
Monday 6th of July 2020
Hi Wendy! Cold brew is coffee that is made with cold water and steeped for 12 hours. You can buy cold brew at the grocery store in the cold drink section. It has a stronger coffee flavor than regular brewed coffee.