# Black Russian

> Black Russian, the IBA official recipe: 50 ml vodka and 20 ml coffee liqueur. Built in the glass and served on the rocks.

Vodka and coffee liqueur over ice, first poured in 1949 at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels.

- IBA category: [IBA: Contemporary Classics](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/contemporary-classics/index.md)
- Main spirit: [Vodka cocktails](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/vodka-cocktails/index.md)
- Method: Built (built straight in the glass)
- Glass: Old fashioned glass
- Served: On the rocks
- Strength: about 28.2% ABV once diluted by ice, about 1.4 standard drinks (14 g of alcohol each)
- Volume: 70 ml (2⅓ oz) before ice, about 85 ml in the glass
- Taste: Sweet, Coffee, Spirit-forward

## Ingredients

Amounts are for one drink. Ounces use 30 ml to the ounce.

- 50 ml (1⅔ oz) [Vodka](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/ingredients/vodka/index.md)
- 20 ml (⅔ oz) [Coffee liqueur](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/ingredients/coffee-liqueur/index.md)

## Method

1. Pour the ingredients into an old fashioned glass filled with ice cubes.
2. Stir gently.

## Garnish

None. IBA serves it without a garnish.

## Variations

- **White Russian**: Float fresh cream on top and stir it in slowly.

## If you like the Black Russian

- [Espresso Martini](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/espresso-martini/index.md): Vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup and coffee

## Source

- Recipe as specified by the International Bartenders Association: https://iba-world.com/iba-cocktail/black-russian/
- IBA video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOoBh4Qc6gs
- Strength is an estimate that allows for dilution from ice; brands vary.

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- Canonical page: https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/black-russian/
- Language: en
- Recipe data: International Bartenders Association specifications on iba-world.com, checked 22 October 2026
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