Black Russian

The Black Russian is a classic cocktail made with vodka and coffee liqueur, typically served over ice in a rocks glass. It originated in Brussels, Belgium, in the late 1940s and is named after its dark color and the Russian base spirit. For a variation sometimes called a 'Black Russian with cola,' cola is added as a topper, creating a slightly fizzier, sweeter version.

🍳 View the full Black Russian recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This cocktail is high in carbohydrates from the sugar in the coffee liqueur and any added cola, with negligible fat or protein. A standard serving (about 3-4 ounces of liquid) typically contains around 200-250 calories, primarily from alcohol and sugar.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	230 kcal
Protein	0 g
Carbs	28 g
Fat	0 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	25 g
Sodium	5 mg
Potassium	40 mg
Magnesium	2 mg
Phosphorus	5 mg
Iron	0.1 mg
Niacin (B3)	0.1 mg
Vitamin B6	0.01 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.01 mg
Water	65 g

Per 1 cocktail (approx. 100 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The Black Russian is culturally interesting as a post-WWII creation that symbolizes the international cocktail renaissance, and its simple two-ingredient base makes it a versatile canvas for variations. Nutritionally, it provides a quick energy boost from alcohol and sugar but offers no significant vitamins or minerals.