Black Russian
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A Black Russian is a potent, coffee-colored cocktail that marries the deep, roasted bitterness of coffee liqueur with the clean, sharp bite of vodka. Its texture is silky and smooth, with a rich, dark sweetness that coats the palate. Nutritionally, it's a concentrated source of simple sugars, delivering about 21 grams of carbohydrates and 17 grams of sugar per 100 grams, with virtually no protein, fat, or fiber.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 98% carbs · 1% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore the Black Russian for its bold, no-nonsense flavor profile that perfectly balances the warmth of vodka with the sweet, indulgent depth of coffee. It's a classic nightcap that feels both sophisticated and comforting, often evoking a sense of retro cool.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content can lead to a rapid blood-spike followed by a crash, making it a poor choice for those monitoring glucose levels. To mitigate this, consider having it with a protein-rich snack like cheese or nuts to slow sugar absorption. Its potent alcohol content also warrants mindful portioning.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates.
- Offers a strong, stimulating coffee flavor without caffeine (in most coffee liqueurs).
- Simple two-ingredient recipe makes it easy to prepare.
- Serves as a versatile base for many other cocktails.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The cocktail was invented in the late 1940s by Gustave Tops, a Belgian bartender at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, to honor the visiting American ambassador to Luxembourg, Perle Mesta.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 50.5 g |
| Energy | 279 kcal |
| Protein | 0.04 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.14 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 21.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 17.4 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 0.00 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.05 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 1.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 5.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 15.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 4.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.04 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.03 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.01 mg |
| Niacin | 0.07 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.40 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 28.1 g |
| Caffeine | 12.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.05 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
What is the difference between a Black Russian and a White Russian?
A Black Russian is simply vodka and coffee liqueur. A White Russian adds a splash of cream or milk on top, making it lighter, creamier, and higher in fat.
Is a Black Russian a strong drink?
Yes, it is considered a strong cocktail. A standard recipe uses a 2:1 ratio of vodka to coffee liqueur, resulting in a high alcohol-by-volume (ABV) drink with little dilution.
Can I use any coffee liqueur for a Black Russian?
While Kahlúa is the most traditional and common choice, any quality coffee liqueur will work. Brands like Tia Maria or St. George Nola Coffee Liqueur offer different flavor profiles.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.79 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 17.4 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.27 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.