I’m always on the lookout for new drinks, and honestly, the Smoky Black Russian has become a go-to for me at home. A Smoky Black Russian cocktail adds a rich, smoky twist to the classic mix of vodka and coffee liqueur.
This recipe’s simple enough that I don’t have to fuss, but the result is surprisingly bold and flavorful.
When I’m mixing up this cocktail, I only need a handful of ingredients and some basic bar tools I already have lying around. If you’re into trying new drinks or just want to impress someone with something a little different, this one’s a solid pick.
Smoky Black Russian Cocktail Recipe
The Smoky Black Russian gives a new spin to the classic two-ingredient cocktail. By mixing vodka, coffee liqueur, and a little smoke, I end up with a drink that’s bold and memorable.
Equipment
- Rocks glass: Gotta have it for the real Black Russian vibe
- Mixing glass or cocktail shaker: For chilling and blending
- Bar spoon: Makes stirring smoother
- Jigger or measuring shot glass: Helps me keep pours on point
- Strainer: Only if you’re shaking
- Large ice cubes: They melt slower—nobody wants a watery drink
- Lighter or kitchen torch: For that smoky touch (if you’re into it)
- Small dish or heatproof plate: Handy if you’re burning wood chips or garnish
Honestly, you don’t need a fancy setup, but these tools make things a lot easier.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka (any decent brand, though sometimes I’ll use a smoky-flavored one)
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa’s classic, but Mr. Black has a deeper coffee kick)
- Ice (big cubes are best)
- Optional: Coffee beans for garnish
- Optional: Wood chips, cinnamon stick, or dried orange peel (for smoke)
If I’m craving even more smoke, I’ll go for smoked simple syrup or a drop or two of liquid smoke. The basic Black Russian is just vodka and coffee liqueur, but these extras really take it up a notch.
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with big ice cubes.
- Pour in 2 oz vodka.
- Add 1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Mr. Black) right over the ice.
- Stir gently for about 15–20 seconds—just enough to chill and mix.
- For the smoky twist, I’ll light up a few wood chips or a cinnamon stick on a heatproof plate, then trap some smoke in the glass before pouring in the drink.
- Garnish is up to you—sometimes I toss in a few coffee beans or an orange twist.
I always taste and tweak as I go. It’s the only way to get that sweet spot between coffee and booze.
Notes
Large ice cubes are my go-to—they melt slow and don’t mess with the drink’s strength. If Mr. Black isn’t around, Kahlúa does the job, though it’s a bit sweeter.
Smoked salt or a tiny dash of liquid smoke can stand in for the smoky effect if you don’t have special tools. I’d just go easy—too much and it’s overpowering. This cocktail packs a punch, so I like to sip it after dinner, maybe with something chocolatey.
Every once in a while, I’ll swap in a bit of smoky Scotch for half the vodka. The Smoky Black Russian is super flexible. Once you’ve got the basics, it’s easy to play around with new ideas.
Equipment
- Rocks glass
- Mixing glass or shaker
- Bar spoon
- Jigger or measuring glass
- Strainer (if shaking)
- Large ice cubes
- Lighter or kitchen torch (for smoke)
- Heatproof dish (for burning wood or garnish)
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka use smoky or plain
- 1 oz coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or Mr. Black
- Ice preferably large cubes
- Optional: Coffee beans for garnish
- Optional: Smoked wood chips cinnamon stick, or dried orange peel for smoke
- Optional: Orange peel twist
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with large ice cubes.
- Pour in vodka and coffee liqueur.
- Stir gently for 15–20 seconds to chill and combine.
- (Optional) Light wood chips or cinnamon stick on a heatproof dish. Invert glass briefly over smoke to trap aroma.
- Garnish with coffee beans or an orange twist, if desired.
- Serve immediately and sip slowly.
Tasting Notes
First sip, and the balance hits me—sweetness, a gentle wisp of smoke, and that coffee depth. The coffee liqueur brings rich, deep flavors, while the vodka gives it a clean, crisp bite.
A smoky garnish adds a soft, woody aroma that’s noticeable but not too much.
Here’s what stands out for me:
- Smell: Smoky, with a little sweetness
- Taste: Smooth coffee, hint of smoke, and a tiny bit of vodka heat
- Texture: Silky, a bit thick from the liqueur
I can’t help but think of the original Black Russian, dreamed up by Gustave Tops in 1940s Brussels. I imagine someone like Perle Mesta—an American socialite—sipping the very first one in a fancy hotel bar.
The smoky layer gives this drink something special. It keeps each sip interesting, but the classic flavors still shine through.
Aftertaste? It’s warm, soft, and just a little bit coffee-forward.
On the rocks, the drink stays cool and the flavors mellow as I go. The smoky edge never overpowers, and the sweet coffee notes stick around.
It’s honestly a great bridge between old-school and modern cocktail fans.
Must Have Ingredients
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Substitute
Ever find yourself missing a key ingredient for a Smoky Black Russian, but you’re still craving that drink? Yeah, it happens to me too. Luckily, there are some easy swaps that work just fine.
Equipment:
- Rocks glass
- Spoon or stir stick
- Jigger or measuring cup
Ingredients:
- Vodka substitute: Honestly, I’ll grab dark rum or bourbon if vodka’s out. Both give the drink a different, but still pretty great, twist.
- Coffee liqueur substitute: Sometimes I go with chocolate liqueur, hazelnut liqueur, or even just some strong cold brew coffee if that’s what I’ve got.
- Smoky flavor substitute: No peated whiskey or smoky scotch? I’ll sneak in a drop or two of liquid smoke, or maybe a splash of mezcal. It’s not exactly the same, but it gets the job done.
Some folks are into a White Russian, which is basically the same idea but with cream or milk. If I’m in the mood for something creamier, I’ll just pour in a bit of milk—or oat or almond milk if I’m feeling fancy or dairy isn’t an option.
Instructions:
- Toss some ice into your glass.
- Pour in the spirit and liqueur, or whatever substitutes you’re using.
- Add your smoky element.
- Give it a good stir.
- If you’re making it White Russian style, add cream or milk and stir it gently.
