Brown Russian
A compelling member of the 'Russian' cocktail family that represents a divergence from its more famous siblings. This variation transforms the simple Black Russian into a more refreshing and nuanced long drink by adding spicy ginger ale for effervescence and complexity.
13%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
highball
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Brown Russian does not have a distinct documented origin story like its progenitor, the Black Russian (created in 1949 by Gustave Tops at Hotel Metropole in Brussels). Instead, it evolved as an informal variation in the decades that followed, likely emerging as bartenders and home mixologists experimented with lengthening classic cocktails with sodas. The addition of ginger ale to a Black Russian is a logical progression that transforms it from a potent sipper into a more refreshing, sessionable drink. The name "Brown Russian" serves as a catch-all for various "Russian" cocktails that are brown in color but aren't Black or White Russians.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Fill a highball glass with fresh, cold ice cubes
Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice
Stir gently with a bar spoon for a few seconds to combine and chill
Top with chilled ginger ale, pouring gently to preserve carbonation
Give one final, gentle stir to integrate the ginger ale
Garnish with a lime wedge or lemon twist
Glassware
Served over ice in a highball glass
Garnish
Fresh lime wedge that can be squeezed into drink
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use high-quality, spicy ginger ale - not ginger ale
All ingredients should be well-chilled before mixing
Stir gently after adding ginger ale to preserve carbonation
Fresh, cold ice is crucial to prevent over-dilution
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Brown Russian.
Spirit-Forward
3:1 ratio of vodka to coffee liqueur with just a splash of ginger ale.
Changes
Spicy Version
Use fiery ginger beer instead of ginger ale for more pronounced kick.
Changes
Godiva Brown Russian
Use chocolate liqueur instead of coffee liqueur for dessert-like cocktail.
Changes
Cola Brown Russian
Top with cola instead of ginger ale for sweeter profile.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Black Russian
A minimalist mix of vodka and coffee liqueur that delivers bold, roasty sweetness—essentially a White Russian without the cream.
Anna Kournikova
A lighter take on the White Russian using skim milk instead of heavy cream—a playful nod to the Russian tennis star's athletic physique.
Irish Russian
A variation of the Black Russian, where the dark, robust character of Guinness stout is used to crown the simple combination of vodka and coffee liqueur.