What ingredients are in a Irish Russian?

1 shot Vodka, 1 shot Kahlua, 1 dash Coca-Cola, Fill with Guinness stout

What glass do you use for a Irish Russian?

A Irish Russian is traditionally served in a Highball glass.

How strong is a Irish Russian?

A Irish Russian has an estimated ABV of 21.22%.

How many calories are in a Irish Russian?

A Irish Russian contains approximately 246 calories per serving.

Irish Russian

Glass Highball glass

Difficulty Medium

Calories ~246 kcal

ABV 21.22%

Ingredients

Vodka 1 shot
Kahlua 1 shot
Coca-Cola 1 dash
Guinness stout Fill with

Instructions

Add the ingredients in the order listed in the recipe. Care must be taken when adding the Guinness to prevent an excess of foam. Do Not add ice.

Creamy Sweet

The Irish Russian is an unusual hybrid that layers vodka, Kahlúa, and Coca-Cola beneath a fill of Guinness stout, creating a dark, complex beer cocktail that borrows from both the Black Russian and the Irish stout tradition. The Guinness adds roasted barley bitterness and a creamy texture that transforms the White Russian's coffee-cream profile. It must be built carefully to prevent excessive foam.

History & Origins

The Irish Russian combines the White Russian cocktail lineage (vodka and Kahlúa popularized in the late 20th century) with the Irish tradition of stout-based drinks. The layering of spirits under Guinness echoes the 'black and tan' tradition of mixed beer drinks popular in American Irish pubs from the 1970s onward. Its exact origin is disputed.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Roasted stout, coffee-sweetness of Kahlúa, and a cola caramel note. Palate: Rich and complex — the Guinness's roasted bitterness and creamy mouthfeel blend with Kahlúa's sweet coffee, vodka's spirit, and cola's caramel sweetness. Finish: Long and roasted, with coffee-bitterness, malt, and a warming vodka heat.

roasted coffee bitter creamy bold

Pro Tip

Pour the Guinness extremely slowly over the back of a spoon to layer it on top and prevent excessive foaming; do not add ice as specified.

Data verified February 2016

Nutrition Facts →

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