An ink jet recording ink has excellent dispersion stability and ejection stability and is capable of providing images free from bleeding. Such an ink exhibits excellent color development and rubbing resistance. The ink jet recording ink comprises a pigment dispersed by a polymer; water; at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an acetylene glycol surfactant and an acetylene alcohol surfactant; and 1,2-hexanediol. The pigment dispersed by the polymer is produced by a phase conversion emulsification, an emulsion polymerization, an acid deposition or a forced emulsification. The ink has a surface tension between 25 mN/m and 45 mN/m.