The Black Russian, a simple mix of vodka and coffee liqueur, predates its creamy counterpart, the White Russian, which includes an additional element of cream.
Despite its name, the Black Russian has no direct connection to Russia. Instead, its name is derived from the use of vodka, much like the Moscow Mule, a cocktail invented in Los Angeles.
The origins of the Black Russian are attributed to bartender Gustave Tops, who crafted the drink at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, Belgium, around 1949. Legend has it that Tops concocted the cocktail for Perle Mesta, a renowned U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg celebrated for her extravagant social gatherings.
The creation of the Black Russian is generally credited to bartender Gustave Tops at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, Belgium, around 1949.
Tops is believed to have made the drink for Perle Mesta, the U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg at the time, who was renowned for her extravagant social gatherings.
Black Russian Ingredients
For the Black Russian Cocktail:
- 60 ml (2 oz) of vodka
- 30 ml (1 oz) of coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- Ice cubes
Black Russian Recipe
Step 1: Chilled Old Fashioned Glass
- Start by chilling an old-fashioned glass. You can do this by filling the glass with ice and allowing it to sit while you prepare the cocktail.
Step 2: The Cocktail Build
- In the chilled old-fashioned glass, combine the following ingredients:
Step 3: Stirring
- Gently stir the ingredients in the glass to blend them together. Use a bar spoon or a long stirring stick for this.
- Find more simple cocktail recipes!
The Black Russian – A Timeless Sip
A variety of coffee liqueurs are available, allowing for customization according to taste. St. George’s NOLA Coffee Liqueur offers chicory and deep coffee aromas, while Fratelli Branca Borghetti leans towards espresso-like bitterness. For those seeking a balance, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur from Australia combines sweetness and bitterness with a notable caffeine kick.
Simple yet elegant, the Black Russian serves as a perfect after-dinner drink. Its minimalistic approach, requiring just high-quality vodka and a well-chosen coffee liqueur, demonstrates how complex flavors can be achieved with limited ingredients, maintaining its appeal as a masterclass in cocktail creation.
Check out some other coffee liqueur cocktail recipes.
