How to Make a Black Russian Cocktail

The Black Russian was created in 1949 by Gustave Tops, a Belgian bartender working at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels. The cocktail was crafted in honor of Perle Mesta, the U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg, who was a guest at the hotel. The name "Black Russian" is a nod to the cocktail's dark color and its main ingredient, vodka, which is strongly associated with Russia. The original Black Russian recipe is remarkably simple, consisting of just two ingredients: vodka and coffee liqueur. The standard proportions are five parts vodka to two parts coffee liqueur, typically Kahlúa. The ingredients are poured over ice in an old-fashioned glass and stirred gently to combine. This results in a dark, rich cocktail with a strong coffee flavor and a potent kick from the vodka. Despite its simplicity, the Black Russian has become a classic cocktail, appreciated for its bold flavors and ease of preparation. It paved the way for other variations and inspired the creation of the White Russian, which adds cream to the mix, resulting in a creamier, more indulgent drink.