How to Make a Black Russian Cocktail

Black Russian cocktails were actually invented by a Belgian, bartender Gustave Tops, in 1949. He made it at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels in honor of Perle Mesta, then ambassador of the U.S. in Luxembourg. The Russian part of the name comes from the vodka used. The Black relates to the dark color of the Kahlua coffee liqueur used.

Things You'll Need

• Vodka
• Kahlua
• Shot glass
• Cocktail shaker
• Ice
• Cola
• Cherries

Instructions

1. Pour three shots of vodka and two shots of Kahlua into your shaker. Depending on how strong you want the cocktail to be, you can alter the ratio accordingly. More vodka than Kahlua makes the cocktail stronger and the opposite way around if you want it weaker.

2. Add some crushed ice to the shaker. Shake the cocktail thoroughly.

3. Prepare a glass. Black Russians are traditionally either drunk from martini glasses or tumblers, although you can use a taller glass if you prefer or if you want to add cola to the Black Russian.

4. Pour the completed Black Russian into the glass, and add a cherry to the glass. If the drink tastes too strong, you prefer it to be fizzy, or you want to top up a taller glass, add the cola. This is known as a Tall Black Russian.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of cola, you can add milk to a Black Russian. This gives you a White Russian.

• Using very strong vodka can ruin the taste, so avoid anything over 80 proof.

References

• Barmano: Black Russian