The Black Russian Cocktail is just two ingredients; vodka and Kahlúa, a coffee flavored liqueur. This combo makes a simple yet tasty drink.

History of the Black Russian Cocktail

Unlike its successor the White Russian, the Black Russian has just two ingredients; vodka and Kahlúa. Kahlúa is a coffee liqueur that is made with rum, sugar and arabica coffee. According to Wikipedia – “The Black Russian cocktail first appeared in 1949 and is ascribed to Gustave Tops, a Belgian barman, who created it at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels in honor of Perle Mesta, then United States Ambassador to Luxembourg. The cocktail owes its name to the use of vodka, a typical Russian spirit, and the blackness of the coffee liqueur.”

A more popular variation is the White Russian Cocktail. This version adds cream which gives a very different flavor to the drink. The White Russian is said to have come onto the scene around 1955 but in the decade that followed it started to lose speed. It wasn’t until the film “The Big Lebowski” that this drink started flying off the shelves. Throughout the course of the movie, Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, throws back a total of 9 White Russians, bringing curiosity to movie watchers. Soon after, it exploded in popularity bringing the drink back from near death.

Unfortunately, the Black Russian has not enjoyed such popularity. However, it has remained a classic and has given rise to a number of spin offs in addition to the White Russian. One cocktail is the Colorado Bulldog that is a White Russian with the addition of cola. Another, is the Mudslide that is a White Russian with the addition of Irish cream. If you are a fan of these drinks, then you owe credit to the Black Russian.

The Black Russian is so easy to make!

Just add the vodka and Kahlúa to a glass filled with ice and stir. If you like the 2:1 ratio of vodka to Kahlúa then enjoy! However, if you want a sweeter, stronger coffee flavor then add additional Kahlúa.

What does a Black Russian taste like?

A Black Russian has a strong, smooth, coffee taste due to the combination of the two alcohols used; Kahlúa and vodka.

What’s the difference between a Black Russian and a White Russian?

As mentioned above, the White Russian is a Black Russian with the addition of cream. The addition of cream gives the two drinks a very different taste. Try them both and let us know what one you like best.