Vintage cocktails are some of the best. Luckily a number of classics are resurfacing to the delight of many, capturing an entirely new audience. The Black Russian and the White Russian are gorgeous cocktails worthy of reviving. They’re simple yet elegant cocktails and an absolutely delicious way to start the weekend with someone special.
There’s actually nothing “Russian” about the Black Russian or the White Russian except originally the vodka poured into the drink. The Black Russian is a simplistic cocktail consisting of a great vodka and Kahlua, that delectable coffee liqueur. A White Russian goes a step further, with softer edges making it perfect as an after dinner drink. It starts with the same spirits as its predecessor plus the addition of rich, heavy cream.
According to a fascinating article published on Liquor.com, written by Gary Regan, author and expert in all things spirits and cocktails, the Black Russian was invented in the late 1940s in Belgium just as the Cold War was beginning. Created by Gustave Tops, the bartender at the Hotel Metropole it was meant as a tribute to Perle Mesta the American Ambassador to Luxembourg. As Regan describes in his article, the Black Russian was something dark and mysterious. It was reflection of the times.
The White Russian is an adaptation of the Black Russian. Some historical references say that this same bartender concocted the White Russian while others claim it originated years later, either the mid-50s or the mid-60s in California.
History is pretty clear on the Black Russian and whoever had the idea to add the touch of cream to create the White Russian, well kudos! Both are marvelous cocktails reminiscent of the mid-century modern life! Both are perfect to sip on a February weekend. Cheers!
Black Russian
2 tablespoons Kahlua coffee liqueur
4 tablespoons good vodka
Ice for serving
Fill an old-fashioned cocktail glass with ice, then pour in the Kahlua.
Add the vodka.
Stir well before enjoying! Makes 1 cocktail.
White Russian
2 tablespoons Kahlua coffee liqueur
2 tablespoons good vodka
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Ice for serving
Fill an old-fashioned cocktail glass with ice, then pour in the Kahlua.
Add the vodka.
Slowly pour the heavy cream over the top. If you want to keep the swirling effect for serving, slowly pour the cream over a spoon.
Stir well before enjoying!
Makes 1 cocktail.
Black Russian and White Russian
Ingredients
- For the Black Russian:
- 2 tablespoons Kahlua coffee liqueur
- 4 tablespoons good vodka
- Ice for serving
- For the White Russian:
- 2 tablespoons Kahlua coffee liqueur
- 2 tablespoons good vodka
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Ice for serving
Instructions
- For the Black Russian:
- Fill an old-fashioned cocktail glass with ice, then pour in the Kahlua.
- Add the vodka.
- Stir well before enjoying!
- For the White Russian:
- Fill an old-fashioned cocktail glass with ice, then pour in the Kahlua.
- Add the vodka.
- If you want to keep the swirling effect for serving, slowly pour the cream over a spoon.
- Stir well before enjoying!
