Is Black Russian Cocktail Really Russian?

Coffee is what wakes us up in the morning and gives us the courage to kick-start the day while cocktails are what we enjoy after a long-tired day. But what if you mix them together? It creates some amazing boozy coffee cocktails. There are quite many coffee cocktails that are tempting and soothing. But the one we are going to talk about is absolutely classic. It’s none other than the Black Russian Cocktail. 

Black Russian Cocktail is one of the simplest but classic coffee cocktails you can ever taste. This cocktail only requires two ingredients I.e., vodka and Kahlua or any other coffee flavoured liquor. As its name suggests, you may be thinking that this cocktail is from Russia, but you know what? It is not. Let us know more about it. 

If some experts are to be believed, this Black Russian beauty was created in 1944 at Hotel Metropole in Brussels. It was a Belgian bartender Gustave Tops who created this cocktail for a special guest Perle Mesta, who was the then US Ambassador to Luxembourg. At that time, Perle Mesta was a renowned name and was known for hosting lavish parties in Washington DC. She was indeed a VIP back then and was regular to the Hotel Metropole bar. 

Tops wanted to create a signature cocktail for the lady and came up with a Black Russian Cocktail. This impressed Mesta and she took the recipe with its ‘unique’ name to Washington. In no time, the cocktail gained popularity and became a classic beauty. Also, the Cold War was starting then, and creating a mysterious drink with Russian vodka with Kahlua was considered quite appropriate. And for those wondering if the Black Russian came first or white? It’s the Black Russian Cocktail. 

With time, there have been many variations in the classic Black Russian Cocktail. One can have a White Russian Cocktail, Dirty Black Russian, or a Tall Black Russian. No matter how many variations come, the classic and original version remains to be our favourite. Isn’t it? Why don’t you try making this classic cocktail at home? Here’s how you can do that.  

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ ounces vodka 
  • ¾ ounce coffee-flavoured liqueur (preferably Kahlua) 
  • 1 cup ice 

Method 

  • Take an old-fashioned glass. 
  • Add vodka and coffee liqueur to it. 
  • Add ice and stir. 

Serve!