Black Russian Cocktail

You may have heard of the classic White Russian, a creamy coffee cocktail that gained popularity in the 1990s, but its predecessor the Black Russian delivers on simplicity and strong coffee flavor. This two-ingredient, spirit-forward cocktail combines vodka and coffee liqueur served over ice, making it a flavorful dessert cocktail, especially when garnished with an orange slice or a Maraschino cherry.

The Black Russian was created in Brussels in the 1940s by a Belgian hotel bartender for the American ambassador to Luxembourg. Its name comes from the Russian spirit—vodka—and the color the coffee liqueur gives the drink. With the addition of heavy cream or milk, you’ve got a White Russian.

Traditionally made with ​​Kahlúa, Black Russians also work well with any type of coffee liqueur. Kahlúa is a rum-based coffee liqueur lending to a sweeter, vanilla flavored cocktail. If you’re a coffee lover and looking to emphasize the coffee flavors or even feel a caffeine buzz, swap for a cold-brew coffee liqueur. If you're looking to enhance the coffee notes in your Kahlúa, add a few dashes of orange bitters to your drink. When selecting a vodka, opt for something neutral—let the coffee shine. Feel free to experiment with the essential flavors of this classic drink, depending on your taste.

To make, add 2 parts vodka and 1 part ​​Kahlúa to an ice-filled glass, stir until chilled, and strain into your favorite rocks glass. If you're serving during the holiday season, try this cocktail for an impressive post-dinner pick-me-up! Dessert cocktails are in, after all.

Made this cocktail? Let us know how it went in the comments below!