“Black Russian” is considered the ancestor of all cocktails, which include coffee. Its pleasant sweetish taste and moderate strength have found admirers all over the world. The availability of ingredients and ease of preparation allow you to make this cocktail at home. We will look at his classic recipe and the most popular variations.
Historical reference. Belgian bartender Gustav Tops is considered the author of the Black Russian cocktail. In 1949, he prepared this drink at the Brussels Metropol Hotel for the guests of a party hosted by a socialite and US ambassador to Luxembourg, Pearl Mesta. The name was not chosen by chance, it symbolized the beginning of the Cold War between the USSR and the USA.
Composition and proportions:
- vodka – 50 ml;
- Kahlúa coffee liqueur – 25 ml;
- ice cubes – 100 grams.
In the collection of cocktails of the International Bartenders Association (IBA) for the “Black Russian”, other proportions are indicated – 5: 2 (five parts of vodka and two parts of coffee liqueur). But in practice, the drink tastes better if you mix the ingredients in a 2: 1 ratio.
Recipe:
1. Fill a low rox glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour vodka and liquor.
3. Stir with a cocktail spoon.
4. Serve with a straw.
Alternative options:
- If you add 25 ml of cream to the composition, you get a “White Russian” cocktail, ladies really like its delicate taste.
- To make the drink even more invigorating, vodka and liquor are mixed with espresso coffee, this variant is called “Coffee Black Russian”.
- To reduce the strength, the cocktail can be diluted with cola and served in a tall glass.
Attention! The “Black Russian cocktail” in cans appeared on sale, which has nothing to do with the original recipe. It contains: ethyl alcohol, cognac (doubtful), citric acid, dyes and a synthetic fragrance reminiscent of almonds.
The manufacturer used the well-known name to “promote” his drink, which is closer in composition to energy drinks than to cocktails. It is difficult to say how harmful the canned option is. One thing is obvious – its taste is completely different from the traditional “Black Russian” cocktail, recognized all over the world.