The Black Russian is coffee based cocktail that mixes vodka with coffee liqueur. The blend of these two ingredients creates the unique flavour which the drink is known for.

Despite its name, the origin of the Black Russian has little to do with Russia aside from the vodka. The cocktail was invented by Gustave Tops in 1949 at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels. The Belgian Bartender created the drink in honour of Perle Mesta the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg at the time. 

The cocktail is easy to make at home featuring only two ingredients and requiring no special tools or equipment. Several variations of the drink exist with the most common being the White Russian.

Ingredients

• 60ml vodka
• 30ml coffee liqueur
• 1 maraschino cherry

Preparation

1. Add ice to an old-fashioned glass
2. Add the vodka and coffee liqueur to the glass and stir
3. Garnish with a maraschino cherry