The Black Russian cocktail is a simple yet bold drink made from vodka and coffee liqueur. Its origins are somewhat mysterious, but it rose to popularity in the mid-20th century and became a staple at bars across the United States and beyond.
Origins of the Black Russian
The exact origins of the Black Russian are unknown, but several stories exist about its creation. One account credits Belgian bar owner Gustave Tops for inventing the cocktail in 1949 at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels. As the story goes, Tops wanted to create a signature drink for the hotel’s American guests who were flocking to Europe post-World War II. He mixed vodka with the house coffee liqueur, creating a robust drink reminiscent of the Russian culture. The cocktail was an immediate hit.
Another origin story pins the invention to bartender Gustave Tops at the Hotel Metropole in the 1950s. Supposedly, he first made the cocktail for Perle Mesta, an American socialite and ambassador to Luxembourg. Inspired by the dark color, Mesta referred to the drink as a “Black Russian” and the name stuck.
However, there is no proof to definitively trace the Black Russian to Tops or the Hotel Metropole. References to this cocktail did not appear until decades later. The first published recipe came in Stuart Walton’s “The Vodka Companion” in 1993, crediting it to Tops.
Despite the murky origins, the Black Russian undoubtedly rose to fame during the 1950s vodka craze in America. Its prominence expanded after being featured in the 1949 movie Love Happy starring Marilyn Monroe. In the film, she sang the song “Les Black Russian” while sipping the cocktail.
By the early 1960s, the Black Russian appeared on cocktail menus at bars and restaurants across the United States. The suave concoction was often drunk by counter-culture writers and stars wanting to emulate a dark and sophisticated image. Some of its celebrated fans included beat writer William S. Burroughs and musician Janis Joplin.
The Black Russian also became standard fare at lounges and bars inside hotels during the Mad Men era. Its recipe was included in cocktail books like Trader Vic’s Book of Food and Drink in 1946 and the Official Mixer’s Manual in 1954.
The Black Russian remains a simple classic requiring just two ingredients:
– Vodka – The base spirit of the drink. Traditional recipes call for Russian vodka, but any unflavored vodka will work.
– Coffee liqueur – The signature flavor component. Kahlúa is the brand most commonly used. Dark crème de cacao can also substitute.
To make a Black Russian:
– Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes
– Pour in 2 ounces (60ml) of vodka
– Add 1 ounce (30ml) of Kahlúa or coffee liqueur
– Stir gently to incorporate
Some modern variations include:
– Black Russian Twist – With lemon-flavored vodka
– White Russian – With cream added
– Dirty Russian – With cola added
While eclipsed in popularity today by sweeter cocktails, the Black Russian still holds a place in cocktail history. Its rich blend of vodka and coffee liqueur delivers a robust, bittersweet flavor profile. Sipping this retro drink provides a smooth trip back to the vodka-soaked Mad Men era.
