The Black Russian is vodka cocktail, traditionally due to its Russian roots, mixed with coffee liqueur. It is a simple drink made by pouring the vodka over ice cubes or cracked ice in an old-fashioned glass, followed by the coffee liqueur. This combination first appeared in 1949 and is ascribed to Gustave Tops, a Belgian barman, who created it at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels in honor of Perle Mesta, then United States Ambassador to Luxembourg.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz Vodka
• 3/4 oz Coffee Liqueur
• Garnish: Maraschino cherries

PREPARATION

Pour all the ingredients into an old fashioned glass over a single ice cube and stir. Garnish with cherries and enjoy!