Vodka and coffee liqueur join forces to create the perfect after-dinner cocktail.
If you’ve never heard the name Perle Mesta, don’t worry. There won’t be a test, so you’re in the clear. For my own part, I had never heard of this person either until I started poking around the history of the cocktail we’re making today, the Black Russian. What does somebody you’ve potentially never heard of have to do with a mixed drink you’ve more than likely had? Turns out, everything.
Perle Mesta was an American socialite who was quite influential within the crowds she ran with. Her parties were epic, lavish affairs that often hosted all manner of celebrities. Film stars, famous musicians, artists and the cream of the political crop were often in attendance. Perle was much loved and became an inspiration for many.
Irving Berlin’s musical Call Me Madam saw Ethel Merman playing a character based on Perle, both on Broadway and in the Hollywood film. Allen Drury’s 1959 novel Advise and Consent features Dolly Harrison, whose creation was also inspired by her. But movies, musicals and books weren’t the only products of the muse known as Mesta.
From 1949 to 1953, Perle Mesta was appointed by President Harry Truman as the American Ambassador to Luxembourg. During Mesta’s tenure, Belgian bartender Gustave Tops was quite impressed with her, and was moved to create a cocktail in her honor. While working at the Hotel Métropole in Brussels, Tops stirred vodka and coffee liqueur together over ice, creating what we know today as a Black Russian.
What is the Best Alcohol to use in a Black Russian?
There are only two ingredients used in this beverage, and both are easily obtained at your local grocery or liquor store, depending on where you live. I usually opt for a flavored rye vodka when mixing up any drink that calls for it. Smooth and peppery, it’ll add the right amount of heat while complementing the deliciously bitter bite of the coffee liqueur. Kahlúa is the more common brand of this spirit, but don’t be afraid to branch out and try others.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlúa or any coffee liqueur
- Lemon twist, orange slice, or maraschino cherry to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes to chill it.
- In a mixing glass, add 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of coffee liqueur. Stir well.
- Take out the ice cubes from the rocks glass, and replace them with fresh ice. Strain the drink into the refreshed glass over the new ice.
- You can garnish your Black Russian with a lemon twist, orange slice, or cherry.
Nutrition
What Glassware and Garnish is Used?
For this drink, you’ll need a chilled rocks glass. Garnish is optional, but I like a cherry or an orange slice popped on top.
Why is it called a Black Russian?
The world was in the throes of the Cold War at the time of this drink’s invention, so it could take its name from the idea of East versus West. The more plausible explanation of where the name came from is the coffee liqueur and vodka turning a rich, black color when mixed together.
Similar Cocktails to the Black Russian
If you like your drinks both strong and eye-opening, a cocktail like the Black Russian is guaranteed to hit the spot. And if the Black Russian is a recipe that you enjoy, you might be interested in checking out a few other caffeinated concoctions that we’d love to show you. Check these out and give them a try this evening.
- Revolver – Bourbon and coffee liqueur make a perfect pair in this robust mixture.
- Espresso Margarita – Make your next ‘Rita a coffee-flavored one.
- Pumpkin Espresso Martini – Pumpkin purée, coffee liqueur and vodka make for a smooth and strong treat.
- Mind Eraser – Add club soda to your Black Russian to make this intimidating-sounding sipper.
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