"Black Russian" is a cocktail, which, according to experts, belongs to the category of bittersweet drinks. It is extremely simple to prepare and has many different varieties. Due to its original taste and unusual history of creation, this drink has long been well-deserved popularity.

Black Russian cocktail - the history of the drink

The name Black Russian Cocktail was not accidental. The history of this drink began almost sixty years ago. It happened in Belgium in the middle of the last century. In one of the hotels in Brussels, Pearl Mesta was on an official visit. At that time he was the US ambassador to the state of Luxembourg. In honor of the distinguished guest, the bartender of the metropolitan hotel Metropol, Gustave Top, prepared at first glance a simple but rather original drink. He just mixed vodka with coffee liquor in certain proportions. The ambassador liked this combination, and very soon the drink entered the institution's cocktail list.

Its unusual name is not difficult to explain.

The word “black” here is explained by the dark color of the liquor, and “Russian” is a direct association with vodka.

In addition, in those distant years, relations between Russia and America were rather tense. This, in its own way, explains why the “Russian” suddenly turned out to be “black”. So, thanks to the creativity of an ordinary bartender, a new type of mixed drinks prepared using coffee has appeared.

The main components of the cocktail, the fortress

Despite its original taste, The composition of the Black Russian cocktail is extremely simple. It includes only two main components: vodka and liquor. According to the recipe indicated in the collection of the International Association of Bartenders, the products are taken in a ratio of 5: 2. That is, to make a drink you need to take 5 parts of ordinary vodka and only 2 parts of coffee liquor. Traditionally, for such a cocktail, the famous Mexican liqueur “Calua” is used, which is prepared, as you know, on the basis of rum.

No complicated manipulations with the ingredients are needed. What happens after such mixing? The strength of vodka is 40 percent. The alcohol content in the classic Kalua ranges from 20 to 21.5 percent. Joining together, they form a new drink. The result is a mixed alcohol product with a strength of approximately 35 percent. For a cocktail, this is not enough. Nevertheless, the drink is very popular and is prepared in almost every bar that respects its status.

The nuances of cooking, how to mix the components

Black Russian is a cocktail that takes very little time to make.

For work, you will need the following dishes and appliances:

  • a glass of old fashion or rox;
  • jigger;
  • cocktail spoon.

Black Russian Cocktail Ingredients:

  • 50 milliliters of high-grade quality vodka;
  • 20 milliliters of coffee liquor (preferably “Kalua”);
  • 100 grams (2 large cubes) of ice.

With everything you need, you can get to work.

To make a cocktail you need:

  1. Cool the glass. To do this, you can rinse it with tap water or hold it in the refrigerator for some time.
  2. Fill a glass with ice.
  3. Having measured the right amount with a jigger, pour liquor.
  4. Pour vodka on top.
  5. Mix everything with a spoon.

Now the finished cocktail can be served to guests.

Three nuances in the process of preparing this drink sometimes cause controversy between specialists.

  • First, is it necessary to adhere to the generally accepted ratio of components? There should not be a strict framework. Many bartenders claim that, according to customers, the cocktail turns out to be more delicious if we take the initial products in a 2: 1 ratio.
  • Secondly, do I need to mix the ingredients in a glass? Some believe that this is not necessary. But according to technology, this is necessary to obtain a certain consistency and taste of the product.
  • Thirdly, which of the components should be poured into the glass first? There is not much difference. After all, the products are still mixed later. And, if you need to prepare a large amount of drink, you can even use a shaker for work.

How to drink a cocktail Black Russian

Given the fact that "Black Russian" is still an alcoholic cocktail, it is advisable to use it in small quantities. In addition, for such drinks, there are certain rules for drinking.

  1. To begin with, it is worth noting that this cocktail belongs to digestives. That is, it should be consumed after the main meal. With a glass of such a product at the table you can have a pleasant conversation. In addition, it gently cleanses the taste buds and after a few minutes in the mouth there is not even the slightest taste of previously eaten food.
  2. "Black Russian" is customary to drink through a straw. But this is not at all necessary. Some people like to drink this cocktail in small sips, touching their lips to a cool glass. In this matter, everyone can adhere to their own opinion.

Classic cocktail Black Russian

At home, it is very easy to make a drink called "Black Russian". A cocktail of vodka and aromatic coffee liqueur will be equally good for an official reception, and for a fun youth party.

The classic version involves the use of the main ingredients in a ratio of 5: 2. The IBA Second Edition clearly states: 5/7 parts of vodka and 2/7 parts of liquor.

A measured amount of food is poured alternately into a glass filled with ice and mixed. In practice, there are other variations.To reduce the strength of the drink and maintain its original taste, the components are sometimes taken in a 2: 1 ratio. Other possibilities are known to lower the percentage of alcohol. For example, there is an analogue of the famous cocktail called “Dirty Black Russian”. For its preparation, a glass with an already prepared drink is filled to the top with cola. As a result, the product is less strong, but its effect on the human body lasts much longer.

How to serve a cocktail beautifully

Like any other drink, Black Russian is a cocktail that you need to be able to not only prepare, but also serve correctly. For a real foodie and connoisseur, this is important.

  • Firstly, you should pay attention to the dishes. To prepare such a cocktail, it is necessary to use a glass of "old fashion" or, as it is also called, an "old-fashioned glass." Whiskey is usually poured into such.
  • In a glass with a finished drink, you must definitely put one or two cocktail tubes. Through them, the product can be consumed in small portions.
  • For decoration on the edge of the glass, you can fix a circle of lemon or lime, slightly incising it on one side.

There are dozens of complex cocktails that are quite difficult to make in your own kitchen. But Black Russian is not one of them. It is simple, strong, concise. And great for completing a hard working week.

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