“If you want to know the character of a person, pay attention to the cocktail that he prefers,” is one of the wisest proverbs. No wonder bartenders often play the role of listeners and psychologists. An important feature of the profession, on which the bartender's tips directly depend.
Bar wisdom
Business people who value their time prefer Martini, whiskey or rum based cocktails. Eccentric and, as a rule, creative people choose cocktails, which include at least three to four alcoholic drinks. Optimists prefer various layered shots (several strong drinks are poured into a shot glass, without mixing, because of different density layers are produced, they are drunk in one gulp, and often they first set fire to the top layer.) Several classic cocktails are especially loved by bartenders, and even customers. One of them is the great Black Russian.
Drink history
The first time the Black Russian cocktail flashed in the film Ninotchka in 1939, the role in which made the Hollywood actress Greta Garbo successful. Then it appeared again only in 1949. And it’s not at all in Russia, as is commonly believed, probably for the simple reason that one of its main ingredients is vodka (truly the Russian invention of Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev).
The Black Russian cocktail was created by bartender Gustave Tops, a native of Belgium, who worked at the famous Metropol Hotel. Gustave mixed a new drink on the occasion of the arrival of an important member of the US government, Pearl Mesta, who stayed at the hotel for the duration of the trip. The ambassador appreciated the cocktail, and after a while it was included in the hotel’s permanent menu. Strange as it may seem, the source of inspiration for the name “Black Russian” was the complex, heated relationship between the USSR and the USA. It was the height of the Cold War of the two superpowers.
The cocktail soon gained popularity, thanks to its moderate sweetness and strength, an exquisite aftertaste, and became the first among many coffee mixes that appeared over the decades. Later, the Black Russian cocktail appeared in the collection of world cocktails of the International Barmen Association. He has become world famous and beloved.
Black Russian cocktail: recipe and composition
In 2018, “Black Russian” can be ordered at each bar or prepared by yourself, it is very simple. The original composition of the famous drink includes exclusively vodka, coffee liqueur (originally it was Kalua liqueur) and ice. The recipe for the classic Black Russian cocktail from the collection of cocktails of the International Barmen Association:
Ingredients:
- Kalua coffee liqueur - 25 ml;
- vodka - 50 ml;
- ice cubes - 100 g.
In a low glass (traditionally used for a drink is a glass called old fashion) to begin with, pour five parts of vodka. Next, add the liquor. You can take any kind of coffee liquor, but the classic recipe implies "Kalua". Lastly, add ice to the cocktail and stir. The drink is ready to drink.
For decades, resourceful bartenders have come up with dozens of its various variations, here are just a few of them.
• “Long Black Russian” - the recipe and composition remains classic, but instead of a glass of old-fashion, use highball (high glass) and the remaining space is filled with cola.
• "Black Magic" - a classic option, but with the addition of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• “Coffee Black Russian” - to make the cocktail more invigorating, add espresso.
• “White Russian” - with 25 ml of cream you get a more delicate cocktail.
The charm of the drink is that you can safely experiment with its composition and recipe, and it will certainly work out well. There are even shots based on Black Russian:
• Cocktail "Burning Russian" - an unusual look at the classic recipe. 15 ml of coffee liqueur, 15 ml of almond or cream liqueur, 15 ml of vodka and 15 ml of rum are poured in turn into a glass. The top layer is set on fire and drunk in one gulp.
"White Russian"
Separately, it is worth stopping at the White Russian cocktail. They first heard about him in the sixties, but then he did not gain fame. “White Russian” became truly cult after the release of the equally iconic and iconic film of the famous directors of the brothers Joel David Cohen and Ethan Jesse Cohen “Big Lebowski”. The cocktail, which throughout the whole picture is calmly sipped by the protagonist Dude, despite the chaos around us, could not help but become a cult.
It is also worth noting that later the whole religion of Dudeism appeared (from the word dude - "dude"), associated with the worldview of the protagonist Jeffrey. Naturally, the White Russian cocktail plays an important role in this religion. There are not many drinks in the world that can boast such folk love.
Classic "White Russian":
- vodka (without taste impurities) - 50 ml;
- coffee liqueur "Kalua" - 20 ml;
- fresh cream (or whipped cream) - 30 ml;
- ice cubes - 100 grams.
Prepared by analogy with his older brother "Black Russian". Add five parts of vodka to the glass of old fashion, add two parts of liquor, and most importantly, 30 ml of cream. Finally, throw ice and shake well with a bar spoon.
Cocktail in a jar
Many are confused by the cocktail in the bank that appeared on the shelves of Black Russian stores. If you look at its composition, full of chemistry, quite capable of washing rust from pots and pans, it becomes clear that it has nothing to do with the original drink. This is nothing more than another attempt by negligent marketers to promote the product at the expense of a name that everyone has heard. It is worth paying attention to what the Black Russian cocktail looks like in the photo, and not to be confused with the original.
Conclusion
The Black Russian cocktail is not in vain occupies its place of honor in the history of the formation of world bar culture. He rightfully won the love of a completely different audience and at different times.