Black Russian

Black Russian was created in 1949 in Brussels by a Belgian bartender named Gustav Tops, who made it in honor of the U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg. The cocktail consists of vodka and Kahlua coffee liqueur. The word Russian in its name refers to the use of vodka, a typical Russian spirit.

The cocktail is traditionally prepared by shaking vodka and Kahlua, and it is then served on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass without garnishes. If the cocktail is served in a highball glass and topped with cola, it becomes Dirty Black Russian, also known as Tall Black Russian, Australian Black Russian, or Colorado Bulldog.