White Russian

History Of The White Russian  And How It Became Such A Popular Cocktail

The White Russian was one of the first popular Vodka drinks concocted in the 1930s, when vodka was just beginning its invasion of the West. Its progenitor was a drink called a Russian, made with Vodka, gin, and crème de cacao. Cream added to the mix made it a Barbara, a name later toughed up to Russian Bear. When the "Bear" was dropped, we were left with two types of "Russians." So one was named a Black Russian, made without the cream. That one's not so good. The other, of course, is the White Russian. We love her.

Why The White Russian Cocktail Is So Popular
The reason the White Russian is such a great little number is because it's a great drink for people who don't drink a lot and a great drink for people who drink too much. Despite its taste and appearance, the White Russian packs a wallop. There's a lot of alcohol in there, but no bad taste whatsoever. So if you don't drink regularly, you can still get loaded without all the hassle and facial contortions you'd get from, say, a Manhattan. If you drink too much, a White Russian is a fine tasting change of pace, full of that precious alcohol you're so dependent on, but with a rich creamy taste. It's like a drunk trip back to a more innocent time, where you sat outside and drank milkshakes and rode your bike. But whether you're just dabbling with spirits or are a hardcore drinker, two or three White Russian is probably the limit before you start to feel sick.


1.  Fill glass with ice.
2.  Pour in vodka, coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)

3.  Fill the rest of the way with 2% milk.

4.  Stir and serve