If you’re a fan of the White Russian, but looking for something more “sophisticated”, this one’s definitely for you! This alternative skips the cream and relies solely on vodka and Kahlúa. The darker, streamlined combination is robust enough for the coldest Moscow nights, so it can probably light a fire in the milder winters here. 

ABSOLUT Black Russian

Ice Cubes

1 Part Absolut Vodka

1 Part Kahlúa

1 Whole Cherry

Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes. Add all ingredients. Garnish with a cherry.

Story about Black Russian: The Black Russian owes its name to the use of vodka, a stereotypical Russian spirit, and the blackness of the coffee liqueur. First appearing in 1949, it is ascribed to Gustave Tops, a Belgian barman, who created it at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels in honor of Perle Mesta, the then U.S. ambassador in Luxembourg.