White Russian Cocktail Variations
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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. The name of the drink dates it near the end of World War I, when the “White Russians”, an anti-Bolshevik group, was still in existence. The drink itself isn’t Russian, but the combination of vodka as its main ingredient and the white colour of the cream, give the cocktail its name.
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. The other, of course, is the White Russian.
Why The White Russian Cocktail Is So Popular
Who doesn’t like coffee and cream? 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.