Black Russian

The Black Russian emerged in the late 1940s Brussels hotel scene and remains a study in simplicity. This two-ingredient classic balances vodka's clean bite against the sweet, roasted depth of coffee liqueur, though the addition of orange bitters here lifts the drink with subtle citrus aromatics that cut through the richness. The result is smooth and dessert-like without being cloying—a sipper that rewards patience as the ice slowly opens up its flavors.