Mesta's Black Russian

When a woman orders a Black Russian, rest assured of 2 things: she's fitting to get active -or- she's on top of her biz & not trying too get cloudy! 😜

Yes, the irony still catches attention, and for good reason. A Black Russian*—a cocktail made of vodka and coffee liqueur—carries an intriguing name that can be interpreted in multiple ways. The drink itself has no actual connection to Russia beyond the vodka, and the "Black" refers to the dark coffee liqueur. But when a woman orders it, especially in today's climate of heightened social awareness, it can spark double takes for several reasons:

1. Historical & Cultural Irony – The term "Black Russian" can evoke thoughts of race, nationality, and identity if your one of those woke rabblerousers, that is. Step outside of your feelings for a few moments, it's just a simple drink so don't Aunt Jemima it. Anyhow, given Russia's historical racial homogeneity and its complex relationship with race and geopolitics, the juxtaposition of "Black" and "Russian" remains an eyebrow-raiser.

2. Gender Stereotypes in Drinking – Traditionally, many associate women with lighter, fruitier cocktails, so a woman ordering a strong, straightforward drink like a Black Russian defies expectations. As if chicks ordering straight shots is more commendable lmao. nah, this particular beverage is a subtle challenge to outdated norms about what drinks "suit" different genders.

3. The Play on Words– If the woman ordering happens to be Black or Russian (or both), the drink's name can take on a humorous, or provocative meaning. It becomes a statement, whether intentional or not.

4. Cold War & Political Undertones – In an era of resurging tensions between Russia and the West, even an innocuous drink name can feel politically loaded, making the order seem oddly bold or ironic Either way, pour me one, will ya? And stick to the basics, none of that new-age garbage.

The hostess with the mostest, Perle Mesta. "The woman who knew everyone"

*The Black Russian cocktail was crafted in 1949 by a Belgian bartender named Gustave Tops. He designed this drink as a tribute to Perle Mesta, who served as the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg. The name "Black Russian" comes from the inclusion of vodka, which is a spirit from Russia, and the deep hue of the coffee liqueur used in the mix. In the 1960s, a twist on this classic emerged when milk or cream was added, giving birth to what we now know as the White Russian.

And while on the subject, let me address The Vodka Red Bull, aka "heart attack in a highball." This is the go-to cocktail for those who want to be both hammered and hyper. A simple yet dangerous mix—just vodka and Red Bull—but don’t let its simplicity fool you. This caffeine-fueled concoction keeps the party going long past the point where your body would normally beg for mercy. While the smooth vodka takes the edge off, the energy drink ensures you stay jittery enough to make questionable life choices at 2 a.m. But apparently, this is the newer, tweaked version of my beloved Black Russian. It’s a club favorite, a college rite of passage, and the liquid embodiment of "work hard, play harder—crash later."

However, this unholy alliance of stimulant and depressant isn’t without its risks. The Red Bull masks alcohol’s sedative effects, making you feel far more sober than you actually are—until, of course, you suddenly aren’t. Science and common sense both suggest that tricking your brain this way can lead to overconsumption, dehydration, and the kind of hangover that feels like you went 12 rounds with a jackhammer. Geez, you all ever heard of alcohol poisoning?! But hey, if your idea of a good time involves dancing like an epileptic and waking up in questionable conditions, the Vodka Red Bull is your kind of potion. But let's not split hairs here, just call it what it is: the black Russian knockoff. But I digress. . .

In the end, the drink is just a mix of vodka and coffee liqueur, but context gives it layers of meaning. And in a world where language and identity carry so much weight, a woman confidently ordering a Black Russian remains a small but potent act of irony. So let go of expected norms, think outside of the box and order up this little chic-conservative-wild child. you'll be looked at and dealt with more respectively. And that's a guarantee!