Black Magic

This drink, basically a Black Russian, can go two ways. It can be sweet and juicy or dry and bitter. I went for the latter as a contrast to the Black Russian. You can't do this if you use Kahlua or your sugary coffee liqueurs, though.

MurLarkey distillery gave me a bottle of coffee whiskey to use and I felt that this dry spirit was needed here. This whiskey is basically cold brew coffee infused white whiskey. So now the drink comes across as a cup of cold espresso with a touch of lemon. Add sugar to taste, just like espresso, but you won't miss Kahlua if you are a real coffee and vodka drinker. Here's to having both at once.

• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. coffee liqueur (MurLarkey coffee whiskey used)
• sugar to taste
• 1-2 dashes lemon juice

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into an Old Fashioned glass full of fresh ice.