History & Heritage
“The Anna Kournikova emerged in the late 1990s or early 2000s as a playful twist on the White Russian, coinciding with the peak fame of Russian tennis star Anna Kournikova. The cocktail's name is a pun on the "White Russian" made lighter with skim milk—a humorous reference to the athlete's slender physique. This type of pop culture-driven naming was common in an era where celebrity influenced mixology trends.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Fill an Old Fashioned glass with fresh ice cubes
Add vodka and coffee liqueur to the glass
Gently pour cold skim milk over the back of a bar spoon to create a distinct layer
Serve with a stirrer for the drinker to combine layers at their leisure
Glassware
Built in an Old Fashioned glass over ice
Garnish
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
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Sour
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Bitter
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Strong
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Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use fresh, cold skim milk for best texture and flavor
Pre-chill the glass for optimal temperature
Pour milk slowly over a bar spoon to maintain layering
Quality coffee liqueur is essential—the primary flavor component
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Black Russian
A minimalist mix of vodka and coffee liqueur that delivers bold, roasty sweetness—essentially a White Russian without the cream.
Brown Russian
A compelling member of the 'Russian' cocktail family that represents a divergence from its more famous siblings. This variation transforms the simple Black Russian into a more refreshing and nuanced long drink by adding spicy ginger ale for effervescence and complexity.
Irish Russian
A variation of the Black Russian, where the dark, robust character of Guinness stout is used to crown the simple combination of vodka and coffee liqueur.