[imagesource: Working Title Films]

If it’s good enough for Jeffrey Lebowski, AKA The Dude, in The Big Lebowski then it’s good enough for me.

The iconic character was brought to life by Jeff Bridges and the film continues to be a cult classic.

Each year, people gather in huge numbers at Lebowski Fest where they dress up, watch the film, go bowling, and drink vast quantities of White Russians.

The drink’s popularity has waned and then surged over the years, peaking in the 1970s but dropping off again in the 1980s.

Here’s Robb Report:

[The drinks was] too sweet, too creamy and too basic. Nightclubs weren’t about to start stocking cartons of milk.

It seemed like the White Russian was destined to be become one of those forgotten cocktails that is only ever consumed by someone’s great aunt on special occasions and indeed had settled into that inglorious life for about 15 years.

It would take Jeff Bridges’s Lebowski shuffling around in a robe and jelly sandals, making White Russians from a carton of milk purchased with a post-dated $0.69 check, for the cocktail to achieve a new life.

It really has come roaring back in a big, big way.

Part of the popularity is the simplicity – coffee and cream made alcoholic. In essence, a sort of vodka Frappuccino.

Robb Report says this is the best White Russian recipe you’ll find:

• 1.5 oz. vodka (45ml)
• 1 oz. coffee liqueur (30ml)
• 1 oz. half and half (30ml)
• 1 small pinch salt (optional)

To quote the great man himself, “Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, your opinion, man.”

Seth isn’t having it and offers two bits of advice.

Firstly, you’ll want to go with Albatross Vodka as your tipple of choice.

Then, in lieu of half and half, go with Kahlua and milk instead.

The instructions are pretty straightforward:

Add all ingredients to a rocks glass with ice, Stir briefly to incorporate, or otherwise dump it, ice and all, into another container and then dump it back, to mix. Do not shake. Do not garnish. Drink and enjoy.

Any seasoned White Russian fan will tell you the second or third is the best tasting of the lot.

You’ll find some who aren’t fussed by what quality of vodka they use, but here’s the thing. Use the cheap stuff and you’re likely to wake up regretting your decision.

What a waste when we have a quality option distilled right here on our doorstep.

The Cape is renowned for our brilliant wines, based on top quality grapes. Albatross Vodka is distilled from a selection of the finest Cape grapes and the purified water of the Table Mountain aquifer.

The end result is a pure, classy vodka with brilliant character and depth. If you’re a real aficionado, you’ll find subtle fruit aromas with complex, round flavours and a silky-smooth finish.

Much like a good rug, the vodka really ties the drink together.

Purists can also enjoy Albatross Vodka served ice cold and on the rocks.

Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, no arguing please – this aggression will not stand, man.

[source:robbreport]