Maybe I missed it but I'm surprised no one mentioned the Black Russian. It's vodka (I prefer Smernoffs SP? to some of the boutique vodkas) and Khalula.

It makes a very nice start of very nice dinner drink and is also yummy with a good cigar.

My FT friend and Big BRuddar PremEx introduced me to one years ago and it's my cocktail of choice.

Also, it's sweet and tastes like PEPSI

THanksfully United has brought back Kalula. United I believe was the one who brought the cocktail over from Hawaii in the 50's. After taking away Kalula flyers who asked for a Black RUssian got vodka with YUCKY Starbucks coffee liquor or cream or wahtever that horrid stuff was. I tried it and almost got very sick.

SO a good Black Russian is vodka and Kalula. Simple as that.

(Remember it's different from a White Russian which has cream in it.)