Other variations:
If you leave out the milk, it's a Black Russian.
Learn more about vodka
In the 8th century, the Poles invented a spirit called vodka, and the reason why vodka is usually associated with Russia is because, after the invention, the Russians had the greatest influence on the product that we associate with vodka today. Vodka had better opportunities to develop into the crystal clear liquid that we know in Russia, as there was the possibility to freeze the liquid and then collect the alcoholic liquid. You freeze to pure alcohol instead of heating, distillation also first came to Russia in the middle of the 15th century. It was also during this time that vodka was produced and consumed for its medicinal benefits, which is why it was named "Zhiznennia Voda" (water of life). In the 18th century it came to be called "vodka" (little water).Read more about vodka