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The Mind Eraser cocktail combines vodka and coffee liqueur with a fizzy soda-water finish. Related to the Black Russian, it has a rich coffee flavor balanced by sparkling bubbles. Despite its playful name, the drink is described as a lighter variation at about 20% ABV; its actual strength can vary with the brands and amounts used. Serve it over ice when you want a straightforward cocktail that needs no shaker.
What Goes Into a Mind Eraser Cocktail?
The Mind Eraser is a variation on the Black Russian, a cocktail created in Brussels in the late 1940s. The Mind Eraser emerged in the 1980s, alongside other adaptations such as the White Russian and Colorado Bulldog. A White Russian adds cream to the Black Russian, while a Colorado Bulldog is a White Russian with a splash of cola.
- Vodka: Choose a good-quality, unflavored vodka so it complements rather than competes with the coffee liqueur.
- Coffee liqueur: Kahlúa or Tia Maria are suitable options. Use the same amount as the vodka for the recipe below.
- Club soda: Chill it before serving for a crisp, bubbly finish. Add it last to preserve the drink’s fizz.
How to Make a Mind Eraser Cocktail
Build this drink directly in an old fashioned glass. There is no need for a shaker or extra bar equipment. A glass filled with ice helps keep the cocktail cold as you add the ingredients.
- Fill an old fashioned glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in 2 ounces of coffee liqueur, followed by 2 ounces of vodka.
- Top with chilled club soda and serve.
For a more visibly layered presentation, pour the vodka slowly over the back of a spoon after adding the coffee liqueur. Add the soda water gently in the same way. Slow pouring reduces mixing, though the layers may gradually blend as the drink is served.
Tips and Variations
- Make it sweeter: Replace the club soda with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. These options change the flavor and add sweetness.
- Prepare a Mind Eraser shot: Layer half an ounce of each ingredient in a shot glass.
- Try a Black Magic: Replace the fizzy water with lemon juice for this variation.
- Keep the drink cold: Chill the soda water in advance and serve the cocktail as soon as it is made so the bubbles stay lively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Mind Eraser drink?
A Mind Eraser is made with coffee liqueur, vodka and soda water. The recipe uses 2 ounces each of coffee liqueur and vodka, topped with club soda.
How is a Mind Eraser different from a White Russian?
A White Russian includes cream, while a Mind Eraser uses soda water instead. The Mind Eraser is more closely related to a Black Russian, which is made without cream.
Mind Eraser Recipe
Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep time: 3 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ounces coffee liqueur
- 2 ounces vodka
- Club soda, to top
Equipment
- 1 old fashioned glass
Instructions
- Fill an old fashioned glass with ice cubes.
- Add the coffee liqueur and vodka in equal amounts.
- Top with club soda and serve.
Recipe Notes
For distinct layers, add the coffee liqueur first, then pour the vodka and soda slowly over the back of a spoon. For a sweeter drink, use lemon-lime soda or ginger ale instead of club soda. To make a shot, layer half an ounce of each ingredient in a shot glass. For a Black Magic variation, use lemon juice in place of the fizzy water.
Nutrition Information
The provided estimate is 325 calories per serving. It also lists 0.2 g fat, 0.1 g saturated fat, 0.1 g polyunsaturated fat, 5 mg sodium, 1 mg potassium, 27 g carbohydrates, 27 g sugar, 0.1 g protein and 0.01 mg iron. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutrition figures are automatically calculated and may vary by ingredients and serving size.
Enjoy the Mind Eraser cocktail in moderation. The simple build, coffee-forward flavor and sparkling top make it easy to prepare, while careful pouring helps keep the presentation layered.
