The White Russian achieved cult status thanks to the character "The Dude" in the 1998 film "The Big Lebowski", in which Jeff Bridges drank this cocktail countless times. Despite the name, the White Russian has nothing to do with Russia, apart from the use of vodka as the main ingredient. Instead, the name comes from the cream that gives the drink its characteristic white color. Its predecessor, the Black Russian, contains the same ingredients, but without the cream. The simplicity of preparation has made the White Russian a favorite, and there are many variations, including the use of different types of cream or even ice cream. Because of the cream, the White Russian is a fairly high-calorie cocktail, which some consider more of a dessert. Although it is often assumed that the White Russian got its name during the Cold War, there is no direct evidence of this. Despite its fame, the White Russian was not always a popular drink, but its prominent placement in The Big Lebowski saw it experience a revival and become a modern classic. The White Russian embodies a relaxed and uncomplicated approach to cocktail mixing and remains a fascinating part of cocktail history.