Houstonist Bartender: Russian Bear

A creamy chocolatey vodka cocktail, we're telling you how to make a Russian Bear, in case you feel like having a little soiree and discussing international politics and events (like that "episode" that occured in Georgia earlier in the week and may not be over). This drink is much tastier than some of the topics at hand, which may be downright unsavory in polite society. Our bear today is a spectacled bear who lives at the Houston Zoo, not a real Russsian Bear - cute, eh? Spectacles....raaaarrrrrrrrrr!

Russian Bear

1 oz Vodka (Tito's or Dripping Springs)
1/4 oz Creme de Cacao
1 1/2 oz cream (or half and half)
1 teaspoon powdered sugar (or to taste)

Fill a shaker with ice, pour in all ingredients (even the powdered sugar) shake maniacally and strain into the glass of your choice (cocktail, martini), swill, rinse repeat. If you feel fancy, shave some chocolate for a garnish (a potato peeler will accomplish this nicely, unless you've had a half dozen of these lovely's, you may take the bark off your finger and who cares if it's "cute" at that point, just saying).

As always, Houstonist reminds you to drink responsibly, stay home, take areputable taxi or find someone who cannot or will not be drinking, regardless of the reason. Please, don't be a dumbass!!!

Photo courtesy of flickr user gwenturnerjuarez