MR. K’S BLACK RUSSIANS

Mr. K’s signature cocktail was the ultimate gesture of affection, best when shared with one (or many!) friends. He often mixed up a batch and poured it into his oversize flask, which he packed into his suitcase before a concert tour to share postperformance with fellow teachers—and in later years, with Melanie’s Chicago Symphony Orchestra colleagues.

Serves eight—or fewer. Depends on your crowd.

Na Zdorovya!

4 shots Kahlua

8 shots vodka

Flask or pitcher

Secret Ukrainian incantations

1. Combine ingredients in a measuring cup. Stir.
2. Pour contents into large flask or pitcher.
3. Serve over ice.
4. Don’t forget the secret Ukrainian incantations—but be careful: one wrong accent could curse your entire family for generations.