“Cocktails spiked with coffee” have been a staple for decades. The classic Irish Coffee has been a morning ‘go-to’ drink for decades, kickstarting the day with a dose of caffeine. Coffee-infused cocktails are great choices for getting a party started or to keep going after a heavy meal.
As consumer tastes evolve and become more sophisticated, coffee flavors have taken center stage in a number of trendy new cocktail favorites. Here are some of the coffee cocktails the talented mixologists at The Bartender Company have mastered.
Coffee Dark & Stormy
Coffee’s strong, slightly bitter flavor contrasts nicely with the sweetness of dark rum and ginger beer in this nautical-inspired spin on a cocktail classic.
Ingredients:
1 oz. dark rum
1 oz. tequila
2 tablespoons fresh espresso
Ginger beer
Ice
In a highball glass, add ice to fill, then pour in the spirits. Top with ginger beer, then gently stir in the espresso. Serve immediately.
The Hot & Boozy
Ideal for a chilly evening gathering, holiday party, or as a nightcap, this hot cocktail – reminiscent of the classic Hot Toddy — blends delectable sweet flavors and a healthy dose of caffeine.
Ingredients:
½ oz. brandy
½ oz. coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
½ oz. orange liqueur (Grand Marnier or other favorite)
5 oz. freshly-brewed hot coffee
½ cup whipping cream
Peel of one orange
½ teaspoon turbinado (raw) sugar
First, prepare the whipping cream by combining cream and sugar, then beating with a whisk until peaks form. Set aside.
Singe the orange peel under a flame to release fragrant oils. Next, combine the liqueurs and brandy with hot coffee in a mug. Stir the orange peel into the mixture, then top with some of the whipped cream.
Siciliano
Taking the time-honored Italian spirit amaro, a strongly-flavored herbal liqueur that is both bitter and sweet, then combining with the flavor of espresso, the Siciliano is an instant classic, sure to be enjoyed by discerning drinkers for many years to come.
Ingredients:
2 oz. Italian sweet vermouth
1.5 oz. Italian amaro liqueur
1.5 oz. cold espresso
1 oz. simple syrup
Club soda
Orange slices for garnish
In a highball or tumbler, fill 2/3 with ice, then mix the spirits and coffee. Stir in the simple syrup and stir gently. Top with club soda, then garnish the glass with an orange slice.
Turkish Coffee Sour
This cocktail receives its inspiration from whiskey sours, then turns the recipe on its head with a riot of spicy notes. The Turkish coffee sour is a great holiday drink, thanks to its seasonal flavors.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons freshly-ground coffee beans
7 cardamon pods (including two to garnish the drinks)
1 lemon peel cut into strips
2 cloves
Whites of two eggs
1 cinnamon stick
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
2.5 oz. spiced dark rum
Dash of Angostura or Peychaud’s bitters
Create a spice-infused coffee mixture by combining the coffee grounds, cardamom pods, lemon peel, cinnamon, and cloves in a small saucepan with 1 cup of water. Heat to boiling, then simmer for two minutes. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine sieve. Set aside to cool.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 2 oz. of the coffee mixture, then add the egg whites, spiced rum, and lemon juice. Shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes, then strain into two martini or coupe glasses. Add a few drops of bitters if desired, then garnish each glass with a cardamom pod. Serve and enjoy!
Sources:
www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/5-ways-coffee-cocktails
www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/g13510875/alcoholic-coffee-drinks-cocktails