Episode #094 – Coffee Cocktails
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Ahhhh….the sound of drinking in the morning! While we don’t always suggest mixing caffeine and alcohol (Red Bull & Vodka is on the permanent “no way” list), coffee offers an intriguing flavor partner to many drinks. From vermouth to Amari, to all sorts of brown liquors, there’s a lot to offer.
In this week’s episode, we explore:
- How to bring coffee into the flavor profile of your drinks
- How (and when) to serve coffee drinks
- Making coffee drinks with certain kinds of coffee
- Just how to balance the caffeine with the relaxing elements of an adult cocktail
Recipes
Espresso Martini
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1⁄2 oz Simple syrup
- 1⁄2 oz Kahlúa
- 1 oz Freshly brewed espresso or cold brew concentrate
Garnish with 3 coffee beans
The Dude
(from Xavier Herit, bartender at New York City’s Wallflower)
- 1 1⁄2oz cognac
- 3⁄4oz chilled coffee
- 1⁄2oz Demerara sugar
- 1⁄2oz heavy cream
- 1⁄2oz ruby port
- 4 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 egg
Combine and dry shake (without ice) well, and then add ice and shake until well blended. Strain
Good Morning Old Fashioned
First, ya gotta make Coffee Bitters
- 2-3 tbsp ground espresso (illy is a great brand)
- 2 small cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 3 whole clove
- Peel of 2 lemons
- 6 oz high proof grain alcohol (white whiskey or unaged brandy preferred)
Combine and let sit in a cool, dark place for 4-5 days. Strain through a cheesecloth.
For the cocktail: Then 1 demerara sugar cube muddled with 4-5 dashes coffee bitters and a little water to soften the cube, then pour 2 oz of VSOP brandy or bourbon (rye is a little distracting).