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).

Written by

Alex has come a long was since his first cocktail (“Magic Fanta,” orange soda and orange vodka, don’t mess) back at Indiana University. When not mixing up cocktails for friends, he enjoys hiking, adventures in sandwiches, and blues music. His epitaph will read “In Search of the Perfect Lemon.”