Best Mixing Coffee and Spirits for Delicious Cocktails

Are you a lover of both coffee and cocktails? Then you’ll be happy to know that combining these two is becoming increasingly popular in the bar world. Coffee cocktails offer a rich, complex flavor profile that cannot be achieved using just one ingredient alone. From classic Irish coffee to contemporary coffee concoctions, this guide will take you through 15 coffee cocktails recipes that are sure to please.

History of Coffee Cocktails

Coffee cocktails have been around for quite some time, with the first known recipe for Irish coffee dating back to the 1940s. Since then, bartenders worldwide have been experimenting with coffee in their cocktails, resulting in exciting new flavours and combinations.

When it comes to creating coffee cocktails, quality ingredients are crucial. Choose high-quality coffee beans, and pair them with complementary spirits that will enhance the coffee’s flavour profile. With that in mind, let’s dive into 15 coffee cocktail recipes that you can easily make at home.

Coffee Cocktails

1. Irish Coffee

This coffee cocktail is made up with:

• 1 1/2 oz Irish whisky
• 4 oz hot coffee
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 1 tsp brown sugar

Directions:

1. Pour the hot coffee into a glass mug.
2. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Pour in the Irish whisky and stir again.
4. Carefully pour the heavy cream on top of the mixture, allowing it to float on top.

2. Espresso Martini

This coffee cocktail is made up with:

• 1 ½ oz vodka
• 1 oz Kahlúa
• 1 oz espresso
• 1 tsp simple syrup

Directions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, Kahlúa, espresso, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake well.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with three coffee beans.

3. Black Russian

This coffee cocktail is made up with:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur

Directions:

1. Fill a rock glass with ice.
2. Add vodka and coffee liqueur to the glass.
3. Stir well.
4. Garnish with a cherry or orange peel, if desired.

4. Coffee Old Fashioned

This coffee cocktail is made up with:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz cold brew coffee
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters

Directions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, cold brew coffee, simple syrup, and bitters.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Stir for about 20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

5. Cold Brew Negroni

This coffee cocktail is made up with:

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz cold brew coffee
• Orange twist

Directions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add gin, sweet vermouth, and cold brew coffee to the glass.
3. Stir well.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

6. Spiced Coffee Sour

This cocktail is made up with:

• 2 oz spiced rum
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup

Directions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add spiced rum, coffee liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake well.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.

Spirit Pairings with Coffee

Coffee is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with various spirits to create unique and flavourful cocktails. Here are some of the best spirit pairings with coffee:

Whisky

Whisky and coffee are a classic pairing, with Irish coffee being the most famous example. The bold flavours of whisky complement the bitterness of coffee, resulting in a rich and satisfying cocktail.

Rum

Rum is a great option for coffee cocktails, as its sweetness can balance out the bitterness of coffee. Spiced rum, in particular, can add an extra layer of flavor to a coffee cocktail.

Tequila

Tequila may not be the first spirit that comes to mind when you think of coffee cocktails, but it can work surprisingly well. The earthy and herbal notes of tequila can complement the bold flavour of the coffee.

Gin

Gin and coffee may not seem like an obvious pairing, but they can actually work quite well together. Gin’s herbal and citrus notes can add a bright and refreshing element to a coffee cocktail.

Vodka

Vodka is a neutral spirit that can be used to let the flavours of coffee shine through. A vodka-based coffee cocktail can be light and refreshing, making it a great option for brunch or daytime drinking.

Tips for Making the Perfect Coffee Cocktail

To make a delicious coffee cocktail, keep these tips in mind:

Choosing the Right Coffee

Choosing high-quality coffee beans that have a robust and complex flavour profile. Experiment with different roast levels and brewing methods to find the perfect flavour for your cocktail.

Balancing the Flavours

When making a coffee cocktail, it's important to balance the flavors of the coffee with the other ingredients. Use sweeteners, bitters, or citrus juices to balance out the bitterness of the coffee and enhance its flavor profile.

Infusion and Extraction Techniques

To infuse the flavors of coffee into your cocktail, try using a coffee-infused spirit or creating a coffee syrup. Cold brew coffee can also be used as a base for a coffee cocktail, as it has a smooth and concentrated flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, coffee cocktails are a delicious and exciting way to enjoy both coffee and spirits. By pairing coffee with different spirits and experimenting with different techniques, you can create unique and flavorful cocktails that are sure to impress. So, the next time you're looking for a new cocktail to try, consider mixing up a coffee cocktail. Who knows, you may discover your new favorite drink!

Visit Flaschengeist.com.au for more coffee cocktail ideas!