Classic Coffee Cocktails

As the nights are getting darker and the isolation web-based parties begin I thought it would be a good idea to bring out some easy and certainly my favourite espresso based cocktails to share with you.

Coffee is an excellent base for cocktails because it allows you to experiment with the acidity and strength of the coffee with your favourite aromatic spirits. This wonderful combination has been rediscovered in recent years thanks to what has been happening in our town centres, where the mixology bar and the cafeteria almost always coexist, even if at different times of the day - coffee is becoming a complex raw material to study. and to use according to its different aromatic notes.

 I hope you enjoy these recipes and share your favourites with me

Dark ‘N’ Stormy Cocktail

Twist up a classic cocktail with a dash of your favourite Espressopedia brew along with a traditional ginger beer.

Ingredients (Makes 1)

• 25ml dark rum
• 25ml tequila
• ice
• ginger beer
• 30ml freshly brewed espresso

  

Method

• STEP 1

Fill a highball glass with ice and pour in the rum and tequila. Stir then top with ginger beer. Slowly pour in the espresso.

I use Fentimans Ginger Beer and Roma Espresso from our Lavazza A Modo Mio compatible range.

  

The Reverse Espresso Martini

 

What is more chic then a martini? One laced with Irish cream and vodka, of course. This layered drink contains your favourite Espressopedia coffee ice cubes, slowly releasing the flavour and keeping your drink cool. The flavours do not dilute, they intensify as the ice melts – the challenge is to let the ice melt!

 Ingredients (Makes 1)

• 30ml freshly brewed espresso
• 50ml vodka
• 25ml Baileys Irish Cream

 

Method

• STEP 1

Freeze the espresso in an ice cube tray until frozen solid. Pour the vodka and Baileys into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Stir together for about 1 min then strain into a tumbler. Put 4-5 coffee ice cubes into the drink to serve.

You obviously need to prepare the ice cubes ahead of time and find that bottle of Baileys at the back of the cupboard from last Christmas but it is worth the effort.

 

Turkish Coffee Sour

Fancy something sweet and creamy? Rum and coffee are paired together with favourite seasonal spices like cardamom, cinnamon and a hint of citrus in this Turkish coffee sour. Simmer, shake and serve

 Ingredients (Makes 2)

• 100 ml espresso coffee 
• 5 cardamom pods , bruised (plus 2 to garnish)
• strip of lemon peel
• 2 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 20g egg whites
• 75ml spiced rum
• 25ml lemon juice

 

 

Method

• STEP 1

Run 2 coffee pods through your machine and add to a pan with 150ml water. Add the cardamom pods, lemon peel, cloves and cinnamon stick. Bring to the boil, then strain through a sieve lined with 2 pieces of kitchen paper. Leave to cool.

• STEP 2

Pour 50ml of the coffee mixture into a cocktail shaker filled with ice then add the egg white, spiced rum and lemon juice. Shake hard for 1-2 mins then double strain into 2 coupe or martini glasses. Decorate with another cardamom pod.

 

I found an Intenso or Ristretto pods work best in this cocktail and I was given a bottle of Pussers Spiced Rum which was very tasty.

  

Kahlua Coffee Cocktail

A contrasting and classy coffee cocktail is ideal as a post-dinner tipple or for late-night lounging, very smooth. It looks fantastic and tastes delicious. 

 For the cocktails (Makes 1)

• 50ml strong coffee, cooled
• 1 tbsp Kahlúa
• 2 tbsp double cream
• cocoa powder, for dusting

 

 Method

• STEP 1

Mix the coffee and Kahlúa in a Martini glass. Slowly pour in the double cream over the back of a teaspoon so that it gently settles on the top of the coffee. Dust with a little cocoa.

It looks fantastic and tastes delicious. 

 

Espresso Martini

And finally the classic Espresso Martini cocktail especially for Jennie. You can make your own sugar syrup to use or it is now widely available to buy. Once again experiment with the wide range of coffees available from Espressopedia to suit your taste.

Ingredients (Makes 2)

For the sugar syrup

• 100g golden caster sugar (you can make your own or buy Fruiss Pure Cane Sugar Syrup)

For the cocktail

• ice
• 100ml vodka
• 50ml freshly brewed Espressopedia coffee
• 50ml coffee liqueur (I had Kahlua from the previous cocktail)
• 4 coffee beans (optional)

Method

• STEP 1

Start by making the sugar syrup. Put the caster sugar in a small pan over a medium heat and pour in 50ml water. Stir, and bring to the boil.

• STEP 2

Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool. Put 2 martini glasses in the fridge to chill.

• STEP 3

Once the sugar syrup is cold, pour 1 tbsp into a cocktail shaker along with a handful of ice, the vodka, espresso and coffee liqueur. Shake until the outside of the cocktail shaker feels icy cold.

• STEP 4

Strain into the chilled glasses. Garnish each one with coffee beans if you like

 

I hope you have fun making them and share some photos of your efforts with us at Espressopedia.