Toast to the roast: Creative coffee cocktails that shake up bold flavors

While the day might start with a latte, cappuccino or another favorite coffee beverage, the carefully crafted brewed flavor is not limited to just one time of day. Beyond the travel mug which fuels mornings or a sweet sip that perks up the mid-afternoon slump, creative coffee cocktails bring the favorite flavor to a variety of occasions. Grab the shaker and a glass, these beverages are far from that simple cup of joe.

Although classic cocktails will never go out of style, beverage trends often influence the direction behind the bar. Coffee and coffee beans continue to be part of the food conversation. From harvesting locales to particular blends to roasting styles, the craft that goes into bean production has become elevated.

As people learn to appreciate the nuanced flavor, it is more than just another caffeine boost. Many people are looking to find other ways to enjoy that sipper. Creative coffee cocktails have seen a surge in popularity.

Which creative coffee cocktails quench that flavor thirst?

PATRÓN Agave Con Café

While some people might think of Patron with a citrus flavor pairing, the celebrated Blanco tequila pairs quite well with coffee. This particular coffee cocktail is more like a dessert cocktail. Whether a sweet ending after enjoying that robust mole or a pairing with a flourless chocolate cake, this cocktail is one that will impress with the first sip.

Ingredients:

Build in shaker

• .25 oz cinnamon syrup
• .25 oz banana liqueur (I used Giffard)
• 1.5 oz coconut milk
• 1.5 oz Patron Silver
• .5 oz cold brew coffee

Method:

• Combine everything EXCEPT coffee in a shaker. Shaker briefly and strain into glass. fill with crushed ice and float cold brew coffee on top. Garnish with coconut flakes.

Nutty Russian 

While a White Russian might be an old school favorite for Kahlua fans, this twist embraces the flavored whiskey trend. By substituting Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey for vodka, the salty sweet flavor adds another layer to this classic. In makes it slightly lighter but adds a whole new flavor dimension.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
• ¾ oz. Coffee Liqueur
• 1 ½ oz. Half and Half

Method:

• Build ingredients in a glass over ice.

Camarena’s Cafe Mole

Bringing together all the flavors of Mexico, this coffee cocktail evolves sip after sip. With so many layers, it invites the drinker to ponder. From the robust coffee flavors to the sweetness to the spicy notes of cinnamon, it is a stunning sipper that will leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Camarena Anejo
• 1 oz. Espresso
• .5 oz. Mr Black Coffee Liqueur
• .5 oz. RÉAL Agave Nectar
• ½ Barspoon Mole Negro Paste
• Garnish: RumChata Foam* (recipe below) and a dust of coffee grounds
• *RumChata Foam
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 4 oz RumChata
• Bar Spoon Mexican Crema

Instructions

• Add ingredients into an ice filled cocktail shaker and shake vigorously to combine/chill.
• Double strain into a small jarro and top with RumChata foam & coffee grinds
• RumChata foam: Add ingredients into a glass and vigorously mix together to blend ingredients. Store in fridge for 2hrs to chill. Remove from fridge, give a quick stir, and add into an iSi canister. Charge canister with N20 cartridge and store in fridge for future use

Bib & Tucker’s The Brooklyn Bridge

Coffee and citrus may not be the most common pairing, but it is one that more people need to discover. This cocktail has a slight brightness from the orange which lifts all the other flavors. Instead of that Old Fashioned or Manhattan, this cocktail might be a nice swap.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 0z Bib & Tucker 6 Year Old Bourbon
• .5 oz Amontillado Sherry
• .5 oz Coffee Liqueur
• .5 oz Spanish Liqueur
• 3 Dashes of Orange bitters
• 1 Dash of Angostura Aromatic Bitters
• Orange peel

Instructions:

• Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake well
• Serve in a coupe glass with an orange peel

Peanut Butter Espresso Martini 

While everyone seems to be sipping an espresso martini, the simple recipe can be modified. When that craving for a favorite candy hits, why not add a little peanut butter flavor to the martini glass.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
• ½ oz. Coffee Liqueur
• 1.5 oz. Freshly Brewed Espresso

Method:

• Shake ingredients vigorously and strain into martini glass. Garnish with three espresso beans.

What are your favorite creative coffee cocktails? Do you have a recommendation for FoodSided?