By Logan Mulholland
It is actually really simple to infuse just about any spirit with your favorite coffee. This is a perfect way to add another layer of flavor to a spirit or cocktail, as well as make use of any older beans you may have lying around. All you need to do this is a 750 mL bottle of your spirit of choice, I’d recommend bourbon or vodka for their versatility, and 1 cup of whole bean coffee. Ground coffee will work as well, but I would recommend using less coffee as the increased surface area will impart a stronger coffee flavor.
Steep your cup of whole coffee beans in a container with the 750 mL of chosen spirit for 24-48 hours. Then pour your infusion through a strainer and back into the original bottle, discarding the used beans.
When making a cocktail using your coffee infused spirit, I would try to stay simple and spirit-forward.Here are a few examples of some classic cocktails you could try.
Manhattan
- 2 oz coffee-infused bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- Stir and serve up or on the rocks
Moscow Mule
- 2 oz coffee-infused vodka
- ½ oz lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Build in glass and serve on the rocks
Old Fashioned
- 2 oz coffee-infused bourbon
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- Stir and serve on the rocks, garnished with an orange peel
Daiquiri
- 2 oz coffee-infused white rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- Shake and serve up
