The return of pumpkin beers isn’t the only sign that fall is almost upon us. There’s another signal that’s as powerful a force of nature as the changing of seasons.
The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte officially returned this week.
This means a few things: coffee is on people’s brains, it’s time to put coffee cocktails on your menu, and you have enough time to prepare promotions and drinks for International Coffee Day on September 29.
We’re all familiar with the warming, relaxing magic an Irish Coffee can provide. But coffee can do much more than just warm up a splash of Irish whiskey.
Check this out: Beat the Heat with These Buzzy Cold-Brew Coffee Cocktails
As the cocktails (and one coffee-flavored poptail) below make clear, coffee is an essential cocktail ingredient. Its richness and complex flavors work well to enhance the flavors of a multitude of spirits.
This International Coffee Day, you and your bar team would be wise to feature local coffee in drinks on your menu. There are also excellent coffee liqueurs that can make whipping up cocktails with inviting, roasted flavors a breeze, like Caffè Borghetti.
Check this out: Send Summer Off in Style with These Labor Day Cocktails
Coffee is an obsession around the globe. Pumpkin Spice Lattes returning to market gives operators a beverage trend they can leverage.
Cheers!
A Proper Coffee
Created by Sonny Verdini, Bar Manager, TRADE (Boston, MA); Image: Amanda Lewis
- 2 oz. Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey
- 1.5 oz. Boston Harbor Coffee Liqueur
- 1 oz. Mandarine Napoleon Liqueur
- 0.5 oz. Bénédictine
- Hand-whipped cream to garnish
- Coffee beans to garnish
Shake and strain into a Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with hand-whipped cream and coffee beans.
The Mad Mac
Gavin McMonigle, Piss & Vinegar (Philadelphia); Image: Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey
- 2 parts Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey
- 1 part Mexican coffee liqueur
- 2 scoops Mint chocolate ice cream
Hard shake all ingredients in a tin with crushed ice. Strain into 6 oz. Irish coffee glass and serve.
Topsy Turvy
Recipe by Jeremy Oertel; Image: Carpano
- 2 oz. Carpano Antica Formula
- 1 oz. Lock Stock & Barrel Rye
- 1 tsp. Caffè Borghetti
- 1 dash Mole Bitters (preferably Bittermens)
- Orange twist to garnish
Stir and strain into a Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
The Dorthaquiri
Recipe and image courtesy of Caffè Borghetti
- 2 parts Strawberry-infused rum
- 1 part Caffè Borghetti
- 1.5 parts Cold-pressed espresso
- 0.25 Cinnamon syrup
- Mini biscotti to garnish
All ingredients to a shaker and strain into glass. Garnish with a mini biscotti.
Starward Cold Fashioned
Recipe and image courtesy of Starward Whisky
- 2 oz. Starward Nova Australian whisky
- 2 oz. Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur
- 1 dash Orange bitters
- Orange zest to garnish
Combine all in a mixing glass with ice and stir until very cold. Serve in a rocks glass over one large rock with an orange zest.
Chipotle Mexican Coffee
Recipe and image courtesy of Tanteo Tequila
- 2 oz. Tanteo Chipotle Tequila
- 5 oz. Freshly brewed coffee
- 0.5 tsp. Granulated white sugar
- 1 tsp. Brown sugar
- Whipped cream for topping
Add fresh coffee to glass. Stir in white and brown sugars until dissolved. Add Tanteo Chipotle Tequila and stir. Top with whipped cream.
Espresso Martini Poptail
Recipe and image courtesy of Crystal Head Vodka
- 0.5 oz. Crystal Head Vodka
- 0.5 oz. Caffè Borghetti
- 0.5 oz. Water
- 1 oz. Cold-brew coffee
Mix each pop individually in mixing cups. Fill popsicle molds (silicone is best). Place in freezer for approximately 5 hours. Remove from mold and serve immediately or place in freezer bag for later.