Every month, we shine a light on a tasty cocktail ingredient we think you’ll love. We’ve given you the low down on lush Limoncello, pink gin and barrel-aged gin. This month, we’re taking a closer look at coffee liqueur, and learning how this delicious ingredient can make your next tipple buzz with fun! We guarantee after you read this you’ll be stocking up right away…

What is coffee liqueur? 

Coffee liqueur is just what it sounds like: a boozy combination of alcohol and coffee, plus added sugar and, in some cases, flavours like vanilla (could it get much better?). The exact ingredients -- from the type of coffee used to the base spirit -- will vary from brand to brand, but most of the big coffee liqueur brands will begin with a rum base. 

How is coffee liqueur made? 

Every brand has its own production method, but in general these liqueurs are made in three parts. First, the base spirit is distilled and the coffee is brewed. At a final stage the coffee and the base spirit are blended together and, if necessary, the producer adds sugar and sometimes additional flavours. Often the mixture is left to rest so that the components blend and their flavours meld. 

What coffee liqueur should I try? 

Tia Maria Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur

This rum-based coffee liqueur is smooth, sweet, rich and delightfully aromatic. Whether enjoyed on its own over ice or in a cocktail like a ginny Espresso Martini, it is completely delicious. It’s a must-have liqueur for your at-home gin bar!

Borghetti Espresso Liqueur

This delectably sweet, coffee-flavoured liqueur from Milan is made with a mixture of Robusta and Arabic coffee, giving it a deliciously complex and aromatic flavour profile. *Adds to basket immediately*.

Which cocktails can I make with coffee liqueur? 

Coffee liqueur is a key ingredient in some amazing classic cocktails, like Espresso Martinis (try these delicious ginny versions) and White Russians (see the cocktail recipe below!). You can also make a ‘Turbo G&T’ by adding 25ml of coffee liqueur to your next gin and tonic. 

Orange White Russian 

50ml gin
15ml Cointreau
15ml coffee liqueur
30ml double cream

Fill a mixing glass with ice and add your first three ingredients. Stir gently. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and gently float the double cream on top, by pouring slowly down the back of a spoon. 

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Gin Coffee 

150ml freshly brewed coffee
35ml gin
10ml coffee liqueur
10ml vanilla syrup
Double cream, to float

Warm up a goblet or mug by filling it with hot water and letting it absorb the heat. Once warm to the touch, pour out the water and set your mug aside. Add the freshly brewed coffee, vanilla syrup and gin, giving them a quick stir to combine. Float a layer of double cream on top by pouring it very slowly down the back of a spoon.

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