Coffee Drinks

This is the time of year that we put away the drink umbrellas and the blenders and start craving something warm.

Got a coffee pot? Here are a few coffee drinks to warm you up this winter.

Irish Coffee

Simple, tasty, and perfect for the days when you want your whiskey and a shot of caffeine too.

According to Diffords, it was invented in 1942 by Joe Sheridan, a bartender at the Foynes Airport in Shannon, Ireland. An American journalist by the name of Stan Delaphane sat at Joe’s bar, had the concoction and loved it so much he brought it home to San Francisco with him. He passed the drink along to his local bartender, giving Joe the credit, and a classic was born.

What to do: Preheat a coffee glass with hot water. Dump the water out. Pour in 1 ½ oz of your favorite Irish whiskey. (We like Jameson, but it’s up to you!) Top with hot coffee and add whipped cream if you wish.

B52 Coffee

A perfect storm of Kahula, Grand Marnier, and Baileys for the end of a long day. This is a version of the B-52 shot, which is one of the most popular shots of all time.

What to do: Preheat a coffee glass with hot water. Dump the water out.

Add:

¾ oz Kahlua
¾ oz Grand Marnier
¾ oz Baileys

Top with hot coffee and whipped cream. Voila!

Keoke Coffee

A great treat if you are craving a little brandy is the Keoke Coffee.

What to do: Preheat a coffee glass with hot water. Dump the water out.

Add:

1 oz Kahlua
1 oz brandy
¾ oz dark crème de cacao

Top with hot coffee and add whipped cream if you wish.

Mexican Coffee

This is one of our favorites, if nothing else because it has tequila in it, and we love tequila. May we also add that good tequila (like a good reposado) will make your Mexican coffee experience just that much better, with a more tolerable hang over if you happen to over-indulge.

What to do: Preheat a coffee glass with hot water. Dump the water out.

1 ½ oz tequila
1/2 oz Kahlua

Top with hot coffee and add whipped cream if you wish. Garnish with a little cinnamon or grated Mexican chocolate if you’ve got it.

Spanish Coffee

We saved the best for last! It is one of our favorites and if made right, truly delicious.

Here is what you are going to need:

½ oz overproof rum
1 oz Kahlua
1 oz Grand Marnier
1 oz brandy
sugar, for the rim
matches or another device that can set things on fire
cinnamon

What to do: Rim the glass with sugar (you may use a little water to get the sugar to stick) and pour the overproof rum into the glass. Hold the glass at a 90 degree angle (or set the glass on a flat surface on its side) and light the rum. Don’t burn yourself!

Roll or twist the glass in a circle to caramelize the sugar on the rim. When it starts to bubble and turn brown it’s done!

Turn the glass back upright, and sprinkle some cinnamon over the flame. It should spark. We should mention that this adds nothing to the drink, it just looks cool.

Add the liquid ingredients (which should put out the flame), and top with hot coffee and whipped cream. Once you have mastered this, be careful, because everyone you know will want you to make one for them!