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Coffee Bourbon Cocktail: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting the Perfect Drink

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A sophisticated Coffee Bourbon Cocktail with homemade coffee-infused bourbon, coffee liqueur, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for coffee and bourbon lovers!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (medium-dark roast recommended)
  • 4 cups bourbon (a good quality, but not overly expensive one)
  • 2 oz Coffee-Infused Bourbon (see instructions below)
  • 1 oz Coffee Liqueur (such as Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
  • 0.5 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • Orange peel, for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Combine Coffee and Bourbon: In a large, clean glass jar (a mason jar works perfectly), combine the coarsely ground coffee beans and the bourbon. Make sure the coffee is fully submerged in the bourbon. If not, add a little more bourbon to cover.
  2. Seal and Infuse: Seal the jar tightly. Store the jar in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Let the mixture infuse for 24-48 hours. I personally prefer 36 hours for a robust coffee flavor, but experiment to find your sweet spot. The longer it infuses, the stronger the coffee flavor will be. Be careful not to over-infuse, as it can become bitter.
  3. Strain the Infusion: After the infusion period, strain the bourbon through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. This will remove the coffee grounds and any sediment. You might need to strain it twice to ensure a clear infusion. Don’t squeeze the cheesecloth, as this can release bitter compounds from the coffee grounds. Let gravity do its work.
  4. Bottle and Store: Transfer the coffee-infused bourbon to a clean bottle or jar. It’s now ready to use in your cocktail! Store it in a cool, dark place. It should keep for several months.
  5. Chill Your Glass: Place a rocks glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill it. A cold glass will help keep your cocktail colder for longer. If you don’t have time to chill the glass, you can fill it with ice while you prepare the drink and then discard the ice before adding the cocktail.
  6. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the coffee-infused bourbon, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
  7. Add Ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes. Use plenty of ice to properly chill and dilute the cocktail.
  8. Stir Well: Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly for about 20-30 seconds. You want to chill the cocktail and allow the flavors to meld together. Don’t shake it, as this will over-dilute the drink and make it cloudy.
  9. Strain into Glass: Strain the cocktail into your chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes. A large ice cube or sphere is ideal, as it melts more slowly and keeps the drink colder for longer.
  10. Garnish: Express the oils from an orange peel over the glass by gently squeezing the peel, then rub the peel around the rim of the glass. This adds a lovely citrus aroma to the cocktail. Finally, drop the orange peel into the glass as a garnish.
  11. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Coffee Bourbon Cocktail!

Notes

  • Adjust the simple syrup to your preferred sweetness level.
  • Experiment with different coffee liqueurs like Kahlúa, Tia Maria, Mr. Black, or Patron XO Cafe.
  • Add a dash of chocolate bitters or a pinch of cinnamon.
  • Substitute coffee-infused bourbon with strong cold brew coffee and coffee liqueur with coffee syrup.
  • Use different bourbons for varied flavor profiles (high-rye for spice, wheated for smoothness).
  • Use 1 oz cold brew concentrate and 1 oz regular bourbon if short on time.
  • Add whipped cream and cocoa powder.
  • Use coffee beans instead of orange peel for a stronger coffee aroma.
  • Medium-dark roast recommended.
  • Experiment with different origins for different flavor profiles.
  • Use freshly roasted coffee beans for the best flavor.
  • Use a coarse grind for the infusion.
  • Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat and stir until sugar is dissolved, cool and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/coffee-bourbon-cocktail/