The Cold Brew Conundrum
Who wants a quick lesson on cold brew coffee? A question I hear often is what exactly is the difference between cold brew coffee and iced coffee. The difference is pretty simple – iced coffee is simply coffee that’s been brewed regularly and cooled down with ice. Cold brew, on the other hand, is coffee that has been brewed without any heat. Hence the phrase “cold brew”? Got it?
Now, cold brew can be purchased in your local grocery store – there are so many brands out there now. But you can also make your own cold brew coffee at home. I love to do that sometimes! It’s crazy easy to do, but don’t do it if you’re hoping to have a cold coffee immediately. When I make my own cold brew concentrate, I allow it to sit in the fridge overnight. That way, it’s cold and ready for the next morning. I’ve written about making cold brews here before, most recently with this iced bourbon latte.
To be honest, today’s recipe is similar to the iced bourbon latte, but truthfully speaking, this recipe may be my favorite. I struggled with calling the other coffee cocktail a latte because I thought coffee snobs would call me out on it. Want another coffee lesson? A latte is typically made with espresso and steamed milk. So technically, I didn’t make a latte, but out of laziness, I called it a latte. And I’m sticking to it!
A Match Made in Heaven
Anyway, I love today’s cold brew cocktail – it’s the perfect way to amp up your coffee. I wouldn’t suggest drinking this as your everyday morning beverage, but definitely for a weekend brunch cocktail. Like I mentioned before, you can make your own cold brew by simply putting ground coffee in your French press and pouring cold water over it. How much coffee-to-water you use will depend on how much you want. Allow it to steep in the refrigerator overnight.
Alternatively, you can purchase a cold brew concentrate. My current favorite brand is Stok – so good! The great thing about using a concentrate is that it’s already chilled and ready to go. No waiting around for your brew to cool down.
Now, let’s talk about the other star of this show: the whiskey. I’m a big fan of whiskey, especially in cocktails. There’s just something about the smooth, smoky flavor that pairs so perfectly with coffee. For this recipe, I used a good quality bourbon, but you could also use rye or even Irish whiskey if that’s more your style.
The Magic Ratio
The key to getting the right balance of coffee and whiskey is all about the ratio. You want enough whiskey to give the cocktail a nice boozy kick, but not so much that it overpowers the coffee flavor. I find that a 1:1 ratio of cold brew concentrate to whiskey works perfectly.
But don’t just take my word for it. Check out this guide from Bon Appétit on how to add spices to coffee – they have some great tips on balancing flavors in coffee-based cocktails.
And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even add a little bit of spice to your cocktail. Cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of cayenne can take this drink to the next level. Just be careful not to go overboard – you want the coffee and whiskey to still be the stars of the show.
The Perfect Brunch Companion
One of the best things about this cold brew cocktail is that it’s the perfect accompaniment to a delicious brunch spread. Imagine this: you’re sitting at a cozy table in Brooklyn’s Georgian Coffee House, sipping on your boozy cold brew while enjoying a plate of fluffy pancakes or a savory breakfast sandwich. Talk about the ultimate weekend indulgence.
And the best part? This cocktail is easy to batch and serve to a crowd. Just make a big pitcher of the cold brew and whiskey mixture, and let your guests serve themselves. Add a few fun garnishes like a cinnamon stick or a lemon twist, and you’ve got a seriously impressive (and delicious) brunch cocktail.
Cocktail Customization
Of course, you don’t have to stick to the classic cold brew and whiskey combo. This versatile cocktail lends itself to all kinds of fun variations. For a creamier, more indulgent version, try adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Or, if you’re in the mood for something a little more exotic, why not experiment with different spirits? Tequila, rum, or even gin could all work beautifully with the bold coffee flavor. Just be sure to adjust the ratios to suit your personal taste.
And let’s not forget about the toppings! A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can take this cocktail to new heights. Or, for a real showstopper, try rimming the glass with a mixture of sugar and espresso powder. Talk about a caffeine-fueled treat!
The Morning Mojo Boost
But let’s be real, this cold brew cocktail isn’t just for brunch. It can also be the perfect way to start your day (or afternoon, no judgement here) with a little extra pep in your step. When that 3 p.m. slump starts to hit, a sip of this boozy brew can be just the morning mojo boost you need to power through the rest of your day.
Just be mindful of your alcohol intake, of course. Remember, this is a cocktail, not a morning coffee. Pace yourself and enjoy it responsibly. But if you’re looking for a way to take your coffee game to the next level, this cold brew cocktail is the way to go.
The Grand Finale
So there you have it, my friends – the ultimate guide to crafting the perfect cold brew cocktail. Whether you’re sipping it at brunch, enjoying it as an afternoon pick-me-up, or just indulging in a little weekend treat, this versatile concoction is sure to become a new favorite.
Now go forth, my fellow coffee enthusiasts, and unleash your inner mixologist. Experiment with different spirits, play around with fun toppings, and most importantly, savor every sip of this delightful boozy brew. Cheers!
