Winter Coffee Cocktails
As the temperatures drop and snow blankets the ground, we yearn for something to bring us warmth and comfort. In the morning, that often comes from the first piping-hot sip of coffee that rolls down the throat. In the evening, a cocktail can have a similar effect - a satisfying burn that trickles through the body and leaves you warm and glowing throughout.
These sensations are what inspired us here at Prima to take it a step further - coffee cocktails. We’ve curated some interesting cocktails influenced by the classics, tweaked them, and dialed them into perfection.
Below are five coffee-based cocktail recipes that will leave you toasty warm and satisfied. They are all easy to make using many pieces of coffee equipment you have at home, and if there is something you’re lacking, we’ve linked all of the gear we used to create these wintery beverages! Get cozy, hunker down in the snowy weather, and enjoy responsibly!
Flavor of Home
This cocktail tastes just like home. Kentucky Coffee is a spin-off of a traditional Irish Coffee, but its key ingredients and flavors are staples of the Bluegrass state—Kentucky bourbon, Bourbon Cream, coffee roasted in Louisville (if you’re looking for real authenticity), brownsugar, and topped with whipped cream and honey! It doesn’t get any better than that!
What you'll need:
- 6 oz. brewed coffee
- 1 oz. bourbon
- 1 oz. bourbon cream
- 2 tsp. brown sugar
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Honey (to drizzle)
- Jigger/1 oz. shot glass
How to make it:
- Brew coffee—We brewed with the Aeropress: 17 grams of coffee and 200 grams of water. Any method that makes 6 oz. of coffee will work.
- Preheat mug with hot water
- Add bourbon to the emptied mug
- Add bourbon cream
- Pour in coffee
- Add brown sugar
- Top with whipped cream and honey
- ENJOY!
You can find the original recipe here
Irish Morning
Irish Coffee is probably one of the most well known coffee cocktails around. The story goes that in 1943 Joe Sheridan, a chef in Limerick, Ireland, whipped up this decadent beverage for passengers facing delays during their transatlantic flights, and the rest is history. It made the journey to America in 1952 where it has been enjoyed by the elite and general public alike. The distinct flavor of Irish whiskey blended flawlessly with rich, warm coffee works magic on a cold, winter's day.
What you'll need:
- 6 oz. brewed coffee
- 1¹/₂ oz. Irish whiskey
- 1 oz. Cold brew liqueur
- 2 tsp. brown sugar
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Cinnamon (for garnish)
- Jigger/1oz. shot glass
How to make it:
- Brew coffee—We brewed with the Aeropress: 17 grams of coffee and 200 grams of water. Any method that makes 6 oz. of coffee will work.
- Preheat mug with hot water
- Add Irish whiskey to the emptied mug
- Add cold brew liqueur
- Pour in coffee
- Mix in brown sugar
- Top with whipped cream and cinnamon
- ENJOY!
You can find the original recipe here
Pirate's Breakfast
This cocktail’s original name, Spiced Rum Milk Punch, left us a tad uneasy at first. Is it milk? Is it a punch? Is it a fruity milk punch? No, it’s delicious. Although it is a cold cocktail, the spiced rum—however subtle the flavor may be—does an excellent job of blanketing you with warmth, kickstarting brunch, or helping to wind down in the evening. The milk, vanilla, simple syrup, and cinnamon mix together into a creamy delicacy that leaves the taste of Christmas lingering on your tongue.
What you'll need:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger/1oz. shot glass
- Hyperchiller
- ice
- Espresso maker
- Coffee
- 1¹/₂ oz. Spiced Rum
- 3 oz. milk
- A dash of Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon (for garnish)
- ³/₄ oz. Simple syrup (1:1 sugar/boiling water)
How to make it:
- Pull a shot of espresso (~36g)
- Pour espresso into Hypershiller and let sit for 1¹/₂ minutes
- Fill shaker with ice and pour in rum, milk, half a shot of espresso, vanilla extract, and simple syrup
- Shake vigorously
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass
- Top with Cinnamon
- ENJOY!
You can find the original recipe here
Morning in Moscow
Vodka—it’s likely one of the first words that come to mind when Russia is the topic of discussion. Therefore it is no surprise that a White Russian is made of—wait for it—Vodka. When the clear liquor blends with coffee and heavy cream, its appearance closely resembles the icy tundras of Russia. It may seem like a pair that should never mix, but the combination creates a creamy cocktail that seldom disappoints.
What you'll need:
- Jigger/1oz. shot glass
- Hyperchiller
- ice
- 2 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. coffee liqueur
- Espresso maker
- Coffee
- A splash of heavy cream (or whole milk)
How to make it:
- Pull a shot of espresso (~36g)
- Pour espresso into Hypershiller and let sit for 1¹/₂ minutes
- Pour vodka and coffee liqueur over ice
- Add half a shot of espresso to glass
- Add a splash of heavy cream/whole milk
- ENJOY!
You can find the original recipe here
Morning Stout
Many of us at Prima are fascinated by the craft beer industry the way we are specialty coffee. And if you’re fond of craft beer, you know there is nothing that pairs more perfectly with the cold winter months than an imperial stout! Many stouts already carry the name “coffee stout” because breweries and roasteries often collaborate and create rich, delicate, beverages that carry notes of caramel, chocolate, and coffee. However, we decided to take it one step further by combining our favorite stout with a chilled shot of espresso, and the results were magnificent!
What you'll need:
- Espresso maker
- Coffee
- Hyperchiller
- Your favorite stout!
How to make it:
- Pull a shot of espresso (~36g)
- Pour espresso into Hyperchiller and let sit for 1¹/₂ minutes
- Pour stout into a pint or tulip glass
- Pour in chilled espresso
- ENJOY!
If fruity, summery cocktails are more your thing, make sure to take a look at our blog on summer drinks! But as we brace for more winter weather, take it easy, and enjoy one of these delicious Winter Coffee Cocktails!
Happy Brewing, y'all!
