Good, and good for you
Good, and good for you
Almost anywhere you go in the world, espresso, or some form of coffee, is considered standard operating procedure following a meal. Another popular afterdinner beverage is some type of spirit, or digestif. Combine the coffee and the digestif, and you have the best of both worlds, with health benefits to boot. Yes, health benefits. A recent report by the School of Public Health at Harvard University states that moderate amounts of coffee raise levels of “good” cholesterol, and the studies claiming health benefits associated with moderate consumption of alcohol are too numerous to cite. Deductive reasoning must mean that the coffee cocktail is a welcome addition to a healthy diet, yes?
Although the health stats could be considered arguable, one thing that’s not is that the coffee cocktail makes a most perfect after-dinner drink. It is also a sophisticated choice before dinner and an appropriate indulgence following a windy day on the water.
The foundation of a good coffee drink is quality java—you can’t get away with the leftovers from breakfast. A freshly made shot of espresso adds that lovely froth to a traditional Espresso Martini: 1½ ounces of vodka, ¾ ounce coffee liqueur, one shot of espresso, vigorously shaken with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and dress it up with a couple of coffee beans as a garnish.
If you don’t have access to fresh ground beans from a local coffee shop, Community Coffee is a suitable alternative. You’ll find its large lineup of rich and delicious beans in almost every major grocery store.
The foundation of a good coffee drink is quality java—you can’t get away with the leftovers from breakfast.
A recent report by the School of Public Health at Harvard University states that moderate amounts of coffee raise levels of “good” cholesterol.
While many people love that bold coffee flavor, they don’t always want the caffeine, one reason why coffee-flavored spirits are a hit. Famous tequila maker Patron has an espresso version that is good simply over ice or as an alcohol substitute in any of the recipes that follow.
Creamed liqueurs and vodka are among the most popular choices for coffee drinks and always good to have on hand in your home bar. For excellent flavor and quality try Van Gogh Espresso Vodka (cocoa and a hint of citrus) or Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka (bold, a bit sweet and slightly bitter.) Mixologist William Murphy uses it instead of fresh brew in his Double
Espresso Martini: 2 ounces Van Gogh Double Espresso, 1 ounce Caffè Borghetti, shaken vigorously to get froth. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with lemon oil expressed from lemon peel; leave it floating on top. Fast and easy.
Even Molinari, known for its outstanding Sambuca (another popular digestif), has added a coffee flavor to its portfolio. Molinari Caffè is blended with a secret mixture of herbs and spices with flavors of anise on the finish. For a coffee drink with a little kick, try the Molinari Kiss: 1 ounce each of Molinari Sambuca Extra, Molinari Caffè and Irish cream. Shake and serve over ice in a rocks glass.
Coffee drinks look good in your hand, taste good on your tongue and are always in fashion. Here are some more recipes for a fun “perk”-me-up: The Truffle (by Campari) 1 ounce each of Frangelico and vodka, one shot of cooled espresso, shaken over ice and strained into a martini glass. Cara Mia (by Jonathan Pogash) 2 ounces of Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka, 1 ounce Double Espresso Vodka, 1 ounce milk or cream, 1 ounce espresso. Shake with ice and strain over ice. Garnish with nutmeg and cinnamon.
Sin City 1 ounce of Kerrygold Irish Cream, 1 ounce of cinnamon vodka, ½ ounce of espresso vodka; shake with ice, strain into a martini glass and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Coffee Granita Use a 12-cup coffee press of Community Coffee. When steeping is complete, put the coffee in a pan over medium-low heat and dissolve ½ cup of sugar. Pour into a heat-resistant container and freeze for four to five hours. Using a fork, scrape granita vigorously every hour to form icy flakes. Don’t let the mixture freeze completely. Pour chilled Irish cream liqueur into small glass and top with the shaved coffee ice. Garnish with an orange twist. Impressive looking.