Few things evoke comfort and indulgence like the deep, aromatic blend of coffee liqueur. Whether enjoyed on the rocks, mixed into cocktails, or drizzled on top of ice cream, coffee liqueur offers a versatile and delicious experience that feels both familiar and like a special treat.
But what is the story behind this dark, velvety elixir? The exact origin of coffee liqueur is shrouded in mystery. Some accounts suggest it was first created in 17th-century Europe by a French monk who sought to preserve the flavor of coffee. However, other sources claim that coffee liqueur also has roots in Jamaica around the same period. Despite the uncertainty about its origins, the recipe for coffee liqueur has been cherished and refined through the centuries. Traditionally, it is made by infusing coffee beans into a distilled spirit, such as brandy or vodka, and then sweetening the mixture.
The flavor profile of coffee liqueur can vary widely depending on the coffee beans and production techniques used. Reformation Brewing’s Coffee Liqueur is crafted in North Georgia using Alma Coffee’s extra dark roast, “Ember,” which features beans sourced from Copan, Honduras. Ember is Alma’s darkest roast, boasting flavors of double chocolate cake, berry compote, and burnt marshmallow.
Last year, I had the opportunity to try Reformation’s Coffee Liqueur and immediately fell in love with the combination of rich coffee and hints of cacao and vanilla. It was so good that I consumed most of the bottle by adding a touch of milk to my glass. But, there are so many cocktails I would love to explore now that I have another bottle in my collection.
Here are a few cocktails I’m considering that would be excellent ways to incorporate this flavorful ingredient:
Espresso Martini: A modern classic, the espresso martini combines coffee liqueur with fresh espresso and vodka. Instead of vodka, I am using gin and would love to see how the herbaceous spirit plays with coffee liqueur.
Cold-Brew Negroni: It took a while for me to fall in love with Negronis, but I have finally seen the light. This twist on the traditional Negroni, using coffee liqueur and cold-brew coffee to add a bold, aromatic depth to the classic cocktail. I’m hoping it will transport me back to Italy where Negronis and espressos reign supreme.
Bahama Mama: Coffee beans are grown in tropical regions, so it makes sense to lean into its origins with a Bahama Mama. This cocktail features coffee liqueur alongside dark overproof rum, pineapple juice, evoking the bright, sunny vibes of the Caribbean.
Revolver: The revolver reminds me of an Old Fashioned, but with coffee liqueur and a little flare. This cocktail combines bourbon and coffee liqueur with orange bitters and a flamed orange peel. It’s simple yet sophisticated.
Margarita Negra: Margaritas will always be in my top five favorite cocktails, so naturally, I want to try any iteration of the classic. This unique margarita incorporates coffee liqueur with tequila and lime juice, creating a rich and tangy flavor profile with a hint of coffee.
Irish Affogato: You shouldn’t even have to choose between dessert or a cocktail, but if you did, go for an Irish Affogato. Pour coffee liqueur over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a boozy twist on the classic Italian affogato.
Coffee liqueur offers a world of possibilities, enhancing both classic and creative cocktails with its rich and aromatic flavors. Whether you’re a fan of traditional recipes or enjoy experimenting with new combinations, there’s a coffee liqueur cocktail out there to suit every taste.
Reformation Brewing’s Coffee Liqueur, with its unique flavor profile and local craftsmanship, is a fantastic choice for elevating your drink game, and has become my go-to coffee liqueur. I hope you enjoy exploring these options and savoring the delightful versatility of coffee liqueur! Now, I’m off to a little exploring of my own.
Stephanie, a James Beard-nominated writer based in Atlanta, has been immersed in the beer industry since 2018. Her writing has graced the pages of publications such as CraftBeer.com, Good Beer Hunting, and the New Brewer. In 2023, she founded The Share Community, an online platform dedicated to fostering support among Black and Brown women and non-binary individuals pursuing careers in craft beer. Stephanie also provides content strategy and creation services to companies in the food and beverage space, serving both B2B and B2C audiences.