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.
A look back at Cadence Fair 2023 and Reformation’s 10th Anniversary, video by The Highlight Reel ATL
“Reformation is turning 11 years old and it truly feels like our brand is in her tween era. There’s no denying this venture has been like a child to me and many others who have invested so much. We have loved her, nurtured her, protected her, and in some ways spoiled her. And now she’s exploring outside the nest. Trying new things, experimenting with new relationships, and sometimes she’s a little weird. But at the end of the day, she is fundamentally the same. Same values, same vision, same goals as when she started. As CEO I am learning to trust others with more of Reformation’s future. And honestly, the more I entrust her, the more I see her shine. I’m really proud. Proud of the brand Reformation has been, is today, and will be tomorrow.
I look forward to these next few years, even as the craft-made industry as a whole remains in flux. Many challenges exist today and more are on the horizon, but Reformation is well positioned to seize the day and continue our vision of liberating moments that matter to the reformer in everyone. I look forward to continuing to grow the business and spread the joy that Reformation can bring to individuals and communities.
Times like ours remind us that the simple act of raising a glass, whether it be a beer, a cocktail, a glass of wine, a highball of quality spirit, or a non-alcoholic alternative, is a means of grace. Gathering in a communal space outside of work or home, putting down our phones, and engaging in a real analog conversation will always be sacred. Reformation exists for these moments and I hope we will be raising toasts with each other for many years to come.
I am so grateful for the many employees of Reformation past and present. Thank you to all those who have loved and invested in Reformation. And not only our crew members, but our investors, our distribution and retail partners, and of course our loving community. I am truly humbled by it all.
This is why we take such lengths to celebrate the gift of Reformation and the gift of community with our annual Cadence Fair. As we turn the page to a new decade, we’re extending the fair for the entire weekend. Three days of fun and music at our Woodstock venue and everyone’s invited! This is a great weekend to invite your out-of-town family or friends to come visit while you flex your community. And there’s plenty to flex, something for everyone.
Let’s raise a toast and celebrate together again!” – Spencer Nix, CEO & Cofounder Reformation Brewery
Cadence Fair, which celebrates the brewery’s anniversary, has taken place on one day annually since the first event in 2017. This year, it has been extended to three days to give the community more time to enjoy live music, food and activities.
Hours for the fair are set for 3 to 10 p.m. Oct. 25, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 26 and noon to 9 p.m. Oct. 27 at Reformation Brewery’s downtown Woodstock location, 105 Elm St.
“Cadence Fair has historically been one of our favorite and most well attended events, so it just made sense to extend it to the entire weekend so we could enjoy the moment a little longer and make use of the setup over a longer window,” said Jessica Miller, marketing director for Reformation Brewery.
A Day of Heroes and Learning! The 575 Fools First Annual Muster firefighter competition was a blast, with courageous first responders showing off their skills and sharing their passion with the community. Kids got a hands-on look at firefighting gear and learned from the best. Thank you to all the firefighters who made this event unforgettable! Photos @photosbylindsayann
You crushed. You raced. You rolled. You conquered. Our first Reformation Watermelon Crawl was a blast! Enjoy these pictures from the moment, thanks to Lindsay Ann Photography.
P.S. Don’t miss our latest brewery only release, a ready-to-drink Watermelon Margarita on draft and in 4pks to-go.
“Building great memories and a sense of feeling more connected to each other are our top markers of success. Our biggest reward is being a small part of you living your best life, with Reformation in hand. Great service and quality beverages are an important piece of that success, but so is cultivating connected communities who love and support one another. It’s our greatest privilege to see you celebrate your moment at our venues and make memories together.”
VinePair asked 12 brewers about their go-to Summer beer, and Reformation’s A Cold One Pilsner is making our brewer’s list.
“Pilsners would probably be the thing I reach for the most this time of year. Reformation’s Cold One Pilsner is something I can always depend on.” – Kyle Thomas, Production Manager, Reformation Brewery
“For the third year in a row, Reformation Brewery, with locations in Woodstock, Canton and Smyrna, will brew a beer in support of Shepherd’s Men, a local veterans advocacy group.
This year’s beer, known as Shepherd’s Men Clarity lager, will also be available at more than 20 other metro area outlets.”
What a great Saturday at The Mill on Etowah! Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy community with us at Reformation Canton. And thank you to Steel Band Trio for some amazing music, to Community Burger for amazing eats, and to Mahealani’s Polynesian Entertainment for the amazing dancing and fire performance. The Mai Tais were flowing, the dancing was fire (literally), and the afternoon was one to remember!
