Sip on This: Coffee Infused Cocktails

Since National Coffee Day is today, September 29th, I thought I’d share my favorite coffee infused cocktails.  There are so many more out there, but these happen to be ones I order on a beach for breakfast or at dinner with dessert.  The best part about these cocktails is that any bartender worth their salt (or sugar) should be able to make them with no problem!

1. White Russian

Ingredients:

• 2/3 oz coffee liqueur
• 2/3  oz vodka
• 1 oz fresh cream

Instructions:

Pour coffee liqueur and vodka into an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice. Float fresh cream on top and stir slowly.  Pour over ice and serve on the rocks.

2. Irish Coffee

Ingredients:

• 2 2/3 oz hot coffee
• 1 1/3 oz Irish whiskey
• 1 tsp. brown sugar
• 1 oz fresh cream

Instructions:

Heat the coffee, whiskey and sugar; do not boil. Pour into glass and top with cream; serve hot in an Irish coffee mug.

3. Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

• 1 oz cold espresso
• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz white creme de cacao

Instructions:

Pour ingredients into shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into chilled martini glass. It should be somewhat frothy.

4. Black Jack

Ingredients:

• 3/4 oz brandy
• 3/4 oz cherry brandy
• 1 cup, cold coffee
• 1 tsp. sugar

Instructions:

Stir over ice cubes in a small highball glass, and serve.

5. Mexican Coffee

Ingredients:

• ½ oz tequila
• ½ oz coffee liqueur
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup melted vanilla ice cream

Instructions:

Melt vanilla ice cream in microwave for 30 seconds.  Combine all ingredients and serve immediately.

Cheers!

Ashlee

Recap: Rock the Casbah at Pinea in W Washington D.C.

Last Friday, I was able to experience Morocco in a matter of hours at ‘Rock the Casbah’ on the Pinea Patio at the W Washington D.C. Hotel.  ‘Rock the Casbah,’ which is an 80’s punk rock song by The Clash, gave us the taste and feel of Morocco with traditional bites and Moroccan-themed cocktails.

Before indulging in a cocktail, I ordered the Lamb Kefta Kabobs and Lamb Shawarma.  Lamb Shawarma is a wrap, filled with tahini (a spread), pickled vegetables, and garlic scape yogurt.  The kabobs were served with labne, a strained yogurt.  Commonly found in Moroccan cuisine, Pinea’s lamb was deliciously seasoned.

Lamb Kabob

After getting a taste of Moroccan cuisine, it was time to head to the bar and order a Maghrebi Julep.  Inspired by Maghrebi mint tea, the Julep was made with Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, mint, Jasmine Green Tea, and lime.

Combine a great cocktail, complimentary hookah and henna tattoos with Moroccan bites and you’re transported straight to Casablanca.  After attending ‘Rock the Casbah,’ I’m certainly inspired to return to Pinea for another taste of Mediterranean cuisine and to plan a trip to experience a real night in Morocco.

– Christie Cooper