Underrated Liquors To Splash In Your Cup Of Coffee

Grappa

If you're looking to add a bold and delightful twist to your coffee, consider incorporating a splash of grappa. This Italian spirit, akin to brandy, is crafted from the leftover grapes used in winemaking—specifically the skins, seeds, and pulp. While it might not be the first spirit that comes to mind for coffee, Lisa Belczyk believes they create a fantastic combination. "A classic Italian drink known as 'caffè corretto' consists of a shot of espresso mixed with a splash (or equal amount) of grappa. The lovely floral notes of the subtly sweet grappa enhance the bitter aromas of the coffee."

Given the strong character of grappa, it's essential to select a coffee that can stand up to its bold flavor. "A dark roast, with its rich nutty and chocolatey undertones, pairs beautifully with the grape and floral notes of the grappa," Belczyk explains.

Striking a balance between the grappa and a dark roast should yield a delightful blend, but if you prefer a smoother taste, a touch of cream or sugar can help. Alternatively, if you want to elevate this tasty beverage into a sweet dessert, transform it into an affogato corretto by pouring espresso and warmed grappa over a scoop of premium vanilla gelato—what better way to conclude a meal?

Sambuca

If grappa feels a bit too intense, you might consider creating a milder version of caffe corretto using sambuca instead. In Italy, sambuca is typically enjoyed alongside a freshly brewed espresso as a digestif, intended to aid digestion after a meal, although the scientific backing for this is not entirely definitive. Nevertheless, who are we to challenge a cherished tradition? The idea of a delightful anise-flavored coffee cocktail is certainly appealing.

Lisa Belczyk advocates for sambuca as a substitute for grappa. "Caffè corretto can also be paired with an anise-flavored spirit like sambuca, which adds its warm, spicy licorice notes to the coffee," she explains. The sweet, herbal flavors of sambuca create a lovely harmony with the coffee's bitterness, ensuring that neither element overshadows the other. A dark roast coffee works best with the licorice, standing up well to the liqueur.

To stay true to tradition, you can also include a few coffee beans in the drink. Italians often add anywhere from one to seven beans in sambuca, with seven representing the seven hills of Rome. However, three beans is the classic choice, symbolizing health, happiness, and prosperity. Encourage your guests to leave the beans in the glass while enjoying their coffee cocktail, so they can savor them once they've finished drinking.

Amaro

It's time to explore the lesser-known realm of Italian liqueurs, where we discover one of Lisa Belczyk's favorite coffee enhancements. Amaro — or amari in the plural form — represents a category of herbal liqueurs crafted from spices, citrus, and various herbs. These liqueurs differ significantly in alcohol content and boast bold, intriguing flavors that can elevate your coffee experience.

"There are numerous subcategories of amari, each defined by its unique botanical composition, and many of them offer flavors that complement coffee beautifully," Belczyk explains. "For instance, a caffè corretto, which is simply a splash of amaro added to coffee, results in a delightful two-ingredient drink that is subtly sweet and full of flavor."

The extensive range of amari flavors allows you to customize your coffee to match your taste preferences. From the almost medicinal notes of fernet to the rich caramel undertones of Averna, you're sure to find a flavor that resonates with your palate. If you're unsure where to start, consider choosing an amaro specifically crafted for coffee. "A great option is to add a touch of Caffè Amaro to your coffee — this particular amaro was developed in collaboration with a coffee roaster, and its botanical profile is expertly designed to pair wonderfully with coffee," Belczyk suggests.

Licor 43

If you enjoy your coffee with a hint of sweetness, you’re sure to appreciate this recommendation from Lisa Belczyk. "Licor 43, a Spanish vanilla liqueur infused with botanicals, pairs wonderfully with coffee," she explains. "Its popularity has surged recently, especially in Mexico and beyond, where it’s become a fashionable choice for post-dinner cocktails, representing a contemporary take on the traditional 'carajillo.'"

The original carajillo was a Spanish adaptation of Irish coffee, combining coffee with either rum or brandy. This modern twist featuring Licor 43 introduces a citrusy flair to the classic, making it a delightful way to conclude a meal. With its harmonious blend of bitter and sweet flavors, it’s a smooth drink that’s easy to enjoy.

For an even more decadent cocktail experience, try making a Spanish Coffee by adding luscious whipped cream. The cream will provide a delightful texture atop the drink and enhance its sweetness, perfectly balancing the coffee's bitterness, making it feel like a dessert on its own. A sprinkle of cocoa powder on top will accentuate the chocolatey undertones of the coffee and elevate the drink's visual appeal.

Rum

Rum cocktails might transport you to the Caribbean, but introducing coffee can give them a whole new character. The smoothness of rum beautifully complements the deep, rich flavor of coffee, resulting in a drink that is both warming and sophisticated. With a range of rum flavors available, you can tailor this coffee cocktail to match your taste or mood.

While dark rum is a natural choice to enhance the bold coffee flavor, spiced rum can introduce a delightful, slightly lighter twist to the mix. The spiced rum already carries enticing notes of citrus, vanilla, and cinnamon, which you can amplify by incorporating ingredients from your kitchen. This combination will yield a surprising and delectable drink that is sure to impress your guests at your next dinner gathering. It pairs wonderfully with indulgent chocolate desserts, like dark chocolate mousse or lava cake. You could even enjoy it alongside tiramisu for the ultimate boozy coffee experience!

Tequila

Tequila and coffee might not be a combination you’ve ever thought of, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it. Lisa Belczyk highlights the rising trend of innovative twists on classic cocktails, such as tequila-infused espresso martinis, so don’t hesitate to play around with flavors you enjoy from other beverages.

"Since coffee and spirits possess such unique and bold aromas, blending them offers an exciting opportunity to explore different flavor profiles and discover your own preferences," she recommends. "Begin by adding a splash of your favorite spirit to your morning coffee and see how the flavors complement each other."

When it comes to tequila, there’s a lot to appreciate. A Mexican Coffee, made with a cup of dark roast, a shot of tequila, and perhaps a dash of coffee liqueur, will create a delightful sensory experience, with rich and smoky flavors mingling on your palate. If that sounds a bit intense, you can always sweeten it with a spoonful of sugar and top it with whipped cream for a smoother version that will still excite your taste buds.

Vodka

Vodka and coffee might not seem like a traditional combination, but the spirit's neutral taste actually complements coffee beautifully, offering a range of possibilities. The espresso martini, which originated in the 1980s, showcases this pairing in its simplest form and is enjoying a well-deserved revival.

Featuring freshly roasted coffee and a shot of vodka as the main ingredients—along with a splash of sugar syrup for sweetness if desired—the espresso martini is a sophisticated cocktail that is both bold and satisfying. The wide selection of flavored vodkas also allows for creative variations on the classic recipe. A splash of orange vodka can introduce a citrusy note, while vanilla vodka can add a touch of sweetness, giving the drink a new twist.

The revival of this iconic '80s cocktail is inspiring mixologists to experiment, substituting vodka with alternative spirits. Lisa Belczyk has her own unique take on it: "My personal variation (served at my bar) incorporates an earthy, vegetal Mexican-inspired amaro with a hint of chipotle heat, creating a cozy and warming version of this beloved cocktail," she shares.

Campari

When we consider the fusion of coffee and alcohol, our minds often gravitate towards hot coffee. However, there's no reason you can't elevate your iced coffee in a similar fashion. The bold Italian liqueur Campari can introduce a refreshing twist to your summer chilled brew, infusing it with citrus notes that pair beautifully. While Campari is typically found in the classic negroni cocktail, combining it with iced coffee creates a fascinating flavor profile that will attract those who prefer bitter over sweet.

Of course, you can always incorporate some sugar syrup—perhaps an orange-flavored one to enhance the citrus aspect—to soften the sharpness of the Campari and coffee blend. Whether you choose to add a touch of sweetness or embrace its delightful bitterness, this distinctive drink will make a bold statement to conclude your meal at your next dinner gathering. Garnish with a twist of orange peel for an elegant touch that will have your guests' taste buds dancing.

Grand Marnier

Brandy is a timeless pairing with coffee, as its smooth and subtly spiced notes beautifully enhance the rich flavors of the brew. If you're a fan of brandy but want to elevate your coffee experience in a more distinctive way, consider incorporating Grand Marnier instead. This delightful blend of cognac and orange liqueur offers a wonderful array of flavors, ranging from sweet to invigorating.

To transform this drink into a more dessert-like indulgence, you can prepare it similarly to an Irish coffee. By topping the coffee and Grand Marnier mixture with a dollop of lightly whipped cream, you’ll achieve a perfect balance of flavors while adding a creamy texture, making it a delightful after-dinner treat. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can further enhance the sweet undertones.

If you’re a brandy enthusiast seeking a twist on your usual coffee cocktail or simply in the mood for something new, adding Grand Marnier to your coffee is sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or savoring it solo, this drink is one you’ll likely want to revisit time and again.