Café Amore

ABOUT

Coffee and whiskey are two of my favorite things. But I didn’t always like them together. Or I didn't until I created my Café Amore cocktail.

I created this cocktail last year as part of my Valentine’s Day Cocktail Grams. While I won’t be offering them this year, I wanted to share this recipe so that you can create this cocktail right at home.

What I love most about this drink is that it’s perfect to sip on during brunch or even as a nightcap. While most espresso martinis are either too spirit forward or full of artificial sweeteners, my Café Amore is perfectly balanced and full of complimentary flavors.

The base spirit for this cocktail is a whiskey. While most espresso martinis are made with vodka, I decided to swap it out with whiskey as it pairs better with the coffee notes. I also decided to include one of my favorite digestifs — Amaro Averna. Full of brown sugar and caramel notes, it also pairs perfectly with both the whiskey and the coffee.

To take the edge off of this drink, I went ahead and made a brown sugar strawberry syrup. While I do love coffee, I have to admit that I never drink it black and almost never order espresso. I opted for a cold brew coffee as I didn’t want the concentrated flavor of the espresso to down out the other ingredients. Lastly, to round everything out, I added two dashes of chocolate bitters to the drink.

This drink is served in a martini or coupe glass. Cocoa powder and coffee beans are optional garnishes.

Recipe Type: Cocktails

Glassware: Martini/Coupe

Servings: 1

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 oz. whiskey

  • 1/2 oz. Amaro Averna

  • 1/2 oz. brown sugar strawberry syrup

  • 2 oz. cold brew coffee

  • 2 dashes chocolate bitters

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Prepare brown sugar strawberry syrup by brining one cup brown sugar, one cup water, and 1 cup fresh, diced strawberries to a saucepan

  2. Let simmer on low heat and stir until sugar is completely dissolved

  3. Let simmer for five minutes

  4. Remove from heat and let cool completely before use

  5. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker

  6. Add ice

  7. Shake for 15 seconds

  8. Strain into a chilled coupe glass

  9. Garnish with cocoa powder and coffee beans

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