Coffee Liqueur
Coffee liqueurs are liquors that have been flavored using coffee beans, coffee extracts, or espresso. They combine the stimulating flavor of coffee with a sweet, viscous liqueur base.
Some of the most popular coffee liqueurs include:
- Kahlúa - Made with Arabica coffee beans and rum. The most widely known coffee liqueur.
- Tia Maria - Contains coffee and vanilla flavors with a rum base. Has a sweeter, chocolatey taste.
- St. George NOLA Coffee Liqueur - A craft coffee liqueur made with vodka and cold brewed coffee.
- Patrón XO Cafe - Ultra-premium tequila liqueur with coffee essence.
Coffee liqueurs originated in the mid-1800s as medicinal tonics using brandy. Kahlúa pioneered commercial coffee liqueurs in the 1930s. They are now used prominently in cocktails like Espresso Martinis, Black Russians, and White Russians.
The base spirit provides subtle backing notes. Vodka gives a crisp, neutral foundation while rum and tequila lend a touch of sweetness. Coffee liqueurs can be drunk neat, on ice, or mixed. When used well, they can impart a rich coffee accent to cocktails without overpowering.