Coffee is a popular beverage to have in the morning, but there are plenty of coffee drinks containing alcohol that are common to consume in the evening. Regardless of the time of day that you are craving the rich taste of espresso, you should be able to find a coffee-related beverage that suits your palette. Here are four fun coffee drinks to make any time of day.
1. Lattes
Lattes are prepared by pulling a shot of espresso and layering that shot with steamed milk and a thin coat of foamed milk on the top. Lattes contain a higher proportion of milk than a traditional cup of coffee or a cappuccino, making them a good option for afternoon or evening sipping. Flavored syrups are commonly added to lattes, with popular flavors being vanilla, mocha, and caramel. An especially skilled barista might even hand you a cup with latte art on the top; this is done by pouring the steamed milk into the cup in such a way that creates designs like hearts, leaves, flowers, and more. Lattes can also be served over iced, but don’t expect any interesting latte art in the iced version.
2. Martinis
While alcoholic beverages are usually consumed to relax and not as a pick-me-up like standard coffee drinks, small amounts of espresso can be added to martinis to provide a decadent flavor. An espresso martini will have flavors of coffee and liqueur such as Kahlua, with mild undertones of vodka underneath the robust and sweet coffee flavors. This decadent grown-up drink is served chilled and pairs well with chocolate desserts.
If an espresso martini does not sound appealing to you, perhaps one of the following dessert martinis will:
- Mudslide Martini, made from Irish cream and coffee liqueur for a distinctive flavor that is similar to that of an espresso martini
- Grasshopper Martini, made from chocolate and mint liqueurs for a green color that is as attractive as this drink is delicious
- Creamsicle Martini, named after the orange and vanilla dessert and consisting of vodka, orange juice, and heavy cream
Any of these decadent, delicious martinis can be made by request at an upscale martini bar or at home with the correct ingredients.
3. Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is made by letting coarsely ground coffee steep in cold or room temperature water for 12 to 24 hours. One of the benefits of cold brew over coffee brewed by traditional methods is that it tastes less acidic and bitter due to the temperature that it is brewed at, lending itself to a smoother and more refreshing experience. Cold brew coffee is served chilled, either as-in or over ice, depending on personal preference.
Like hot coffee, cold brew can be made with either arabica or robusta coffee beans. Arabica beans are by far the more popular choice for making coffee in the United States and have a sweeter taste, often with notes of chocolate. However, some people prefer robusta beans for their bolder taste and higher caffeine content compared to arabica beans, as well as the fact that these beans are often sold at a lower price point.
4. Affogato
If you are craving a sweeter coffee drink but are not in the mood for an alcoholic beverage, affogato might be what you are looking for. This drink is made by pouring a shot of espresso over a scoop of ice cream, usually vanilla flavored. Like most espresso shots, affogato should be enjoyed quickly especially since it contains ice cream that will melt if left to sit too long.
If you are looking for a delicious drink that contains caffeine, consider making one of these four beverages.
