At Fearrington House Restaurant
Cold Brew Coffee Cocktails On National Coffee Cake Day
As the weather gets warmer and warmer, hot coffee might not be as refreshing as it was during the winter. We are lucky to live in a time where innovative thinking by illustrious geniuses has bestowed gifts upon mankind that some might argue we just don’t deserve- like cold brew coffee. It’s stronger, and hits the spot like nothing else when you’re sitting on the porch on a temperate, sunny day. And, as with most good things, cold brew goes great in a delicious cocktail. You could just take a caffeine pill and a shot of whiskey, but that would be irresponsible and downright uncreative; I’m here to share a few good ways to mix two delights into one glass.
#1: The Compass
This cocktail is rich and dark with subtle nuances to balance it out. It’s also a very delicious and sophisticated looking cocktail, with inviting notes of caramel, citrus, fresh roasted coffee beans (duh), and anise. See the recipe below!
2 ounces Aged Dark Caribbean Rum (El Dorado 8 Year)
¾ ounce Oloroso Sherry (a sweet sherry like Pedro Ximénez)
½ ounce Medium Style Amaro (Ramazzotti and Montenegro do well)
½ ounce of the Cold Brew (Put more in there if you want to)
2 dashes Orange Bitters
Star Anise Pod for garnish (wouldn’t be a “Compass” without it!)
Combine and stir in a mixing glass with ice, and strain into a coupe glass. Drop a pod of star anise in the middle, and enjoy!
#2: Untitled Drink #4
Found in an informative booklet by Toddy Cold Brew titled “Toddy Cold Brewed: Simply Better Cocktails”, this inconspicuously named cocktail doesn’t lack inspiration when it comes to being a pick-me-up and delicious libation. Akin to a Cold Brew Manhattan, this drink goes well with meals in the late afternoon or early evening. The recipe is included for you below!
1 ounce of the Cold Brew
1 ounce of Rye Whiskey (Try Templeton’s 4 Year)
1 ounce of Sweet Vermouth (Carpano Antica, for the win)
1 ounce of Maraschino liqueur
1-2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
Lemon twist and a fresh sprig of thyme for garnish
Combine and stir with ice, strain into a glass either up or over rocks, and twist the lemon rind over the cocktail before dropping it in with the thyme sprig. Enjoy!
#3: Adults Only
One of the many signature cocktails to have blessed the House’s cocktail list, the Adults Only is a rich little sipper that provides an after-dinner indulgence topped with a light recharge. Chocolate, cream, and coffee dominate this libation, with subtle nuances of almond, anise and cordial cherry to… well… make the little cherry on top. Ask for one at the House bar, or make one yourself with the recipe below!
1 ounce of the Cold Brew
1 ounce of Dark Crème de Cacao
½ an ounce of Dark Orgeat (Use the recipe with raw uncut almonds and vodka)
¼ an ounce of Maraschino Liqueur
¼ an ounce of Cherry Brandy (Try something dark or aged)
⅓ an ounce of Cream (half & half or heavy cream)
Absinthe or Pernod (I like the absinthe a little better here)
Brandied Cherries
Milk Chocolate (little tabs of Hershey’s will do)
Combine everything in a shaker and shake it like you mean it. Pour into a coupe glass and garnish with skewered cherries. Shave the chocolate overtop the foam, and enjoy your liquid dessert!
~Watson, Fearrington House Restaurant Bartender