Brandy Coffee: A Few Words About This Classic (Recipe Included)
If you want a coffee cocktail that packs a punch, you can’t go wrong with brandy coffee. Bitter coffee notes are a perfect pairing with sweet brandy flavours, and this is an ideal drink to keep you cosy during cold winter.
There are several versions of brandy and caffeinated cocktails worldwide, but our favourite is a simple recipe anybody can make. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a brandy coffee.
What You Need
- French Press
- Mug
- Spoon
- 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds
- 125ml boiling water
- 30ml coffee liqueur
- 30ml brandy
- 15ml chocolate liqueur
At a Glance
Brew time:
5 minutes
Yield:
One drink
How to Make Brandy Coffee
Yes, mixing alcohol with coffee isn’t a new invention. Brandy coffee is among the most popular pairings, especially for hot coffee and alcoholic drinks. Different versions include Cafe Royale, Spanish coffee recipe, the Brandy Alexander cocktail, the popular Irish coffee with brandy, and many more.
Brandy has a fruity and subtly sweet taste. It can also have flavour notes of oak since it is typically aged in wooden casks. The taste of brandy becomes more mellow and complex as it ages.
Brandy is a kind of distilled wine. This drink has a high alcohol content and is aged in wooden casks, contributing to its sweet, rich, woody flavours (1). The flavours pair well with coffee liqueur; you can add spices and sweetenings until you find the perfect coffee with brandy.
Here’s how to make this drink.
1. Brew the Coffee
You need to make the coffee first. Brandy coffee tastes best when made with mild-strength beans, but you can use whichever.
Put the ground beans into the French press and add 125 ml water. Wait about four minutes until the coffee brews. Once the coffee is brewed, pour it into your mug.
Note: You need black coffee with brandy. Don’t try to use cappuccino or another coffee with milk, as milk and brandy don’t pair well.
2. Add the Alcohol
Once the coffee is brewed and you’ve poured it into your glass, it’s time to add the coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, and brandy. Stir with a spoon.
3. Add Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings (Optional)
You can top the drink with whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent. Bottle whipped cream works fine, but you can always whip your own. Add some chocolate shavings or grated nutmeg on top for some extra sweetness.
Alternative Brandy Coffee Recipe
There are a few alternative recipes you can try. For example, you can also make a brandy coffee cocktail. This is a great version if you want a smaller drink or don’t have a French press. You can also add ice and drink it during hot weather.
Use espresso instead of French press coffee. Mix brandy, espresso, and chocolate liqueur in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and strain into a cocktail glass. You can top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top.
Pro tip: Use cognac if you’re out of brandy. This brandy is made from white grapes that also pair well with coffee.
Final Thoughts
Brandy in coffee is an ideal pairing. These drinks have complimentary flavours and rich notes. The bitter flavours of coffee perfectly pair with brandy’s sweet notes for a warming drink.
Make sure to use black coffee (French press or espresso works best), and top the drink with whipped cream for an even more delicious drink.
FAQ
A coffee with brandy is called cafe carajillo, or Spanish coffee with brandy. This drink is made with a small amount of coffee, espresso, and brandy. You can add a little sugar to make the drink sweeter. It’s a popular drink in Spanish-speaking countries, such as Spain, Latin America, and the Caribbean, where there are several twists to the drink, such as using rum instead of brandy.
Brandy liqueur coffee is an after-dinner drink. It’s commonly used as a digestif and made with grape brandy, such as cognac or Armagnac. The difference between brandy coffee and brandy liqueur coffee is that brandy liqueur coffee has sugar, while brandy coffee is a combo of coffee and brandy without any added sugar.
The alcohol that goes best with coffee is cream liqueurs, and a popular choice is Baileys Irish Cream, used to make Irish coffee. Liqueurs are also an excellent choice for people who like coffee with milk or cream. Other alcohols that pair well with coffee include chocolate liqueur, Amaretto, vodka, rum, and whiskey.
References
- What is Brandy? Your Guide to Brandy & Cognac | Total Wine & More. (n.d.). Www.totalwine.com. https://www.totalwine.com/discover/learn/what-is-brandy
