How to Make Coffee Infused Liquor

By Logan Mulholland

It is actually really simple to infuse just about any spirit with your favorite coffee. This is a perfect way to add another layer of flavor to a spirit or cocktail, as well as make use of any older beans you may have lying around. All you need to do this is a 750 mL bottle of your spirit of choice, I’d recommend bourbon or vodka for their versatility, and 1 cup of whole bean coffee. Ground coffee will work as well, but I would recommend using less coffee as the increased surface area will impart a stronger coffee flavor.

 Steep your cup of whole coffee beans in a container with the 750 mL of chosen spirit for 24-48 hours. Then pour your infusion through a strainer and back into the original bottle, discarding the used beans.

When making a cocktail using your coffee infused spirit, I would try to stay simple and spirit-forward.Here are a few examples of some classic cocktails you could try. 

Manhattan 

• 2 oz coffee-infused bourbon or rye whiskey

• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes angostura bitters

• Stir and serve up or on the rocks

 

Moscow Mule 

• 2 oz coffee-infused vodka
• ½ oz lime juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• Build in glass and serve on the rocks

 

Old Fashioned 

• 2 oz coffee-infused bourbon
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes angostura bitters
• Stir and serve on the rocks, garnished with an orange peel

 

Daiquiri 

• 2 oz coffee-infused white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• Shake and serve up