Can't decide whether to invite a first date to chat at a cafè or at the local college bar? Looking for a quick caffeine boost to keep your spirits up while hitting the 2 a.m. party scene with friends? Why not try sipping a coffee cocktail for a fun taste of both your favorite morning and late night brews?
One of the most interesting parts of London nightlife I discovered while studying abroad was the popularity of "Espresso bars." An espresso bar combines the cozy, relaxing atmosphere of a local coffee shop with the swanky vibes of a nightclub. Many of the most popular locations, like the Soho and Holborn Grind, created the perfect day-to-night business model: serving regular coffee, tea and pastries during the day while also having a secret late-night menu of alcohol infused coffee-themed drinks.
If you're a fellow coffee lover looking for a unique drink to celebrate your 21st birthday, you don't have to go all the way to Europe to embrace the bean.Here are a few of the best espresso bar inspired recipes that will have you breaking out the Keurig and the cocktail shaker.
1. Espresso Martini
The ultimate in class and caffeine. The espresso martini gained incredible popularity throughout Europe in the 1980s and remains one of the most popular coffee cocktail choices today for its strong kick and deliciously icy consistency. Whether you have yours shaken or stirred, just make sure not to eat the espresso beans around the rim!
Recipe: http://www.kahlua.com/us/drinks/classic/espresso-m...
2. Flat White Russian
A play off of both the classic Flat White and White Russian, this hybrid cocktail creation combines the soft chocolate notes of Khahlua with freshly ground coffee, a dash of vodka, and tops it off with warm, steamed milk.
Recipe: http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/bars/barchicks-...
3. Irish Iced Coffee
Looking for a different approach to a grabbing an ice cold brew down at the pub? Pour yourself a frothy mug of this ol' classic that blends rich tastes of Bailey's, Irish Whiskey, and heavy whipping cream.
Recipe: http://www.baileys.com/en-us/baileys_iced_coffee.h...
4. Mexican Tequila-Coffee
Only a risk taker would dare to combine caffeine and tequila. If you're up for a serious buzz, take a chance on this Mexican-inspired hot tequila cocktail sprinkled with cocoa powder and garnished with a chocolate coated cinnamon stick!
Recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/mexican-inspired-tequil...
5. Mocha Margarita
Serious sweet tooth? Nothing will satisfy a sugar craving faster than combining the taste of chocolate ice cream with white tequila and vanilla espresso liquor to create this decadent dessert margarita.
Recipe: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/mocha-margarita
6. Hot Rum Cafè
Another incredibly popular drink during the holiday season in England is the traditional "hot rum punch." This recipe swaps the wine for coffee and adds in a mix of nutmeg and ground cardamom for the perfect drink to warm you up on a cold, winter night.
Recipe: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/hot-rum-coff...
7. The Blind Abbot
The perfect "grown up" version of everyone's favorite chai latte, The Blind Abbot mixes brewed coffee, cinnamon syrup, and bitters to create a spicy and savory beverage that you'll wish was on your local Starbucks menu.
Recipe: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/blind-abbot
Try out a couple of these recipes for yourself and soon you'll be grinding in the kitchen and on the dance floor!
