Exploring Unusual Combinations: A Tequila And Coffee Marriage
Mixology enthusiasts are always coming up with lots of different flavour pairings to concoct both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Sometimes, expert crafters have a deep knowledge of varied ingredients and by fully understanding the flavour quotient of every liquor and mixer, they blend what might appear to be really unconventional marriages that offer the most amazing taste. One such unusual combination is tequila and coffee, ingredients which come together in a very complementary blend for perfectly synchronised cocktail mixes.
Tequila originates in the Mexican regions and made from blue agave, it is a transparent drink with rather sweet and fruity notes. Coffee too, is famously produced in Latin American regions and the notes of the Arabica that waft from Mexican coffee really titillate our taste buds. A blend of these vibrant flavours and textures makes for some really amazing cocktails like the tequila espresso martini or a tequila coffee carrying aromatic notes of coffee and packing a hint of the tequila buzz.
Why Tequila And Coffee Work
There are a number of reasons why a tequila and coffee pairing works so well. One of them is that the two drinks bring forth really contrasting flavours that compliment each other all too well. A Reposado or Añejo tequila with agave notes packs hints of caramel, vanilla and oak that are infused into the beverage during the ageing process. Coffee, for its part, carries bitter and earthy notes and the two drinks come together for a wondrous blend.
Another reason that tequila and coffee work is their aromas. Both these drinks are full of potent aromatics which pair well for a delightful mix of fragrances. When coffee is roasted, it releases a slightly smoky aroma that builds really enticing notes after blending with tequila. As well, a strong espresso is a very versatile spirit that can pair with a lot of different flavour profiles. So’s the case with tequila too, which is an excellent cocktail mix because of its sheer malleability. A coming together of espresso and tequila then is a match made in heaven because it brings together two spirits that allow for a wide range of cocktail possibilities.
Along with complimenting aromas, one of the most crucial elements that make a tequila-coffee pairing successful is of course a wonderful balance of bitter and sweet notes. A well-roasted coffee blend with bitter notes balances well with the sweetness and a slightly syrupy quality that is inherent to certain tequilas. This makes for a very palatable drinking experience opening up the possibility for crafting lots of different varieties of cocktails.
Tequila And Coffee Cocktail Variations
There are numerous cocktail blends that can be made from a tequila and coffee pairing. You can make a tequila and espresso martini by combining flavours of a Don Julio Reposado, some indulgent coffee liqueur and simple syrup blended with quality espresso. Choose your coffee beans well to extract maximum flavour out of the espresso mix.
When you are home hosting and want to dabble with this unusual pairing, you can also try to make a Mexican coffee cocktail as a perfect winter soother. This can be made using quality Añejo tequila along with freshly brewed coffee, agave syrup and cinnamon—all of which is topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Another favoured cocktail mix which wonderfully blends the spirit and coffee is a cold brew tequila tonic. Cold brews are fast becoming a trend in mocktail crafts too and you can blend this with a boozy tequila to arrive at a very fresh and rejuvenating mix. A cold brew is akin to a highball cocktail and would make for a very ideal serving on a warm evening cocktail party.
Yet another cocktail variation is the tequila mocha which is literally comfort in a mug. Brew some warm espresso and add to it a good 45 ml of tequila coupled topping it with a pouring of chocolate liqueur and some simple syrup for a really decadent mix.
So, next time you want to think of an unusual pairing for cocktail night, make some stunning mixes out of tequila and coffee for their potential to infuse your drinks with delicious flavour.
