Understanding Coffee Rum Infusion And Applications In Mixology
Combining the rich, complex flavour of coffee with the sweet profile of dark rum or the spice-laced variety, coffee rum is typically made by infusing the liquor with cold brew, coffee extracts or coffee beans. What this results in is an intensely aromatic liqueur which holds a balance of sweetness and bitterness and essentially holds lesser potency than rum in its original form. Consumed in tandem with other cocktail ingredients, the liqueur is also served over ice, used as a base for drinks or even added to desserts and dessert cocktails. The side notes include hints of vanilla, caramel and sometimes even a whiff of nuttiness which it inherits from the type of coffee used for infusion.
Also Read: 4 Whisky Coffee Variations You Should Know About
How To Make Coffee Rum At Home
Pick a base rum of choice - Ensure that the liquor chosen is of high quality and at least 500 ml in quantity for the best results. Ideally, a dark rum provides deeper flavour while a spiced one brings complexity.
Pick a coffee of choice - For 500 ml of liquor, use a 2:1 ratio of rum to coffee. Pour the rum into a clean jar, followed by freshly brewed and cooled coffee. If using whole coffee beans, crush them slightly before adding them to the rum.
Adding sweetener - Opting for vanilla sugar, demerara sugar or even maple syrup can bring additional flavour to the liqueur as opposed to using refined sugar.
Optional flavours - Think cinnamon stick, orange zest or peel, or even smoked cloves; use cautiously since a little goes a long way in terms of flavour.
Infusion time - Allow the jar to sit in a corner for a minimum of 5-7 days for maximum flavour impact. Ensure that the place of storage is cool and dry, not directly exposed to sunlight.
Final strain - Once ready, it is ideal to strain the final mixture into a sterilised bottle for easier storage in the bar cart or refrigerator.
Coffee Rum Applications
Coffee Rum Old Fashioned Cocktail - Stir in the liqueur with a dash or two of bitters with simple syrup over ice for a smooth yet complex, layered cocktail.
Coffee Rum Negroni Cocktail - Swap the gin base for a coffee rum foundation before combining it with sweet vermouth and Italian liqueur for a mellow sweetness.
Hot Chocolate For Grown-Ups - The timeless combination of coffee and chocolate gets a liqueur spin with the addition of coffee rum for a mocha-like flavour and slight potency - all finished off with a swirl of whipped cream.
Tiramisu Cocktail - A delicious combination of coffee rum, vanilla liqueur, heavy cream and cocoa powder - the tiramisu cocktail is an ideal dessert-like drink to serve at the end of a meal.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
