"CoffeeCocktails" news and stories

Irish coffee. Photo: LeNell Smothers

Alabama-born LeNell Smothers defines herself first and foremost as a bartender, but she's been called many things -- most recently, the proprietress of LeNell's liquor store. She's owned her own whiskey label called Red Hook Rye and has been recognized by her home state as an honorary Colonel. Other interests include gin, sin and men.

Whiskey and wine consume me as well as I them, but coffee must have captured my heart. Unfortunately, my household move from New York City to Mexico has been held up by the restoration of my antique Faema "Urania" espresso machine. Thank the java gods who inspire rare folks such as the Italian gents at Omnipak Imports in New York to work their magic and lovingly bring back to life such old monster machines. How can I ever serve guests at Casa Cóctel with my dignity intact without a proper machine to make lovely coffee drinks? Coffee is just yet another ingredient in the cocktail pantry.

Sean Muldoon is the mastermind behind the award-winning bar menu of the Merchant Hotel in Belfast. When I say award-winning, I mean they took the 2009 Tales of the Cocktail Spirit Awards by storm, with World's Best Drink Selection, World's Best Hotel Bar and World's Best Cocktail Menu. I had my best ever Irish Coffee in this gorgeous historic bar with the sweetheart, Mr. Muldoon, as my host.

Three simple coffee based cocktails - a great end to a meal

Cafè Amaretto

• 1 shot Amaretto Liqueur
• 1 shot coffee liqueur
• top up with filter coffee

Place liqueurs in a glass and top up with coffee. Float lightly whipped cream on top.

Cafè Gates

• 1 shot Grand Marnier
• 1 shot Coffee Liqueur
• 1 shot dark crème de cacao
• top up with filter coffee

Again mix all in a glass and float lightly whipped cream on the top.

Cafè Toledo

• 1 shot Chocolate syrup
• 1 shot Irish cream liqueur
• 1 shot coffee liqueur
• top up with filter coffee

And agian mix, top with hot coffee and float cream on the top.

[Image is a fridge magnet available from Get Unique for $5.99]