As the air grows crisper and the days shorten, our palates naturally gravitate towards richer, more comforting flavours. It’s the perfect time to explore a trend that brings warmth and sophistication to your menu: cocktails built with coffee and tea. These aren’t just simple after-dinner drinks; they’re complex, aromatic creations that show a new side to two of the world’s most beloved brews.
The Coffee Cocktail Renaissance
Once seen as a simple pick-me-up, coffee is now a celebrated cocktail ingredient, adding body, bitterness, and a bold flavour that stands up to spirits.
- Espresso Martini: This modern classic is a study in texture and balance.
- Recipe: 50ml Vodka, 30ml Fresh Espresso (chilled), 20ml Coffee Liqueur, 10ml Simple Syrup.
- Why it works: The secret is a fresh shot of espresso. Its natural oils create a beautiful, rich crema when shaken vigorously, and its bitterness perfectly balances the sweetness of the liqueur.
- Pro-Tip: Ensure your espresso is freshly made and quickly chilled to prevent a watery drink.
- Cold Brew Negroni: A bold, bitter, and beautifully balanced twist on a classic.
- Recipe: 30ml London Dry Gin, 30ml Campari, 30ml Sweet Vermouth, 30ml Cold Brew Coffee.
- Why it works: The cold brew’s chocolatey bitterness and low acidity harmonise with the herbal notes of the Campari and gin, creating a stirred cocktail that’s both familiar and intriguingly new.
The Rise of Tea in Cocktails
Tea offers an incredible spectrum of flavour, from earthy and floral to spicy and smoky. Its versatility makes it a perfect, low-alcohol base or a high-impact flavour note.
- Spiced Tea Toddy: The ultimate warm and comforting serve.
- Recipe: 50ml Spiced Rum, 25ml Fresh Lemon Juice, 15ml Honey, Top with hot Spiced Black Tea (like Chai).
- Why it works: The hot tea releases the aromas of the rum and spices, while the honey and lemon provide a soothing balance. Perfect for a chilly evening.
- Green Tea Gin Sour: A light, earthy, and refreshing option.
- Recipe: 60ml Gin, 30ml Fresh Lemon Juice, 20ml Green Tea Syrup (made by steeping green tea bags in simple syrup).
- Why it works: The subtle, earthy notes of the green tea provide an unexpected depth that complements the gin’s botanicals, making for a sophisticated and clean-tasting sour.
At Beaumont, we offer an extensive range of premium coffee & syrups. Our ethically sourced, hand-roasted coffee – available in both whole beans and ground – delivers consistent, high-quality flavour every time. And to add a distinctive twist, explore our collection of Fairtrade and Kosher-certified flavoured syrups. Made from 100% pure cane sugar, they add a fragrant, sweet dimension to both hot and cold beverages, enabling you to craft signature drinks that keep customers coming back.
This autumn, embrace the warmth and complexity that coffee and tea bring to the bar. With the right ingredients and tools, you can brew up brilliance and offer your customers something unique and exciting.
