Exploring the world of coffee cocktails
All around Columbus, independently owned coffee shops are charming their way into our morning cup of joe. But lately, it's not the traditional, locally roasted bean beverages that are generating buzz. Whether you prefer your drink shaken or stirred, boozy or sans spirits, these coffee cocktails have us anything but under-caffeinated.
If you're a gin and tonic drinker…
Head to One Line Coffee and order the Espresso & Tonic. This straightforward beverage made with house espresso, currently Biftu Gudina from Ethiopia, and Fentiman's Tonic Water is all about the preparation. The aromatic structure of the coffee is preserved as it drips over ice, then tonic is added, giving the drink a refreshing finish with hints of pink lemonade and black tea.onelinecoffee.com
The Roosevelt Coffeehouse also is mixing up a libation reminiscent of a classic gin and tonic. Try the Black Tonic made with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water and Stumptown Coffee Roasters' Hair Bender espresso blend. Espresso is stirred into the tonic, which creates a foamy head and brings out the brightness of the brew, adding a floral aroma and notes of jasmine, lemon and pineapple. This bubbly and fragrant refreshment is served on the rocks, using square, cocktail-worthy ice cubes. rooseveltcoffee.org
If you're feeling like a fizz…
Check out the lineup of Crimson Cup Coffee Shop's coffee cocktails. Locally roasted, nitro-infused cold-brewed coffee, half and half, and either cane, lavender or chamomile simple syrup is poured over ice, shaken and served chilled in snifter-style glassware. Its creamy, subtly sweet and balanced flavor is perfectly acceptable to sip on your way into the office. crimsoncup.com
If you want booze in your cocktail…
If you prefer a little liquor with your caffeine fix, check out MoJoe Lounge's Espresso Martini, made with Cup O' Joe espresso, Stoli vanilla vodka, Kahlua and Frangelico. Or visit Brothers Drake Meadery for the Local Buzz, made with locally sourced ingredients-OYO Whiskey, OYO Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka, Fifth Element Spirits Coffee Liqueur, Brioso cold-brew coffee and mint simple syrup. Served chilled with a sprinkling of chocolate shavings, this boozy concoction is good to the last drop. mojoe-lounge.com; brothersdrake.com