Coffee Liqueurs

Whether dining in or out, many people still like to finish off their meal with a coffee, often accompanied by a liqueur or snifter of postprandial brandy. 

I first came across the word ‘postprandial’, many years ago. Derived from Latin, it means the period after lunch or dinner, and I confess to since having an overwhelming urge to use it whenever I can; something along the lines of ‘Would anyone like a little postprandial liqueur?’

Hence this month’s column, on the subject of postprandial coffee liqueurs. In carrying out my research, what I found surprising is the wide range of base spirits used for the different blends, including whisky, tequila, rum, brandy and Sambuca; something to suit everyone.

Most of us will be familiar with high profile brands such as Tia Maria (26.5%abv. £13). Created in the 1930s, this rum based premium strength liqueur is flavoured with a blend of cane spirit, Jamaican coffee, vanilla and sugar. Its position as the most successful liqueur of its type is testament to its versatility. It is my personal favourite, especially when made used to make Calypso Coffee.

Kahlua (20% abv. £15), first created in 1936 in Veracruz, Mexico, is also very popular. The characteristic flavour here, in addition to coffee, comes from the addition of caramel, giving a smooth sweetness. Worth looking out for on your travels, as it is not yet available in the UK, is their Kahlua Especial, which packs more of a punch at 36%abv.

Bailey’s fans will be keen to discover that they have recently added a new flavour to their range, Bailey’s Espresso Crème (17%abv. £15.75), has a bold, dark roast coffee aroma, with the taste of fresh Colombian ground espresso beans on top of the classic traditional Irish Cream and chocolate finish.

Borghetti Caffè (25%abv. £20.18), made using the original recipe created by Ugo Borghetti in 1860. Its flavour is typically Italian, characterised by a special blend of top quality coffee beans from different regions of the world, prepared in huge espresso coffee pots.

Cazcabel Coffee liqueur (38%abv. £23.86), combines the earthy agave flavours of blanco tequila with the luxurious flavours of South American Coffee and chocolate. Smooth and rich, but not too sweet.

Galliano Ristretto (42.3%abv. £17.58 - 50cl.), combines Galliano suffused with the robust strength of ‘ristretto’made from Arabica and Robusta coffees. This is almost black in colour, concentrated and aromatic.

Gabriel Boudier – ‘Bartender’ Range Crème de Café (25%abv. £12.76 - 50cl.), maintains that this is the only coffee cream on the market that retains the real taste of espresso. The coffee beans used in this come from South America, which are roasted before the aromas are extracted through the vapour, then added to alcohol and sweetened.

Expre Espresso Liqueur, Bepi Tosolii (28%abv. £22), from the very highly-regarded Italian master distillers Tosolini comes this rather fabulous espresso coffee liqueur, made with traditionally-toasted Arabica coffee beans.

Fair Café Liqueur Fair Trade (22%abv. £12.05 - 35cl.), has the true taste of freshly roasted coffee, with full-bodied and rich flavours of almonds and hazelnuts, followed by the pleasant taste of caramel. It seems only 'fair' to buy this as at the time of writing it is Fairtrade fortnight!

Heering (35%abv. £15.60 - 50cl.), is made from a recipe developed as a line extension to the original Cherry Liqueur dating back to 1818. The base is Caribbean rum, coffee and cacao, and only natural ingredients are used, with no additives or artificial colouring.

Mr Black Cold Press Coffee Liqueur (25%abv. £30), the original cold press coffee liqueur, made in tiny batches of 300 at a small distillery in New South Wales, Australia. This is a bitter, intense spirit and coffee creation not intended for the faint hearted. Mr. Black is dark blend of pure Australian grain spirit and three specialty coffees, sourced from Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, and Brazil, chosen for their aroma and flavour. Chocolate and caramel is balanced by a citrus edge, with toffee and marmalade on the finish.

Patron XO Patron - XO Café (35%abv. £29) is produced and blended at a small family distillery known for producing high quality tequilas,in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. A unique blend of XO Fine tequila and pure natural coffee essence, it is "dry", not sweet as with most low proof coffee liqueurs.

Illyquore Espresso Liqueur (28%abv. £20.44) is the liqueur used for the Coffee Liqueur Ice Cream created by Nigella Lawson. The blend of 100% Arabica results in a bitter sweet symphony.

Molinari – Caffe (32%abv. £21.23) has the perfume of the Arabic coffee used as an infusion with Sambuca Molinari, the anise flavour gives an unmistakable aroma.

Santa Teresa – Araku (28%abv. £16.62 – 50cl.), takes its name from the original inhabitants of Aragua. Thisopaque brown liqueur is the result of combining Santa Teresa rums, aged for two years in white American oak barrels, with a refined yet powerful coffee infusion. Its medium body makes it quite viscous, with hints of mocha and roasted nuts, and a mild bitterness that adds a refreshing note.

Toussaint Coffee Liqueur (26.5%abv. £19.50) This rum based drink is created from selected natural tropical ingredients; in addition to coffee there are hints of cocoa, vanilla, and liquorice.

Sheridans Perfect Pour Liqueur (15.5%abv. £14.79 - 50cl.), first introduced in 1994, it is easily recognisable by its unique bottle, consisting of two separate sections fused together. One section is filled with a black liqueur, consisting of coffee and whiskey flavours, while the other is filled with a white liqueur of milk white chocolate.

Villa Zarri Brandy and Coffee Liqueur (40%abv. £29.50 - 50cl.), is made by infusing a top-quality coffee brand from India, an Arabic one and a very-low acidity one called “Plantation A” with brandy made from Trebbiano wine. It is aged for six years in French oak barrels, before water is added, to bring the alcoholic strength to 40°, and sugar to soften the bitterness of coffee. The infusion is filtered and allowed to rest for at least one year before bottling it.  

For those interested in making their own coffee liqueur, Dorset Homebrew have available Prestige Mia Theresa Coffee Liqueur Essence at just £1.75, enough for a bottle of your chosen spirit.