Morning Brew - Coffee 011 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Halloween treats aren’t just about the candy. Sometimes one needs a little caffeinated coffin break in between all the sugary sweets and sticky snacks.

Cardamom & Anise Coffee offers a variety of alternative coffee styles for discerning taste buds. Take this simple flavored coffee recipe and serve with or without spirits, with or without sweetener and even as an iced coffee.

Coffee service for a crowd made easy: Copy recipe variations to notecards. Place recipe cards, necessary ingredients and utensils on the coffee station at your next party or brunch affair. Guests can easily make their own specialty coffee according to their preference leaving you more time to mingle.

Cardamom and Anise Coffee Recipe

Black Cardamom - Anise Coffee 019 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Cardamom and Anise Coffee – recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

3 heaping tablespoons Ground Coffee

4 Black Cardamom Pods

2 Anise Stars

4 cups water

Gently crush cardamom pods so they open slightly. Add coffee, cardamom pods and anise to coffee maker basket with filter. Fill coffee maker with 4 cups water. Brew. Makes approximately 4 servings depending upon coffee mug size.

Black Cardamom & Anise Coffee – recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

2 ounces Spiced Rum

Brewed Cardamom & Anise Coffee

Place rum in heat proof mug. Top with brewed coffee. Stir.

Sweetened Cardamom & Anise Coffee – recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

1 ounce Spiced Rum

1 ounce Hazelnut Liqueur

Brewed Cardamom & Anise Coffee

Whipped Cream & Grated Nutmeg Garnish – optional

Place rum and hazelnut liqueur in heat proof mug. Top with brewed coffee. Stir. Top with whipped cream and grated nutmeg if desired. Non-alcohol alternative: Skip the rum and use hazelnut syrup found on the coffee aisle to sweeten the cup.

Iced Cardamom and Anise Coffee Recipe

Iced Black Cardamom - Anise Coffee 028 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Iced Cardamom & Anise Coffee – recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

1 ounce Spiced Rum

1 ounce Hazelnut Liqueur

2 ounces 2% Milk

Brewed Cardamom & Anise Coffee

Fill large highball glass with ice. Top with rum, liqueur and 2% milk. Add cooled Cardamom & Anise coffee. Stir. Non-alcohol alternative: Skip the rum and use hazelnut syrup found on the coffee aisle to sweeten the cup.

I used Shellback Rum during the creation process, but substitute the rum of your choice as you desire.

All content ©2012 Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist. All Rights Reserved. Chat with Cheri @Intoxicologist on Twitter and facebook.com/Intoxicologist or str8upcocktails@gmail.com

Caffeinated Coffin Break