Tag Archives: Chocolate

Coffee Ice Cubes for Iced Coffees & More

Posted on May 10, 2013 | Leave a comment

Pouring liqueurs over easy to make Coffee Ice Cubes – photo by Cheri Loughlin

Recently frozen coffee ice cubes on Pinterest caught my eye. I don’t know about you, but most mornings in my home begin with a pot of fresh brewed coffee. At the end of the morning there is usually a little left in the bottom of the pot. I use a Capresso coffee maker that comes with a stainless steel thermal carafe. The carafe keeps my coffee hot and fresh for hours. It seems such a waste to pour fresh coffee down the drain. So when I saw the coffee ice cubes on Pinterest the creative wheels in my head started turning, leading me along a creative path to wonderful drinks I could make with frozen coffee cubes.

Making Coffee Ice Cubes

Coffee Ice Cubes are easy to make using fresh brewed coffee or left over coffee. – photo by Cheri Loughlin

Really, what’s not to love?! Making coffee ice cubes is easy. Just pour fresh coffee into ice cube trays. Cover with plastic wrap so crumbs or odors from the freezer don’t get trapped in the ice. It takes roughly 4 to 6 hours for the coffee ice cubes to freeze. Take the cubes out of the tray and place them into a freezer safe container. Seal until ready to use. Make some more!

Recommended Ice Cube Trays

Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Trays make uniform square ice. I just think that’s cool! But use whatever ice tray you prefer. There are lots of great choices. – photo by Cheri Loughlin

I use Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Trays. The Tovolo trays are easy to use, flexible and I can throw them in the dishwasher when I’m done. I also love that the Tovolo makes perfect little squares. But use whatever ice tray you like the best. The OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray also looks like it might be a good choice, but I haven’t used that one. It has an easy-release sliding lid so liquids won’t slosh out while carrying the tray from counter to freezer. It’s also stackable with the built in lid. You can’t do that so easily with the Tovolo tray.

Coffee Ice Cube Drink Ideas

Try Coffee Ice Cubes in Black Russians, White Russians or throw Coffee Ice Cubes in the blender with Mudslide ingredients and Vanilla Ice Cream for a wonderful recipe variation. – photo by Cheri Loughlin

There are many drink possibilities with coffee ice cubes. One of my biggest pet peeves about iced coffee drinks is how watered down they get before getting halfway through the drink. The first no-brainer is to start replacing regular ice with coffee ice cubes in any iced coffee recipe whether it contains alcohol or no alcohol. Instead of watered down iced coffee, the melting coffee cubes give more coffee flavor to the drink.

Add coffee ice cubes to traditional cocktails such as Black Russians and White Russians.

Use coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice for coffee flavored blender drinks like a frozen Mudslide or slushies.

Dreamy Iced Coffee

Dreamy Iced Coffee using easy to make Coffee Ice Cubes. Recipe & photo by Cheri Loughlin, Corporate Mixologist & Photographer

Dreamy Iced Coffee – created by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

6 to 8 Coffee Ice Cubes

2 ounces Unsweetened Almond Milk

1-1/2 ounce Irish Cream Liqueur

1/4 ounce Hazelnut Liqueur

Whipped Cream & Shaved Chocolate – optional garnish

Fill tall glass with coffee ice cubes. Add almond milk. Top with liqueurs. Stir. Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate if desired. Relax with a good book while your coffee ice cubes melt into sheer liquid pleasure. [I used Carolans Irish Cream. It’s a little less sweet and less thick than Baileys Irish Cream. The Irish Cream measurement might need to be altered a little bit depending upon the brand you use.]

Frozen Blender Variation: Place coffee ice cubes and liquids in blender. Add 1 to 2 Tablespoons Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup. Blend until smooth. It might be necessary to add a tiny bit more almond milk in case the mixture is too thick. Pour into tall glass or decorative glass. Top with dollop of whipped cream and shaved chocolate.

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Posted in Long Drinks

Tagged Almond Milk, Blended Drink, Chocolate, Chocolate Syrup, Coffee, Coffee Ice Cubes, Dreamy Iced Coffee, Hazelnut Liqueur, Ice Cubes, Irish Cream Liqueur, OXO Ice Tray, Tovolo Ice Trays, Whipped Cream

Philadelphia Distilling XXX Shine Whiskey

Posted on February 21, 2013 | Comments Off

XXX Shine White Whiskey: Blend of American corn. Copper pot distilled three times, thus the three XXX’s. Crafted in Philadelphia, “the capitol of moonshine consumption” according to the makers of XXX Shine Whiskey. XXX Shine Whiskey is a product of Philadelphia Distilling.

88.8 proof / 44.4% alcohol

White Plains

1-1/2 ounce XXX Shine Whiskey

3/4 ounce Dolin Bianco Vermouth

3/4 ounce Chartreuse

1 Dash Reagans #6 Orange Bitters

Orange Twist

Combine liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into chilled coupe. Twist orange peel over top and discard twist.

XXX Shine Salted Caramel Whiskey: Described by the maker as rich with buttery notes. Twinge of sea salt. Satisfies craving for both sweet and salty flavor combinations.

80 Proof / 40% alcohol

Ménage a XXX

1 ounce XXX Shine Salted Caramel

1 ounce Trés Leches Cream Liqueur

1/2 ounce Dark Crème de Cacao

1/2 ounce White Crème de Cacao

Chocolate Rim

Rim cocktail glass with chocolate. Chill glass. Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chocolate rimmed cocktail glass.

Philadelphia Distilling opened in 2005. The company also produces American crafted Bluecoat American Dry Gin, Penn 1681 Rye Vodka, and Vieux Carre Absinthe Supérieure. Their spirits have won numerous awards and can be found in multiple markets across the globe.

Review sample courtesy representatives of Shine Whiskey

www.facebook.com/ShineWhiskey & www.twitter.com/ShineWhiskey

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Chartreuse, Chocolate, Creme de Cacao, Dolin Vermouth, Dry Vermouth, Ménage a XXX, Moonshine, Orange Bitters, Philadelphia Distilling, Trés Leches Cream Liqueur, White Plains, XXX Shine Salted Caramel Whiskey, XXX Shine Whiskey, XXX Shine White Whiskey

Canadian Coffee

Posted on January 27, 2013 | Leave a comment

Canadian Coffee

1 measure Canadian Whisky

1-1/2 measure Maple Syrup

Fresh Brewed Coffee

Maple Whipped Cream*

Chocolate Shavings

Place Canadian whisky and maple syrup in heat proof mug. Top with fresh brewed coffee. Garnish with fresh maple whipped cream. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings.

Maple Whipped Cream

3 tablespoons Heavy Cream

1 tablespoon Maple Syrup

Place heavy cream and maple syrup in chilled bowl. Whip together until light cream forms. Set aside.

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Posted in Barista Cafe

Tagged Canadian Coffee, Canadian Whisky, Chocolate, Coffee, Maple Syrup, Maple Whipped Cream, Whipped Cream, Winter Warmer

Melting Mocha

Posted on November 1, 2012 | Leave a comment

The party is over and morning has arrived. Rolling out of bed after a long evening of partying until the wee hours of the morning is challenge enough. Coffee seems to be your most likely friend at this stage of the game.

This decadent cup of coffee is a slow sipper, velvety smooth, lavishly sumptuous and full of rich chocolate flavor to start your morning off with sweet sinful goodness.

Melting Mocha – Nescafé

2 ounces Dark Chocolate

3 Tablespoons Heavy Cream

7 ounces Freshly Boiled Water

3 Teaspoons Nescafé Original Coffee

Whipped Cream & Grated Chocolate Garnish

Melt dark chocolate with heavy cream in microwave. In separate cup, pour boiled water over instant coffee. Stir. Pour over chocolate mixture. Stir well. Pour into large coffee mug or latte cup. Top with whipped cream. Garnish with grated chocolate.

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Posted in Barista Cafe

Tagged Chocolate, Coffee, Heavy Cream, Melting Mocha, Nescafe, Whipped Cream, Winter Warmer

Snowcap

Posted on February 24, 2012 | Comments Off

When a white winter season won’t come to you, bring the winter wonderland to your cup.

Snowcap

1 ounce Kahlua Mocha

1 ounce Absolut Vanilia Flavored Vodka

6 ounces Hot Chocolate

Whipped Cream & Chocolate Sprinkles Garnish

Place Kahlua Mocha and vodka in bottom of heat proof mug. Fill with hot chocolate. Stir. Top with whipped cream. Sprinkle with chocolate.

February 27 is National Kahlua Day. Stock up on supplies so you can celebrate!

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Posted in Barista Cafe, Daily Holidays

Tagged Absolut Vanilia Vodka, Chocolate, Hot Chocolate, Kahlua, Kahlua Mocha, National Kahlua Day, Vanilla Vodka, Vodka

Cocoa Camarena

Posted on January 22, 2012 | Leave a comment

Cocoa warms, sweetens and brings back fond memories of childhood. Add a splash of Camarena Tequila and chocolaty spirited fun begins. Cocoa Camarena’s flavor lingers long on the palate with spectacular layering of sweet spices and tinge of orange. Spectacular as anytime winter warmer, but an extra special treat for holidays or tailgate parties.

Cocoa Camarena – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/4 ounce Camarena Silver Tequila

1 tablespoon Orange Zest

1 Cinnamon Stick

1 teaspoon Whole Cloves

1 teaspoon Whole Allspice

8 ounces Milk

4 tablespoons Sweet Ground Chocolate for Cocoa*

Whipped Cream, Allspice & Orange Zest Garnish

Place orange zest, cinnamon stick, whole cloves and whole allspice in saucepan with milk and chocolate cocoa. Stir continuously while heating mixture on low. Heat until chocolate has dissolved and mixture is steaming. Remove from heat. Add tequila. Stir. Strain into heat proof mug. Top with whipped cream. Dust with allspice powder and pinch of orange zest.

*Hot Cocoa Mix can be used as alternative.

Cocktail Recipe commissioned by Camarena Tequila Representatives

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

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Posted in Barista Cafe, Corporate Mixology

Tagged Camarena Tequila, Chocolate, Corporate Mixology, Fresh Orange, Hot Chocolate, Milk, Tequila, Whipped Cream, Winter Warmer

Mochachino Martini

Posted on October 23, 2011 | Leave a comment

Mochachino Martini

2-1/2 measures Espresso Vodka

1 measure Chocolate Liqueur

Chocolate Syrup

Shaved Chocolate

Swirl chocolate syrup inside chilled cocktail glass. Set aside. Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into prepared cocktail glass. Garnish with shaved chocolate.

Cheri Loughlin is a leading cocktail and photography resource for beverage companies, event planners, businesses and individuals. High resolution cocktail and beverage stock photography images are available in downloadable digital format in the newly redesigned Stock Photography Gallery at www.cheriloughlin.com.

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Chocolate, Chocolate Liqueur, Chocolate Syrup, Espresso Vodka

White Chocolate Bliss is Pure Indulgence

Posted on February 2, 2010 | Leave a comment

NAVAN created a blissful treat sure to please the vanilla and chocolate lover. The NAVAN White Chocolate Bliss plays on the seductive flavor of natural vanilla, decadent richness of white chocolate and tops things off with edible gold to indulge the senses. This cocktail pairs perfectly with an assortment of white, milk and dark chocolate truffles.

White Chocolate Bliss

2 ounces Vanilla Liqueur

2 ounces White Chocolate Liqueur

Shaved White Chocolate

Oro Fino Edible Gold

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with shaved white chocolate and edible gold if desired.

Recipe courtesy representatives of Navan.

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Posted in Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails

Tagged Chocolate, Edible Gold, Navan, Valentine's Day, Vanilla Liqueur, White Chocolate Liqueur

Fun & Flirty Cocktail Recipes

Posted on January 16, 2010 | Leave a comment

Be still my heart…

There are movies, men and moments in life that make a woman weak in the knees, but as the saying goes; “there’s nothing quicker, than liquor.” All kidding aside words of romance strike whimsical fancy in some people’s book while strumming a chord of cheesy Hallmark moment in another. Allow the world of fanciful daydream filled with starry nights and fluttering eyelashes collide.

Whether your chosen moment is Valentine’s Day, Girl’s Night Out, Bachelorette Party or Couple’s Night In, enjoy the moment with a few cocktails that capture moments of love and romance in a fun, flirty sort of style.

Passion – strong emotion, adoration, love, intensely powerful emotion, craving, amorous affection and desire felt by lovers for each other

Passion Rouge – created by Francesco LaFranconi

1 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

1 measure Passion Fruit Liqueur

3/4 measure Passion Fruit Puree

3/4 measure Orange Juice

2 dashes Classic Bitters

1/2 measure Egg White

1 measure Champagne

Orange Twist & Grated Nutmeg Garnish

Combine liquids except champagne in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Add champagne. Swirl to blend. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg and orange twist.

Kiss – buss, osculation, smack, graze, butterfly, French, to touch or caress with the lips, especially as a sign of ardor or affection

Cherry Kiss Martini – created by Jim Hewes

2 measures Vodka

1/4 measure Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

Maraschino Cherry

Coat chilled martini glass with chocolate liqueur. Place maraschino cherry in well of coated glass. Pour chilled vodka into prepared glass.

Midnight – bewitching hour when all enchantment begins, temptation arises, enticement wins out and fascinating tales begin to weave charming stories of excitement and pleasure

Between the Sheets

1 measure Brandy

1 measure Rum

1 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

1/2 measure Lemon Juice

Simple Syrup – to taste

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Heart – essence, character, soul, compassion, tenderness, zest, moxie, spirit

Peg o’ My Heart

2 measures Dark Rum

1 measure Lime Juice

1/2 measure Grenadine

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Flutter – tremble, oscillate, throb, shiver, flitter, dance, to move quickly, lightly and unsteadily as if with wings

Liquid Joy

2 measures Rum

3 measures Pineapple Juice

3 measures Ginger Ale

Build in highball glass over fresh ice. Stir with sip straw.

Love – adoration, rapture, enchantment, ardor, fervor, yearning, fascination, ardent affection, desire felt by lovers for one another

Lover’s Moon

1-3/4 measure Bourbon

1-1/2 measure Macadamia Nut Liqueur

1 measure Heavy Cream

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry. Double recipe to share under lover’s moon.

Smitten – infatuated, stricken, intense romantic attraction, lust

P.S. I Love You

3/4 measure Irish Cream

3/4 measure Amaretto

1/2 measure Rum

1/2 measure Coffee Liqueur

3/4 measure Heavy Cream

Grated Chocolate Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with grated chocolate.

Rendezvous – affair, tete-a-tete, tryst, love nest, secretly unite

Ritz of New York

1 measure Cognac

1/2 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

1/8 measure Maraschino Liqueur

1/2 measure Lemon Juice

2-1/2 measure Brut Champagne

Orange Peel Garnish

Combine liquids except champagne in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into champagne flute or coupe. Top with champagne. Garnish with orange twist.

Heaven – bliss, ecstasy, rapture, Utopia, nirvana, harmony, elated pleasure

Honeymoon Cocktail

1-1/2 measure Applejack

1 measure Benedictine

2 teaspoons Orange Curacao

3/4 measure Lemon Juice

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2011 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

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Posted in Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails

Tagged Amaretto, Applejack, Benedictine, Bourbon, Brandy, Champagne, Chocolate, Chocolate Liqueur, Classic Bitters, Coffee Liqueur, Cognac, Egg White, Fresh Lemon, Ginger Ale, Girl's Night Out, Godiva, Grenadine, Heavy Cream, Irish Cream, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Macadamia Nut Liqueur, Orange Curacao, Orange Juice, Passion Fruit Liqueur, Passion Fruit Nectar, Pineapple Juice, Premium Orange Liqueur, Rum, Simple Syrup, Valentine's Day, Vodka

Classically Retro St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail

Posted on February 27, 2009 | Leave a comment

The Grasshopper is an American classic cocktail. This after-dinner style classic cocktail is thought to have originated at Tujague’s, a New Orleans bar in the French Quarter. The Grasshopper reached peak popularity in working class America during the 1950’s and 1960’s. It is characteristically sweet with both crème de menthe and crème de cacao inclusion. Enjoy the cool and refreshing nature of this classic drink recipe without any over the top alcohol abrasiveness. The Grasshopper is also a nice retro way to go green for St. Patrick’s Day.

Grasshopper

1 ounce Heavy Cream

1 ounce Crème de Cacao, white

1 ounce Crème de Menthe, green

Grated Chocolate Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings or chocolate cookie crumbs.

As is the case with most classic cocktails, the Grasshopper has many variations and offshoot cocktails. Bill at Cocktails at the Cove makes the Flying Grasshopper which contains vodka in place of heavy cream. A Brown Grasshopper includes coffee, which muddies the beautiful emerald green color, but adds another layer of depth to the characteristic minty flavor.

Who doesn’t love a good blended drink? Add a scoop of mint or mint chocolate chip ice cream to the traditional Grasshopper recipe, place it all in a blender, mix until smooth, pour into a chilled glass and enjoy a Frozen Grasshopper. Take the Frozen Grasshopper a step further and make a Northern America favorite; Grasshopper Milkshake. Replace the heavy cream with 2 to 3 ounces of Half & Half, add a scoop or two of mint chocolate chip ice cream and the remaining crème de cacao and crème de menthe to a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a tall glass. Garnish with lightly crushed Oreo cookies. Lyuba from Will Cook for Smiles makes another variation of the Grasshopper Milkshake using frozen yogurt, vodka and coffee liqueur.

One more way to make your Grasshopper go the classic cocktail extra mile; homemade Crème de Menthe. Toni Dash of Boulder Locavore shows you step by step how to make your own Crème de Menthe for personal use and gifting. It’s pinch me perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, but color me ideal for Holiday gift giving.

[Post updated April 10, 2013]

Cheri Loughlin Beverage Consultant & Photography Services