Tag Archives: Hazelnut Liqueur

Coffee Ice Cubes for Iced Coffees & More

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

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

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

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

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 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.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Oatmeal Cookie Day Cocktail & Shots

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie 024 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

March 18 is National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day, sometimes identified with National Oatmeal Cookie Day which is actually April 30. The difference between the two; a lacy oatmeal cookie is delicate, wafer thin and crispy while the oatmeal cookie is a drop cookie that is chewy, chunky and usually full of nuts, spices and some sort of chewy dried fruit such as raisins. Regardless of which style of cookie you prefer, I offer a toast in honor of the day.

Days that celebrate oatmeal and the oatmeal cookie – National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day, March 18 – National Oatmeal Cookie Day - April 30, National Oatmeal Day - October 29

Oh, and I made real cookies, too! [Date Night Oatmeal Cookies] They are one of my favorites after all.

Much like a spiced up oatmeal cookie, this little shot contains lots of spicy cinnamon flavor with delicious creamy texture.

Oatmeal Raisin CookieOatmeal Raisin Cookie 045 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1/4 ounce Jager Herbal Liqueur

1/4 ounce Goldschlager Cinnamon Schnapps

1/4 ounce Rum

1/4 ounce Coffee Liqueur

1/4 ounce Irish Cream

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

How sweet (and buttery) it is! This oatmeal cookie could get dangerous real fast. It’s like a buttery cookie, less spicy and a bit sweeter than the version above and yes… Very Good!

Oatmeal Cookie ShotOatmeal Cookie Shot 051 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1/4 ounce Jager Herbal Liqueur

1/4 ounce Cinnamon Schnapps

1/4 ounce Butterscotch Schnapps

1/4 ounce Irish Cream

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

The Oatmeal Cookie Shot was so delicious I thought it a shame to sip it so quickly. A lengthier sipping time should be enjoyed.

Oatmeal Cookie Cocktail – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

3/4 ounce Jager Herbal LiqueurOatmeal Cookie Cocktail 088 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1/2 ounce Butterscotch Liqueur

1/2 ounce Irish Cream

1-1/2 ounce Half & Half

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

More variations on the Oatmeal Cookie include the Batch of Oatmeal Cookies. Why make cookies if you don’t intend to share. This recipe makes 6 shooters of approximately 2 ounces each or 12 shots of 1 ounce each after mixture has been shaken over ice.

Batch of Oatmeal Cookies

4 ounces Cinnamon Schnapps

4 ounces Irish Cream

1 ounce Coffee Liqueur

1 ounce Hazelnut Liqueur

1 ounce Heavy Cream

Combine liquids in large cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into multiple shooter or shot glasses.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Jello Shots Become Bite-Sized Desserts

Mexican Truffle Gelatin Jello Shot 016

Jello shots have been around since 1955 so the story goes. They are the go-to college party shot, Halloween candy shot and (admit it) mom’s little secret treat hiding in the back of the fridge for book club night. Just as classic cocktails and mixology have evolved through the years, Jello shots have gone from amateur night throw back shot to sophisticated connoisseur finger food. Forget the plastic cup. Bring on the tiny appetizer plates. Seriously, in the long, short and wiggly of it all, it’s still alcohol wrapped up in gelatin. Slam it, sip it or nosh it. Any way you bite it there’s alcohol content, so user beware. This isn’t kiddie candy, but Jello shots are still loaded with fun!

These Mexican Truffles are little bite-sized packages of dark chocolate goodness. So good, they are difficult to put down. The whipped cream and cinnamon garnish balance out the tasty morsel with creamy smoothness. Instead of the usual Jello shots that come to mind, these decadent small bite desserts are ideal for cocktail parties, hosting a girls night out game night or wrapping up your own Valentine’s Day box of chocolates.

Mexican Truffle Gelatin Jello Shot 017

Mexican Truffle – created by Cheri Loughlin

1/3 cup Chocolate Milk

1 teaspoon Grenadine

2 Knox Unflavored Gelatin Packets

1/3 cup Reposado Tequila

1/3 cup Hazelnut Liqueur

2 tablespoons Coffee Liqueur

Whipped Cream & Cinnamon Sprinkle Garnish

Place milk, grenadine and gelatin in saucepan. Stir gently. Heat over low heat until gelatin is completely dissolved (approximately 7 to 8 minutes). Remove from heat. Add tequila and liqueurs. Stir. Pour into small shallow glass dish. Chill until gelatin is completely set. Cut into approximately 20 to 24 squares or use simple cookie cutter for decorative shapes just before serving. Garnish with dollop of whipped cream and dust with cinnamon powder just before serving.

If you love playing with your food and drink then you’ll love the Jelly Shot Test Kitchen. They have a terrific book with more gelatin style Jello cocktail shot recipes. The Cucumber-Lime Margarita sounds delicious! Check out a few cute gelatin shot ideas on my Pinterest board. There are some amazingly creative people out there!

Cheri Loughlin Beverage Consultant & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Italian Coffee

Chai Latte 010 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Italian Coffee

1-1/2 measure Hazelnut Liqueur

Fresh Brewed Coffee

Whipped Cream

Place liqueur in heat resistant mug. Top with fresh brewed coffee. Garnish with whipped cream.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Camarena Frost

Camarena Frost may give the impression of chilly snowball, but the warming effect of this cocktail is simply phenomenal. This dessert style cocktail contains excellent tequila and spice aroma with sweet, nutty chocolate flavor. It is considerably warm in the finish as cinnamon mingles with light touch within the cocktail as a whole.

Camarena Frost – created by Cheri Loughlin

Camarena Frost - Cheri Loughlin Cocktail Development Services1 measure Camarena Reposado Tequila

1/2 measure White Crème de Cacao

1/2 measure Hazelnut Liqueur

1 measure Heavy Whipping Cream

Sprinkled Cinnamon Garnish

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

Cocktail Recipe commissioned by Camarena Tequila Representatives

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Create a Cocktail: Dubonnet Rouge, Cointreau & Kahlua

Dubonnet Rouge - Cointreau - Kahlua Especial 006 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

I recently posted a photograph of three spirits (Dubonnet Rouge, Cointreau and Kahlua Especial) to The Intoxicologist Facebook page to encourage a little cocktail creativity. The directive: What cocktail would you create using these three ingredients plus base spirit and / or mix-ins such as juices, syrups, etc.? The following three recipes were shared in response.

Thanks to all those who shared recipe ideas! I look forward to doing this again soon.

Grape Season – via Daniel Delgado Teran

1 ounce Kahlua (Coffee Liqueur)

1 ounce Cointreau (Premium Orange Liqueur)

1/4 ounce Dubonnet Rouge

1/4 ounce Hazelnut Liqueur

1/2 ounce Merlot Juice

Sea Salt Rim

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

Bloody & Bitter – via Justin Scappaticci

1/2 ounce Kahlua (Coffee Liqueur)

1-1/2 ounce Cointreau (Premium Orange Liqueur)

1/2 ounce Dubonnet Rouge

2 ounces Blood Orange Juice

2 dashes Orange Bitters

Club Soda

Justin didn’t give instructions on glass type, but due to the volume of this drink I would imagine the Bloody & Bitter should be built in highball glass over fresh ice.

Duke of York – via Steve Asmussen

Steve didn’t leave a name for his creative concoction, so I took the liberty of naming it. Steve, if you’re reading this and would like a name change for the cocktail, let me know.

2 ounces Kahlua (Coffee Liqueur)

1 ounce Dubonnet Rouge

1 ounce Cointreau (Premium Orange Liqueur)

4 ounce Peach Nectar

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. ~ This makes an 8 ounce drink, so it might be advisable to cut the measurements in half. This makes the drink more manageable and you can take your time sipping without worrying about the bottom half of the drink becoming watery from ice melt.

What cocktail would you create using the spirits above?

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

5 on Friday: Halloween Cocktail Recipe Cards

Printable recipe cards are a great way to let guests know what cocktails are being served and what is in them. Place cards next to premade pitcher drinks or keep them on the bar with proper ingredients so they can make their own.

To download cocktail recipe cards; click on the card to enlarge to proper size. Right click. Save to your photo files. Personal use only please.

Cookie Monster Halloween Cocktail Recipe Card - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Cookie Monster

Devils Kiss Halloween Cocktail Recipe Card - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Devil’s Kiss

Hellfire Hallloween Cocktail Recipe Card - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Hellfire

Red Death Halloween Cocktail Recipe Card - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Red Death

Snickers Halloween Cocktail Recipe Card - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Snickers

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Caffeinated Coffin Break

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.

Black Cardamom - Anise Coffee 019 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Cardamom & Anise Coffee – created by Cheri Loughlin

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 – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Spiced Rum

Brewed Cardamom & Anise Coffee

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

Sweetened Cardamom & Anise Coffee – created by Cheri Loughlin

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 Black Cardamom - Anise Coffee 028 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Iced Cardamom & Anise Coffee – created by Cheri Loughlin

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.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Oatmeal Cookie Cocktail & Shot

The Oatmeal Cookie Cocktail; it was not just a shooter to be slammed back, barely tasted for split second indulgence. One could actually sip and savor, allow it to linger on the tongue, taste the complexities and hypothesize whether it indeed tasted like the baked oatmeal cookie treat. Time for you to decide…Zabdara Cookie Cocktail Top Shot - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Days that celebrate oatmeal and the oatmeal cookie – National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day, March 18 – National Oatmeal Cookie Day, April 30, National Oatmeal Day, October 29

Oatmeal Cookie Cocktail – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

1 measure Irish Cream

1 measure Butterscotch Schnapps

1 measure Jagermeister

1/4 measure Goldschlager

1/4 to 1/2 measure Half & Half

Dried Raisins, Cranberries or Dates Garnish.

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

Gold-Flaked Oatmeal Cookies

1/4 ounce Goldschlager Cinnamon Schnapps

1/4 ounce Hazelnut Liqueur

1/4 ounce Butterscotch Schnapps

1/4 ounce Irish Cream

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

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Camarena Delight

Camarena Delight tickles the senses as fabulous alternative to after dinner dessert. Great cinnamon aroma from the start with creamy, chocolate nut flavor throughout. Excellent for chocolate and coffee lovers.

Camarena Delight

Camarena Delight - Cheri Loughlin Cocktail Development Services1 measure Camarena Reposado Tequila

1/2 measure Dark Crème de Cacao

1/2 measure Coffee Liqueur

1/2 measure Hazelnut Liqueur

1-1/2 measure Heavy Cream

Cinnamon Dust Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frothy. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with dusting of cinnamon powder.

Cocktail Recipe commissioned by Camarena Tequila Representatives

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.

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.