Cafe Russe Recipe
A nice infusion of vodka and Kahlua
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Ingredients
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Coffee Base
Spirits & Liqueur
Sweetener & Cream
Garnish (optional)
Method
Coffee Base
- 1
Brew coffee
Brew a strong hot coffee using fresh grounds. Aim for about 6 fl oz of finished coffee. If using instant or concentrated coffee, dissolve to yield 6 fl oz of hot coffee. Keep coffee hot (near boiling) until assembly.
Spirits & Liqueur
- 2
Warm the serving glass by rinsing it with a little hot water and discarding the water. Add 1.5 fl oz vodka and 1 fl oz Kahlúa to the warmed heatproof glass.
Sweetener & Cream
- 3
Add 0.5 tsp simple syrup (or sugar) to the spirits in the glass. Stir briefly to dissolve. Pour the 6 fl oz of hot brewed coffee into the glass over the spirits, stirring gently to combine.
- 4
Top with cream
Lightly whip 1 tablespoon heavy cream so it is slightly thickened but still pourable. Gently float the cream on top of the coffee by pouring it over the back of a spoon held just above the surface. Do not fully mix—the cream should form a distinct layer.
Garnish (optional)
- 5
Dust the cream lightly with 1/4 tsp freshly ground espresso or coffee grounds for aroma and visual contrast. Float 3 whole coffee beans on the cream if desired.