Bottomless Cup Recipe

Brew hot coffee or tea

For hot service: Brew 4 cups of strong coffee (use slightly more grounds than normal) or brew 4 cups of black tea. Keep hot and covered. If offering a mocha option, whisk 2 tbsp cocoa powder with 2 tbsp hot water to make a smooth paste, then stir into the brewed coffee.

Prepare cold brew (for iced)

For iced service: Use cold brew concentrate or make by steeping coarsely ground coffee in 4 cups cold water for 12–16 hours in the refrigerator. Strain and keep concentrate chilled. If concentrate is very strong, dilute with up to 2 cups filtered water to taste before serving.

Warm milk: For hot Bottomless Cups, heat whole milk or half-and-half gently on the stove or steam until about 140–150°F (60–65°C). Do not boil. For dairy-free option, warm almond or oat milk likewise. Froth or steam if you want a foamy top.

Cold milk: Keep milk chilled for iced service. Use cold whole milk, half-and-half, or dairy alternative per guest preference.

Standard sweetening: Offer simple syrup (6 tbsp prepared) and granulated sugar (set out 4 tbsp) so guests can sweeten to taste. Stir 1–2 tbsp simple syrup or 1–2 tsp sugar into a 12–16 oz serving, adjusting to preference.

Vanilla & caramel: Add 1 tsp vanilla or 1–2 tbsp caramel sauce per 12–16 oz cup for flavored variations. Stir well to combine; for hot drinks add to the cup before pouring the coffee so it dissolves evenly.

Assemble iced Bottomless Cup: Fill a tall glass with 1 to 1.5 cups of ice cubes. Pour 8–10 oz chilled coffee or cold brew mixture over the ice. Add 2–4 oz cold milk or dairy alternative and 1–2 tbsp simple syrup (or to taste). Stir gently. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Assemble hot Bottomless Cup: Pour 10–12 oz hot brewed coffee or tea into a pre-warmed mug. Add 2–4 oz warmed milk or half-and-half. Sweeten with simple syrup or sugar to taste. Stir and top with a dollop of whipped cream for specialty versions.

Finish and serve: Sprinkle chocolate shavings, cocoa dust, or a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg over whipped cream or directly on the drink. Serve immediately with extra simple syrup and milk on the side to allow bottomless refills.