Jamaican Coffee Cocktail Recipe
Jamaican Coffee Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:5g
Protein:1g
Carbohydrates:11g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Jamaican Coffee cocktail is a rich and aromatic beverage that combines the warmth of coffee with the sweetness and depth of rum and coffee liqueur. It's a variation of the Irish Coffee, tailored with a Caribbean twist, thanks to the dark rum. This drink is often enjoyed as a dessert or a comforting warmer on chilly evenings.
- Originates from the practice of spiking coffee with spirits to create a warming drink.
- The use of Jamaican rum gives this cocktail its distinctive tropical flavor profile.
- Perfect for coffee lovers looking for an alcoholic twist or for those who appreciate the fusion of Caribbean flavors.
How Jamaican Coffee Tastes?
Jamaican Coffee offers a complex taste profile. It's rich and robust from the brewed coffee, sweet and slightly spicy from the dark rum, and has a velvety smoothness from the coffee liqueur. The whipped cream adds a luxurious creaminess, and the chocolate covered coffee bean provides a delightful crunch and an extra kick of coffee flavor.
Interesting facts about Jamaican Coffee
- The Jamaican Coffee cocktail is a modern twist on traditional coffee drinks, incorporating the unique flavors of Jamaica.
- It's not only a drink but also a dessert, often replacing the final course of a meal.
- The chocolate covered coffee bean garnish is not just decorative; it's meant to be eaten after finishing the drink for a full sensory experience.
Ingredients
- Dark rum: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Coffee flavored liqueur: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Hot brewed coffee: 1 cup
- Whipped cream: 2 tbsp
- Chocolate covered coffee bean: 1
Dark Rum
- Why: Dark rum adds a sweet and molasses-like flavor that enriches the cocktail and provides a boozy kick.
- Flavor Effects: Without it, the cocktail would lack depth and its characteristic Caribbean twist.
- Alternatives and Outcomes: You could use bourbon for a smokier note or skip alcohol for a sober version, but expect a less complex flavor.
Alex Green
Coffee-flavored Liqueur
- Why: This liqueur offers sweetness and a deep coffee essence; it bridges the coffee and rum seamlessly.
- Flavor Effects: Omitting it would reduce sweetness and the rich coffee flavor profile.
- Alternatives and Outcomes: Try using a chocolate liqueur for added sweetness or vanilla extract for an alcohol-free alternative which will result in subtle changes in taste.
Mary Mitkina
Hot Brewed Coffee
- Why: The foundation of the cocktail; provides warmth, bitterness, and a caffeine boost.
- Flavor Effects: Without the coffee, it wouldn't be a Jamaican Coffee at all!
- Alternatives and Outcomes: Different coffee roasts can influence the taste— a darker roast will bring more bitterness and strength.
Emma Rose
Whipped Cream
- Why: Adds a creamy texture and visual appeal. It contrasts with the hot liquid beneath.
- Flavor Effects: Skipping it would make the drink less indulgent and lose the smooth mouthfeel.
- Alternatives and Outcomes: Coconut cream can be a dairy-free alternative, imparting a tropical hint.
Alex Green
Chocolate Covered Coffee Bean
- Why: It's the piece de resistance that adds a crunchy texture and a bittersweet finish.
- Flavor Effects: Without this garnish, the cocktail would still be enjoyable, but that final crunchy surprise would be missing.
- Alternatives and Outcomes: A sprinkle of cocoa powder can substitute for an all-around chocolate flavor without the crunch.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Jamaican Coffee Drink
- Pour 0.75 oz of dark rum into a pre-warmed coffee glass.
- Add 0.75 oz of coffee-flavored liqueur.
- Fill the glass with 1 cup of hot brewed coffee.
- Gently spoon 2 tablespoons of whipped cream on top of the coffee.
- Garnish with a single chocolate covered coffee bean in the center of the whipped cream.
Pro Tips
- Pre-warm your coffee glass with hot water before making the cocktail to keep your drink warmer for longer.
- Use freshly brewed, high-quality coffee for the best flavor.
- When adding the whipped cream, try to float it on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon for a layered effect.
Perfect Pairings
Desserts
- Chocolate desserts: The rich and bittersweet notes of chocolate pair perfectly with Jamaican Coffee's coffee and rum flavors.
- Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream could also be a delightful combination with this warm cocktail, complementing the creamy whipped topping.
- Nutty pastries: Almond croissant or walnut brownies can add a crunchy texture and complement the nutty undertones from the coffee.
Savories
- Cigars: A classic pairing, a fine cigar complements the warm, intense flavors of a Jamaican Coffee cocktail, especially in an evening setting.
- Spiced meats: Jerk chicken or spiced pork can stand up to the bold flavors in the cocktail.
Cheese
- Aged cheeses: Gouda or Cheddar can match the cocktail's rich and robust flavor profile.
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What you could change in Jamaican Coffee
- If dark rum is not available, a good quality spiced rum can be used as a substitute.
- For a non-alcoholic version, use a coffee-flavored syrup instead of the coffee liqueur.
- In place of whipped cream, a dairy-free alternative like coconut whipped cream can be used for those with dietary restrictions.
Explore all drinks starting with J here
And of course - twists🍹
Jamaican Coffee with a Minty Twist
- Ingredients: Replace the chocolate covered coffee bean with a fresh mint leaf.
- Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but garnish with mint instead.
- Description: It will have a refreshing mint aroma and a cool aftertaste, giving the drink a more uplifting finish.
Coconut Jamaican Coffee
- Ingredients: Substitute the dark rum with coconut rum, and use coconut cream instead of whipped cream.
- Recipe: Follow the original recipe using the substitutes.
- Description: This twist adds tropical flair and a hint of coconut sweetness, which pairs delightfully with the coffee flavors.
Spiced Jamaican Coffee
- Ingredients: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the whipped cream.
- Recipe: Prepare as usual, then sprinkle the spices on top of the whipped cream.
- Description: The spices will bring warmth and an aromatic complexity, making the cocktail more inviting and suited for colder nights.
In case you forgot basics how to make Jamaican Coffee
Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Jamaican Coffee
Why is it important to pre-warm the coffee glass for a Jamaican Coffee cocktail?
Pre-warming the coffee glass ensures that the cocktail remains at the optimal temperature for longer, enhancing the drinking experience by keeping the coffee and liquors warm.
Can the Jamaican Coffee cocktail be made with cold coffee for a summer drink?
While traditionally served hot, a cold version of Jamaican Coffee, often referred to as iced Jamaican Coffee, can be made with cold brew or chilled coffee for a refreshing summer beverage.
Is it possible to make a vegan Jamaican Coffee cocktail?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by using plant-based whipped cream and ensuring that the chocolate-covered coffee bean is vegan-friendly.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the Jamaican Coffee cocktail?
To adjust the sweetness, you can vary the amount of coffee-flavored liqueur or add a sweetener of your choice, such as sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute.
What is the best type of coffee to use for a Jamaican Coffee cocktail?
A dark roast coffee with a strong flavor profile is recommended to complement the richness of the dark rum and the sweetness of the coffee liqueur.
Can I use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee in the Jamaican Coffee?
Yes, you can use espresso for a more concentrated coffee flavor. Adjust the quantity accordingly, as espresso is stronger than regular brewed coffee.
Is there a specific type of glass recommended for serving Jamaican Coffee?
A stemmed, heat-resistant glass, such as an Irish coffee glass, is ideal for serving Jamaican Coffee to handle the temperature and allow for the visual layering of the cocktail.
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