Mexican Coffee Cocktail Recipe

Mexican Coffee Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:5g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:20g

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

History

The Mexican Coffee cocktail, also known as Café Mexicano, is a warm and comforting beverage that combines coffee, tequila, and coffee liqueur. It is believed to have originated in Mexico, where coffee and tequila are both popular ingredients. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their coffee and is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or a pick-me-up during colder months.

  • Origin: Mexico
  • Popular among coffee and tequila lovers
  • Typically enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or during colder months

How Mexican Coffee Tastes?

The Mexican Coffee cocktail offers a rich and bold coffee flavor, with a hint of sweetness from the coffee liqueur. The tequila adds a warm and slightly spicy kick, while the whipped cream provides a smooth and creamy finish.

Interesting facts about Mexican Coffee

  • The Mexican Coffee cocktail is sometimes served with a cinnamon-sugar rim for added sweetness and a touch of spice.
  • It can be made with various types of tequila, such as blanco, reposado, or añejo, depending on personal preference.
  • The cocktail is often garnished with a cinnamon stick, which can be used to stir the drink and add an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients

Hot Coffee

The backbone of our Mexican Coffee, it brings the recognizable deep, bitter flavors, acting as a base for our friends, Tequila and Liqueur, to play. Go for 6 oz, because too little and the poor spirits are left drowning, too much and the coffee's solo steals the show. No coffee? Well, you're missing the 'Coffee' in 'Mexican Coffee', but if you must, strong black tea could give you the bitter notes, while changing the show on a whole other level.

Mary Mitkina

Tequila

Here's our star from Mexico, with 1.5 oz of Tequila making sure you remember where this drink got its name. Not too much to start singing 'Cielito Lindo', just enough to add the warmth and a little fiesta to your palate. Skip it and you're at a coffee party sans flair. Agave aficionados might switch to Mezcal for a smokier twist.

Alex Green

Coffee Liqueur

This sweet, dark nectar, with 1 oz, brings a kiss of sweetness and smooths over any coffee bitterness. It's the peacemaker in the glass. Without it, the coffee and tequila might start a duel. Chocolate liqueur could be a fun swap, but then we're veering into a different territory altogether.

Emma Rose

Whipped Cream

A dollop does the job of adding luxury and contrast to the robust liquid below. Without it, the cocktail feels a bit naked – appropriate in some scenarios but not on our glass stage. Coconut whipped cream could be a non-dairy stand-in for those averse to dairy.

Mary Mitkina

Cinnamon-sugar

It's optional, like a sprinkle of fairy dust – just 1 tsp adds a spark of sweet warmth. No dust? No problem, but the magic's dialed down a notch. Brown sugar could provide a richer sweetness if white sugar isn't up your alley.

Alex Green

Cinnamon Stick

Also optional, it's like the cocktail's scepter, giving a gentle nod to the cinnamon-sugar rim and a regal appearance. Skip it and the kingdom won't crumble, but the crown's certainly less shiny. A vanilla pod, with its subtlety, can wave the scepter in this cocktail, though the flavor takes a different throne.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Mexican Coffee Drink

  1. Prepare the glass:
    • If desired, rim a heat-resistant glass or mug with cinnamon-sugar.
  2. Make the cocktail:
    • Pour the hot coffee into the glass.
    • Add the tequila and coffee liqueur, and stir gently to combine.
  3. Garnish and serve:
    • Top the cocktail with a dollop of whipped cream.
    • If desired, garnish with a cinnamon stick.
    • Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • Use freshly brewed coffee for the best flavor.
  • For a richer taste, use a dark roast coffee.
  • Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer.
  • Use high-quality tequila for a smoother taste.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Spicy mixed nuts: The spices complement the warming notes of the cinnamon and the boldness of the tequila.
  • Churros: A sweet contrast to the cocktail's warmth, dipped into chocolate or caramel sauce.

Desserts

  • Chocolate Torte: The richness of chocolate pairs beautifully with the depth of the coffee and the sweetness of the liqueur.
  • Flan: The creamy, caramel flavors of this dessert dance well with the creamy, spiced notes of the Mexican Coffee.

After Dinner

  • Cigars: A robust cigar could echo the deep, smoky flavor of tequila, creating a sophisticated evening indulgence.

Occasions

  • Brunch: Mexican Coffee can serve as a stimulating conversation starter.
  • Winter Evenings: Sip next to a crackling fire for a cozy experience.
  • Post-Dinner: A digestive aide to settle a full stomach and extend the evening.

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What you could change in Mexican Coffee

  • Tequila: Can be replaced with rum or whiskey.
  • Coffee liqueur: Can be substituted with chocolate liqueur for a different flavor profile.
  • Whipped cream: Can be replaced with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Explore all drinks starting with M here

And of course - twists🍹

Mexican Coffee with a Chocolate Twist

  • Add a 0.5 oz of chocolate syrup.
  • Substitute the coffee liqueur with chocolate liqueur. Turn your Mexican Coffee into a chocolatey dream – the kind that makes you ignore your alarm clock. This drink feels like a sweet hug from a friend you haven’t seen in ages.

Spicy Mexican Coffee

  • Add a pinch of ground chili pepper with the cinnamon.
  • Use a spicy chocolate as a garnish. Who says you can’t bring the heat to your coffee? This twist is for the brave souls who believe that a good day starts with a little sweat on the forehead.

Vegan Mexican Coffee

  • Use almond or coconut milk instead of dairy whipped cream.
  • Choose a vegan-friendly coffee liqueur. A sip of this and Mother Earth herself might just give you a nod of approval. It’s everything you love about Mexican Coffee with a green-hearted twist.

In case you forgot basics how to make Mexican Coffee

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Mexican Coffee

What is the similarity of Mexican Coffee cocktail with Irish Coffee?

Both Mexican Coffee and Irish Coffee share a fair bit in common - they are both warm, coffee-based cocktails that contain alcohol and are topped with whipped cream. However, the primary difference lies in the alcohol used - Mexican Coffee uses tequila and coffee liqueur, while Irish coffee uses Irish whiskey.

Is this cocktail served only hot or could it be served cold as well?

The Mexican Coffee cocktail is traditionally served hot, particularly to complement the cold weather. However, a cold variation can certainly be made, turning it into a sort of iced coffee cocktail.

Is there a special type of coffee that works best for the Mexican Coffee cocktail?

While any type of coffee can technically be used, it's recommended to use a good quality coffee that you enjoy. Typically, a medium to dark roast works well as it stands up to the strong flavors of the tequila and coffee liqueur.

Can I use non-dairy alternatives for whipped cream?

Yes, you can. If you're vegan, lactose intolerant, or just simply prefer not to use dairy, you can substitute the whipped cream with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream or even a non-dairy whipped topping.

Can I leave out the alcohol for a non-alcoholic version?

Absolutely. For a non-alcoholic version of the Mexican Coffee, you could simply leave out the tequila and coffee liqueur or swap them with non-alcoholic substitutes if available.

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