Coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up; it's a rich and versatile ingredient that can elevate cocktails and mocktails to new heights. Whether you're crafting a refreshing summer spritz or a sophisticated evening indulgence, using freshly brewed organic espresso or cold brew coffee as your base ensures the best possible flavour. At Kimberley Coffee Company, we believe in starting with the highest-quality beans to create drinks that highlight the natural sweetness, acidity, and depth of specialty coffee. Here’s how you can transform your daily brew into beautiful, bar-worthy beverages.

The Secret to Great Coffee Cocktails

Before we dive into recipes, here are a few essential tips:

• Use Freshly Brewed Organic Coffee – The quality of your coffee is the foundation of any great cocktail. Organic coffee, like our Sipi Falls Organic or the signature start blend coffee Mintaka FTO, delivers complex flavours that shine even when mixed with other ingredients.
• Chill Your Coffee Properly – If using espresso, allow it to cool before mixing to prevent ice dilution. Cold brew is an excellent alternative since it's already chilled and has a smoother, less acidic profile. Our Katapult Cold Brew is crafted just for this and will change your home cold-brew game in a big way!
• Balance is Key – Coffee’s bitterness pairs well with sweet, citrus, or herbal notes. Experiment with syrups, liqueurs, and fresh fruits to find the perfect balance.
• Shake or Stir with Intent – Shaking aerates the drink, creating a frothy texture, while stirring blends flavours without excessive dilution.

Now, let’s dive into six fantastic espresso-based cocktails and mocktails you can make at home.

1. Espresso Tonic (Mocktail)

A crisp and refreshing non-alcoholic drink that highlights coffee’s bright acidity.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot (30ml) fresh espresso
• 150ml tonic water
• Ice cubes
• Orange or lemon peel for garnish

Method:

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour tonic water over the ice.
3. Gently pour the espresso over the tonic, allowing a natural layering effect.
4. Garnish with a twist of orange or lemon peel.
5. Stir gently before sipping.

2. Classic Espresso Martini

A timeless cocktail for coffee lovers, blending bold espresso with smooth, creamy indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 30ml fresh espresso
• 30ml vodka
• 20ml coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
• 10ml simple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Coffee beans for garnish

Method:

1. Brew a fresh shot of espresso and allow it to cool.
2. In a cocktail shaker, add espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and ice.
3. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with coffee beans.

3. Coffee Negroni

A sophisticated twist on the classic Negroni, with deep coffee flavours complementing the botanical notes of gin and vermouth.

Ingredients:

• 30ml Katapult Cold Brew coffee
• 30ml gin
• 30ml Campari
• 30ml sweet vermouth
• Ice cubes
• Orange peel for garnish

Method:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add cold brew coffee, gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange peel.

4. Cold Brew Old Fashioned

A bold, smooth take on the Old Fashioned with the rich complexity of cold brew.

Ingredients:

• 60ml Katapult Cold Brew coffee
• 30ml bourbon
• 10ml maple syrup
• 2 dashes of orange bitters
• Ice cubes
• Orange peel for garnish

Method:

1. In a mixing glass, add cold brew, bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.
2. Stir well over ice.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with an orange peel.

5. Coffee White Russian

A creamy, decadent drink perfect for those who love a smooth, dessert-like cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 30ml fresh espresso
• 30ml vodka
• 30ml coffee liqueur
• 30ml heavy cream (or oat milk for a dairy-free option)
• Ice cubes

Method:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur over the ice.
3. Gently float the cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
4. Stir lightly before sipping.

6. Mocha Mint Julep (Mocktail)

A refreshing, chocolatey coffee mocktail with a hint of mint.

Ingredients:

• 60ml Katapult Cold Brew coffee
• 15ml chocolate syrup
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves
• 10ml simple syrup
• Crushed ice
• Mint sprig for garnish

Method:

1. Muddle mint leaves with simple syrup in a glass.
2. Add crushed ice and cold brew coffee.
3. Stir in chocolate syrup.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Whether you prefer an energizing mocktail or a sophisticated cocktail, using high-quality organic coffee enhances both flavour and aroma. Try these recipes at home with freshly brewed espresso or Katapult Cold Brew from Kimberley Coffee Company, and experiment with your own variations.

Cheers to coffee in every form, from morning brews to evening toasts!