Steeped & stirred
Caffeinated cocktails dominate fall drink menus
By Alison Bailin Batz
From espresso-kissed martinis to cold brew-infused concoctions, caffeinated cocktails are stirring up the bar scene with bold energy and sophisticated flair. These inventive drinks seamlessly blend buzz-worthy coffee and tea culture with spirited mixology for unforgettable sips.
Banana Bread Espresso Martini
Three Beans Café
A playful fusion of dessert and cocktail, this drink features Banane du Bresil liqueur to create a subtle banana flavor without being overpoweringly sweet. It is mixed with Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Italian espresso liqueur, Bailey’s Irish Cream and freshly pulled espresso, together evoking the essence of freshly baked banana bread. $19. www.instagram.com/threebeanscafe.
Carajillo De Amor Artesania
Lovecraft
A dark and delicious twist on the classic Spanish Carajillo, Lovecraft’s version combines cold brew coffee, Licor 43 herbal liqueur, orange bitters, and coconut liqueur. Finished with a crown of coconut whip and three glossy espresso beans, it resembles a midnight incantation in liquid form. $14. www.lovecraftphx.com.
Dustmoody Mistress
The Madam at The Scottsdale Resort and Spa
A cold brew beauty, the Dustmoody Mistress is a blend of Patrón Añejo Sherry Cask, hazelnut liqueur, Mr. Black Cold Brew, and fresh espresso. Served in a delicate coupe glass and topped with a silky vanilla citrus foam and three gold-dusted coffee beans, it greets all the senses with roasted coffee, bright citrus, and a whisper of chocolate spice. $17. www.thescottsdaleresort.com.
The Long Thailand
Clever Koi
This exotic reimaging of a Long Island iced tea blends Royal Standard Rum and El Destilador Tequila with a bitter, herbal digestive liqueur from the Czech Republic and George Dickel 12-year Bourbon. The spirits are smoothed out with potent Thai tea and rich coconut syrup. Served over ice in a highball glass, it arrives deep amber in color with aromas of sweet spice, toasted coconut and earthy tea. $15. www.cleverkoi.com.
The Sympathizer
Kembara at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Served tableside from a teapot, The Sympathizer enlightens senses with Akashi White Oak Whisky, caffeinated genmaicha tea, toasted rice syrup, and smoked cherrywood chips. Named after a notable Asian American Pacific Islander book, The Sympathizer thoughtfully incorporates Asian spirits and traditional ingredients with an impressive, layered flavor profile. $24. www.kembaradesertridge.com.
The Cold Brew Negroni
32 Shea
Built with The Botanist gin, sweet vermouth, Campari and a splash of housemade cold brew, this daring negroni opens with bright juniper and orange on the nose, followed by roasted espresso aromatics. The flavor is layered with the gin and Campari’s bitter sweetness up front, balanced by vermouth’s richness, smoothed by the chill of coffee. It drinks like an aperitivo with a caffeinated edge that is complex, aromatic and supremely satisfying. $14. www.32shea.com.
Café En Fuego
La Hacienda at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Made tableside and set on fire before being served, this bold beauty starts with the guest’s choice of tequila. Next, the guest chooses a secondary spirit in Bailey’s Irish Cream, Frangelico or 1921 Tequila Blanco, or multiple spirits for an enhanced fee. It is finished with coffee, cinnamon, sugar, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Starting at $20. www.scottsdaleprincess.com.