No caffeine addict worth their salt would ever turn down a strong, foamy cup of mind-punching espresso. The ‘golden shot’ has been around for years but with the rise of craft-coffee-making and its associated boutiques, it has grown tremendously in popularity. However, as tastes evolve and develop, so too have the many ways in which coffee can be enjoyed. Enter Mr Black coffee liqueur, an aperitif-lover’s dream and a recent addition to the coffee-lover’s repertoire.
Mr Black Coffee Liqueur is a ‘cold-pressed’ espresso liquor made from Arabica beans sourced from various parts of the world. These beans are brought directly from the source and placed into 15 kg batches for freshness and visual attractiveness. The beans are then meticulously sorted, roasted and harvested just in time for the premium extraction process which is carried out in partnership with a local artisan roaster.
What makes Mr Black unique is not only its carefully sourced ingredients but also the process behind it. The brand’s signature extraction method combines cold-pressed technology with the traditional process of distillation. This allows for the essence of the beans to be retained, resulting in a liqueur that packs a punch, offering a full-bodied flavor with a subtle sweetness.
With that being said, let’s take a closer look at how to enjoy this popular coffee liqueur.
Straight up
For those who like their drinks bold, neat or on the rocks is the way to go. Mr Black can be enjoyed with or without ice, and it’s up to each individual to decide how much of the 53% ABV they want to take in. Serve it in a rocks glass or in a tumbler over an ice cube, but always appreciate the delicate aroma and flavor of the coffee liqueur.
Classic Coffee Cocktails
For coffee-lovers with a slightly sweeter tooth, espresso martinis, affogatos and White Russians are all delicious classic coffee-based cocktails. To make an espresso martini, simply combine one part of Mr Black and one part of your choice of vodka or gin in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake vigorously and then strain into a coupette glass or martini glass. Garnish with a coffee bean or a wedge of orange for a final flourish.
An affogato is a classic Italian classic crafted with one scoop of vanilla gelato, two ounces of Mr Black and two ounces of steamed milk. Depending on how strong and sweet you like your drink, you can adjust the ratio of Mr Black and milk to suit your taste.
Rounding out the classic coffee cocktails is the White Russian, which can be prepared in one of two ways. The classic White Russian includes a mix of two ounces of vodka and one ounce of Mr Black with one ounce of cream. If you are a fan of Bailey’s Irish Cream, then you could go with a variation on the classic using two ounces of vodka, one ounce of Mr Black and one ounce of Bailey’s.
Food Pairings
For the connoisseurs who like to sip and savor, Mr Black can be enjoyed in different ways. You can enjoy it in combination with a dessert like tiramisu or a croissant, or pour it over ice cream or gelato. Ice cream or gelato can also be blended with Mr Black to create a rich, cold and refreshing drink. Mr Black also pairs amazingly well with chocolate, either in desserts or as an accompaniment to a rich dark chocolate bar.
If you are feeling adventurous, you could also try experimenting with different types of cheese, such as brie, cheddar, or even blue cheese. The creaminess of the cheese will pair wonderfully with the intense flavor of the espresso liqueur and make for an interesting food and drink pairing.
Coffee-Cocktail Combinations
Traditional cocktails, such as martinis and Manhattans, can be taken to a whole new level with a shot of Mr Black. To make an espresso martini, simply shake one part Mr Black with one part of your choice of vodka or gin in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a coupette glass or martini glass and garnish with a coffee bean or a wedge of orange. To create a Manhattan with a twist, combine one part each of Mr Black, bourbon and dry vermouth in a shaker with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with an orange wheel.
Mixers
For those who are looking for a more refreshing and less intense way to enjoy Mr Black, mixers are a great option. Tonic, soda water, ginger beer or lemonade make for perfect accompaniments to this liqueur. Simply pour two ounces of Mr Black over two ounces of your chosen mixer and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon wheel or a coffee bean to add a little flair to the presentation.
Coffee Cigar
To take things one step further, you could even try ‘smoking’ a Mr Black-infused cigar. To make this, roll up a cigar and fill it with a shot of Mr Black. Place it on a plate and light up your cigar. As the coffee liqueur burns, it will become aromatic and you can enjoy the coffee-based smoke while you savor your cigar. The taste of coffee and tobacco is simply a match made in heaven.
Cocktail Garnishes
As with any other type of cocktail, additions such as garnishes are key to making your Mr Black-based creations look beautiful. Traditional cocktail garnishes, such as orange wheels, lemon peels and fresh herbs, can be used for this type of liqueur as well. But it is also possible to get creative, such as with a cinnamon stick or dark chocolate shavings.
Coffee-Based Mocktails
For those who don’t drink alcohol or are looking for a lighter refreshment, mocktails made with Mr Black are the perfect option. To make this non-alcoholic drink, simply combine one-part Mr Black, one-part lemon juice, one-part sugar syrup and a splash of soda water. Give your glass a good stir and enjoy the sweet and creamy beverage with a hint of espresso.
Coffee Infused with Whiskey
A unique way to experience the intensity of both coffee and whiskey is to mix the two together and enjoy a coffee-infused whiskey. All you need to do is mix two ounces of whiskey with one ounce of Mr Black. Add a few cubes of ice and stir until combined. This will provide a sweet and smoky flavor with a twist of coffee, perfect for a cozy evening in.
Coffee Hot Chocolate
For coffee-lovers who also love decadent hot chocolate, there is now a way to combine both into one amazing drink. To try this, simply place two ounces of Mr Black, one ounce of dark chocolate and two teaspoons of sugar into a saucepan over low heat. Stir until the mixture is thick and creamy and then garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Sip and enjoy!
