Hot coffee is spiced up with some cinnamon whipped cream and given a whisky kick. This Winter Warm-Up is the perfect Winter Bourbon Cocktail!
We woke up yesterday morning to the sounds of the Bliss Kids screaming "It's snowing! SNOW! OMG SNOW!!!!" Then we quickly all bundled into our snow gear and headed outside before it melted.
Except, it didn't melt. It stuck! And then, it snowed some more! It snowed enough for snowball fights and sledding down our hilly street. It was a Last Day of Winter Break miracle!
In honor of our little temporary winter wonderland, I've got a winter bourbon cocktail that can warm up (grown-up) frozen fingers and toes.
What is the difference between this and Irish Coffee?
Some people call this an Irish Coffee, but technically Irish Coffees must have Irish Whiskey such as Jameson, Bushmills, or Michael Collins, in them. Of the many whisky options in my bar, I don't have any Irish Whiskey at the moment. For this, I used Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey. Therefore, this hot coffee cocktail goes by a different name, one more appropriate for its purpose, I think! :)
What kind of coffee to include in this cocktail?
You'll want to start with a coffee that is medium- or full-bodied, dark roasted coffee. A light-bodied coffee like a Blonde roasted style coffee will be too light, too weak to hold the bold flavor of the whisky.
However, a medium- to full-bodied coffee will stand up nicely to the richness of the whisky.
Don't forget the whipped cream!
You can make your own whipped cream by whipping together heavy cream and sugar. If you do this, I suggest sprinkling in just a dash of cinnamon in the cream if you'd like to add even more flavor to the whipping cream.
The cinnamon stick is more than just decorative, too. I like to use a cinnamon stick to stir the bourbon and coffee combo for a bit. This is so the flavors of the whisky and coffee blend together nicely. And also, to add just a touch of cinnamon to the liquid itself.
I am a big fan of cinnamon, though. You could skip that part and use a regular spoon or cocktail stirrer if you wish.
More Cocktail Recipes
Bourbon and Bitters Cocktail: Old Man River
Bourbon Renewal Cocktail
Rosemary Citrus Old Fashioned
Classic Moscow Mule Recipe
Winter Bourbon Cocktail: The Winter Warm-Up
Ingredients
- 8-10 oz hot coffee
- 1-2 oz whisky
- whipped cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup confectioner's sugar
- ground cinnamon
- optional: cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Make the whipping cream: in a stand mixer with a whip attachment, mix whipping cream and sugar on high for several minutes until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Pour hot coffee into a mug with whisky. Start with 1 oz whisky, then add another ounce if you feel you need/want more.
- Stir with a cinnamon stick to give the liquid just a hint of cinnamon; set cinnamon stick aside.
- Top with whipped cream.
- Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
- Garnish with cinnamon stick.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
What's your favorite hot cocktail (or mocktail)?
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Tami Villa - Hunterly Travels says
This looks absolutely delicious - I'm off to make one right now! Thanks for sharing!
Denay DeGuzman says
Ahhh...It's raining outside and your Winter Warm-up has put me in the mood for a comforting hot beverage! I especially enjoy those that have a little whipped cream on top. Thanks so much for sharing your cocktail bliss. It's fun to get a sneak peek at how others are enjoying this wonderful winter season.
Michele Francisco says
I too am loving your snowy backdrop! Sounds like a delicious drink!
The Southern Thing says
I could so use this right now. It looks so good!
KatyRose says
You had me at the word whiskey! This looks so delicious. - Katy
Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman says
Looks so cozy, Marlynn! Since you're using the Pendleton Whisky, maybe you should call it a Midnight Giddy-up? (Yes... No...?!?)
Erin says
My kids would be so jealous of your winter break miracle!!! This drink is absolutely perfect for a winter warm-up! Love the idea of cinnamon stick as a stirrer. YUM.