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Author:
Franco Salzillo
Holiday drinks are part of the celebration, and what’s more festive than a boozy brandy-spiked peppermint coffee? Well, the coolest thing about this drink is that you can enjoy it all year round, provided you have a peppermint candy cane around. And even if you don’t, this coffee is fantastic without it.
The thing with brandy is that it’s not that popular anymore, so if you have a bottle, what to do with it? Well, coffee, of course. And a delicious one indeed.
So, why would you top a warm cup of coffee with a crushed peppermint candy cane? Why wouldn’t you?
The sweet, peppery and aromatic candy is evocative of our fondest memories, and together with a good cup of coffee and a shot of brandy, it’s hard to beat.
You want this drink as comfy as possible, so a cup of coffee is paramount. Make a batch of freshly brewed coffee with your favorite blend and your preferred method.
Then you’ll need some brandy, and I won’t lie, you can also use rum or whiskey; any brown spirit will do. Try Irish whiskey, for example, or a lovely añejo tequila! Every spirit will give a different feel to the drink, so you can play around until you find your favorite. Brandy is hands down the most popular alternative but know there are others.
You’ll also need some cream and brown sugar and do use brown sugar; it gives the coffee a fantastic, honeyed taste. Whipped cream and cinnamon are the final touch; they’ll provide this comforting drink the holiday feel we’re looking for.
This one is not an easy call. After all, this drink is designed to trigger your fondest memories with friends and family around the fire, perhaps under the shadow of a shiny Christmas tree. So, what food would help you make the experience more realistic?
Perhaps it’s a moist slice of fruitcake, or maybe it’s a decadent chocolate cake. Ginger cookies, perhaps? It’s up to you! You get the idea, so whenever you make a round of this drink, serve it with the right food, and only you know what kind of treat we’re talking about!
Brew the coffee and sweeten it with the brown sugar. Stir until dissolved.
In a mug, add the brandy and pour the coffee. Top with the cream and garnish with the whipped cream, cinnamon and the crushed candy cane.
