From Meehan’s Bartender Manual (Ten Speed Press, 2017), by Jim Meehan
This classic Coffee Cocktail famously contains no coffee whatsoever. It originally appeared in the 1887 cocktail book The Bar-Tenders Guide by Jerry Thomas. He wrote that the drink looks like coffee, which is probably how it got its name. Jim Meehan, proprietor of New York City bar PDT, remembers the first time he made this drink, over a decade ago. “I stood dumbfounded at the deliciousness the recipe yielded,” he says. “The surprisingly balanced cocktail was milkshake-like, with chocolate notes and dark berry fruit.”
Which Port?
Meehan recommends fruity Ports like young rubies, or Quinta do Noval Black in particular, to pair with Cognac in this drink.
“Twenty-year-old tawny Ports and tannic late bottled vintage [Ports] don’t improve the cocktail,” he says. “Reserve them to savor neat.”
Published: January 8, 2018
Ingredients
Directions
In cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients except garnish and shake well. Add ice and shake again. Fine-strain into a chilled highball glass. Garnish with nutmeg.
