We brought south India closer to Kentucky, USA and vice versa, this International Coffee Day, with these two genius cocktails that will satisfy both the craving for that shot of caffeine and the thirst for a creative cocktail.

What better way to start your day than with a cup of coffee! No matter if you favour espresso, latte, or drizzled chocolate syrup, coffee drinkers are unpredictable when it comes to satiating their caffeine cravings. And in the case of cocktails, a love for spirits usually translates to drinks that are appropriate for various occasions, such as gin on a warm summer day and whisky in the winter. However, when coffee and alcohol come together, we can all agree that a well-made cocktail becomes a soothing experience.

This International Coffee Day, here are coffee-infused cocktails (made with Beam Suntory whisky and bourbon) and inspired from both South India and the USA.

KAAPI RITUALS

A year-round favourite, this one’s an Indian classic. Across South India, and even in the rest of the country, long before people took to their cappuccinos or lattes, everyone’s cup of coffee in the mornings would be a filter coffee. Made with a combination of coffee beans and chicory, this hot beverage has a distinct taste and aroma and one which is a firm favourite for many.

Ingredients:

1. 50 ml Oaksmith® Gold
2. 50 ml Coconut Milk
3. 30 ml Filter Coffee Decoction
4. 45 ml Dark Jaggery Syrup
5. Ice

Glass: Filter Coffee serviceware

Method:

Add all the ingredients together in a shaker with ice and pass the liquid between the two shakers to mix. Just as how a professional coffee maker would ‘throw’ filter kaapi between two mugs. This will bring in a nice element of theatre into your drink!

KENTUCKY COFFEE

This one is perfect for those chilly autumn nights. In addition to Maker’s Mark® and coffee, this recipe is rounded out with the sweetness and spice of crème de cocoa liqueur and homemade cinnamon simple syrup. The syrup lives up to the ‘simple’ in its name and is worth revisiting for use in other recipes. If caffeine gets you easily wired, there’s no need to deprive yourself of this cold-weather classic. Substituting your favourite decaf coffee will work just as well with this recipe.

Ingredients:

1. 1 part Maker’s Mark Bourbon
2. 3 parts hot coffee
3. 1/2 part crème de cocoa
4. 1/4 part cinnamon simple syrup
5. Top with heavy cream or whipped cream
6. Grated chocolate or cinnamon for garnish

Glass: Irish Coffee Glass

Method:

Add all ingredients to a mug or Irish Coffee Glass and stir. Top it with heavy cream or whipped cream and garnish with grated chocolate or cinnamon (or both!). To make cinnamon syrup, mix equal parts sugar and water with one broken-up cinnamon stick per half cup. Bring to a boil. Once sugar is completely melted, remove the pan from heat and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Strain out cinnamon. The syrup can be stored for up to three weeks.