You're unwinding after a long week. That morning cup, followed by another and then yet another, has walked you through your day. Now, as the evening sets in, you're craving your cold brew—but tonight, you're in the mood for something different that blends the bold flavors of your favorite brew with a touch of adventure. 

Don’t worry, I’ve got you!  We're squeezing in one last burst of summer coffee drink creativity with some coffee cocktails and refreshing drinks that will keep the vibe going.

Try these recipes with this Seasonal Summer Blend - Dark Roast and tell me it didn't taste wonderful!

The Rise of Coffee Cocktails

We love a classic cup of joe, no doubt, but it's a thrill to go beyond the boundaries of how we enjoy our coffee. Today, mixologists and coffee enthusiasts are taking things to the next level, creating sophisticated cocktails that showcase high-quality beans' rich, complex flavors. 

These coffee innovations add a touch of adventure to our coffee-drinking experience and allow us to savor coffee in exciting ways that suit any moment throughout the day.  

Summer Coffee Cocktails to Try

Here are three coffee cocktail recipes that will help you dive into this delicious trend:

1. Cold Brew Martini

It's hard to talk about summer coffee cocktails without mentioning the Cold Brew Martini! This smooth and bold twist on the classic espresso martini is rich and delicious, making it the perfect evening treat.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz cold brew coffee (try this recipe to make cold brew)
• 2 oz coffee liqueur
• 2 oz vodka
• Ice
• Sweetener (optional)
• Coffee beans for garnish 

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add cold brew coffee, coffee liqueur, and vodka.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a martini glass. You can garnish with coffee beans for an elegant touch.

2. Iced Coffee Mojito

For our non-alcoholic friends, the Iced Coffee Mojito is for you! It offers the perfect balance of flavors, bringing minty freshness to your coffee routine. It's slightly sweet, cool, and perfect for those hot summer days.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz freshly brewed coffee (use any method: Pour-over, French press, or Aeropress)
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 2 oz sparkling water
• Fresh mint leaves (be generous. The more, the better!)
• Lime wedges (feel free to swap in lemon or orange)
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint leaves and a lime wedge at the bottom of a glass.
2. Add ice, brewed coffee, and simple syrup.
3. Top with sparkling water and stir.
4. Garnish with more mint leaves and a slice of lime.

3. Café Vino

This Café Vino cocktail perfectly balances a glass of wine and a cup of coffee. It offers a smooth yet rich blend of surprising and delightful flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Port wine
• 2 oz brewed black coffee, chilled (pour-over or cold brew)
• ½ oz sugar syrup (optional, for a sweeter taste)
• A pinch of cinnamon powder

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Port wine and iced coffee (chilled black coffee).
3. Add sugar syrup (optional) and stir.
4. Garnish with a pinch of cinnamon for aroma and flavor.

4. Irish Coffee

This classic Irish Coffee is a warm and comforting cocktail that perfectly blends the bold flavor of coffee with the smooth richness of Irish whiskey, topped with a sweet layer of whipped cream. It's a simple yet delightful way to end your evening, especially after a hearty meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz Irish whiskey
• 1 tsp brown sugar (or white sugar)
• 6 oz hot brewed coffee (Solai Coffee Dark Roast works beautifully)
• Lightly whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Fill your coffee glass with hot water. Let it sit for a minute, then empty the glass.
2. Add the brown sugar to the glass and pour the hot brewed coffee.
3. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then pour in the Irish whiskey and stir gently.
4. Top the drink with a layer of lightly whipped cream. To do this, pour the cream slowly over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the coffee.
5. Serve and enjoy by sipping the coffee through the cream for that rich, velvety experience.

Sustainability in Coffee Innovations

As a farm-direct coffee company, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Solai Coffee. We believe that coffee innovations can inspire more than just memorable moments—they can encourage a more eco-conscious lifestyle. 

So, as you experiment with these exciting coffee cocktails, here are a few ways to make your creations even more sustainable:

• Use reusable straws and cups to reduce waste while enjoying your drinks.
• Opt for organic, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, supporting local farmers and enjoying fresher flavors.
• Compost your coffee grounds and use them in your garden. Coffee grounds enrich the soil and help reduce waste at home.

There's no need to wait for the weekend to get creative with your coffee. Whether sipping a Cold Brew Martini at a summer party or enjoying Irish Coffee at a dinner party, these coffee drinks elevate every occasion.

Ready to experience the bold, adventurous side of coffee? 

Visit our online store for freshly roasted beans, coffee accessories, and more.

Remember to share your creations with us on social media and tell us how you enjoyed them.

Cheers to a summer full of flavor!