But First, Coffee

Charity Johnston, Toca Madera | Los Angeles

But First Coffee

“I wanted to make an Espresso Martini-style cocktail but I always like to make something a little different,” explains Charity Johnston, Beverage Director of Toca Madera West Hollywood. “I wanted this cocktail to taste as if you’d just had a cold brew coffee from your favorite shop,” and opted for the Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur. “It really is like drinking cold brew, and I love that it’s caffeinated.”

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 1 1/2 ounces reposado tequila, preferably Tromba Reposado
  • 1 1/2 ounces reposado tequila, preferably Tromba Reposado
  • 1 ounce espresso, chilled
  • 1 ounce espresso, chilled
  • 3/4 ounce coffee liqueur, preferably Mr. Black
  • 3/4 ounce coffee liqueur, preferably Mr. Black
  • 1/2 ounce Coca-Cola reduction (see Editor's Note)
  • 1/2 ounce Coca-Cola reduction (see Editor's Note)

Garnish: mint sprig

Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin, and ice and shake until chilled.
  2. Strain into a Collins glass over ice.
  3. Garnish with a mint sprig and serve with a straw.
Editor's Note

Coca-Cola Reduction:
3 12-ounce bottles Mexican Coke
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
5 heavy dashes tajín

Combine ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer on low heat, about 20 minutes, until bubbling, then remove from heat. The mixture will thicken as it cools.