Description
Enjoy a cozy and festive beverage with this Christmas Fireside Coffee recipe. Combining strong brewed coffee with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and enriched with creamy milk and a touch of vanilla, this delightful drink can be made boozy with Irish cream or bourbon for an adult twist. Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of spices, it’s perfect for warming up on a chilly winter night by the fire.
Ingredients
Scale
Coffee Base
- 2 cups brewed strong coffee or espresso
Spices and Sweeteners
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
Dairy and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or cream for a richer texture)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Alcohol (Optional)
- 1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur or bourbon
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brew the Coffee: Start by brewing 2 cups of strong coffee or espresso using your preferred method to ensure a robust flavor base for the recipe.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the brewed coffee, milk or cream, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and optional ground ginger. Stir gently as the mixture heats.
- Heat and Sweeten: Warm the mixture until it is hot but not boiling, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely and the spices to infuse into the coffee. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add Flavoring and Alcohol: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. If making the adult version, also add the Irish cream liqueur or bourbon at this stage, mixing thoroughly.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot coffee mixture into two mugs. Top each with a generous amount of whipped cream and a light dusting of ground cinnamon and nutmeg for garnish. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- Use whole milk or cream for a richer, smoother flavor.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your desired sweetness.
- The ginger is optional but adds a nice warm spice note.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the Irish cream or bourbon.
- This coffee is best enjoyed hot and fresh.
