Description
Warm up your holiday evenings with this cozy Christmas Fireside Coffee, a delightful blend of strong brewed coffee, warming spices, and optional Irish cream or bourbon for a festive touch. Perfect for sharing by the fire, this comforting drink features cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla, topped with whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Coffee Base
- 2 cups brewed strong coffee or espresso
Dairy & Sweetener
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or cream for a richer texture)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or to taste)
Spices & Flavorings
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Alcohol (Optional)
- 1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur or bourbon (optional, for an adult version)
Toppings
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brew Coffee: Prepare 2 cups of strong coffee or espresso using your preferred method to ensure a robust base for the drink.
- Mix Ingredients: In a saucepan or a large mug, combine the brewed coffee, milk or cream, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir well to blend all flavors together.
- Heat the Mixture: Warm the mixture gently over low heat on the stove until hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and infuse the spices.
- Add Alcohol (Optional): Remove from heat and stir in the Irish cream liqueur or bourbon if using, to create an adult version of this festive coffee.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the coffee into two mugs, top generously with whipped cream, and sprinkle with additional ground cinnamon and nutmeg as garnish for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Use whole milk or cream for a richer and creamier texture; non-dairy alternatives can also be used.
- The ginger is optional but adds a nice subtle warmth to the spice blend.
- Adjust the brown sugar to your preferred sweetness level.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the Irish cream or bourbon.
- Always heat gently to avoid curdling the milk or cream.
