A Cup of Cheer

The aroma of a fresh cup of coffee has to be one of the best simple pleasures in life. Of course, when it comes from a brand new Keurig coffee maker, it's even better - especially when Santa delivers the coolest model complete with timer function, multiple cup sizes, and a water reservoir to boot! I suppose since the machine is so high-tech I can't really refer to my coffee as a "simple pleasure" any longer, but I can learn to live with that small sacrifice.

Truthfully, this coffee maker is great for our house because it brews all kinds of hot drinks - one at a time - so Jeff and I can both have our favorites. Jeff doesn't drink coffee, so we frequently end up with a pot of tea and a pot of coffee, neither of which gets finished. Now we can have both with lots of flavors and no waste. Jeff is in love with Cafe Escapes' chai latte flavor, and I'm working my way through the various assorted coffees that came with my gift. (Santa was kind enough to provide a holiday assortment of coffee flavors including spicy eggnog, golden french toast, and gingerbread along with some more standard fare.) So far, I haven't tried one I didn't like.

The only draw back I can see to this whole thing is that I'll be drinking more coffee. Frequently I have considered a steaming cup of joe in the afternoon, but didn't want to make half a pot for only one cup. Alas, this, too, is a sacrifice I can live with. After all, a warm mug of anything is pretty tempting, especially at this time of year. Of course, the next step will be to add my next favorite beverage - booze - to the mix to make some interesting cocktails. A shot of coffee, almond, chocolate, peppermint, or butterscotch liqueur is always in order, but I'm considering something a little more interesting tonight (After all, it is Christmas break!). Here are some choices I found in a quick Google search.

Black Gold
4 oz coffee, hot
1/4 oz Triple Sec
1/4 oz Amaretto
1/4 oz Irish Cream
1/4 oz hazelnut liqueur
Dash of cinnamon Schnapps

Mix all ingredients in a mug and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream.

 

Cajun Coffee (This one is my pick for the night. What could be better than the dark taste of molasses with spicy rum and coffee?)

1 cup coffee

1 tablespoon molasses

1 shot rum

Heat the coffee and molasses until the molasses dissolves. Add a shot of rum to the mug and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream.

 

Sunshine in a Cup

1 cup hot coffee

1.5 shots coffee liqueur

1 shot orange vodka

Stir together all ingredients. Garnish with an orange slice.

 

If coffee isn't your cup of tea, try something a little more civilized!

 

Sweet Tea

1 cup orange pekoe hot tea

1 ounce amaretto

1 ounce orange liqueur

Rim a brandy snifter with sugar. Add all ingredients and stir. Garnish with a an orange twist. 

 

Melon-Lemon Tea

1 cup orange pekoe hot tea

1 ounce melon liqueur

1 ounce orange liqueur

1 lemon wedge

Combine the tea and liqueurs in a mug. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir.

 

Fireside Chat

1 cup strong orange pekoe hot tea

1.5 ounces dark rum

1.5 ounces vanilla liqueur

Stir together all ingredients in a mug and enjoy.