At the same time that packaged beverages that blend caffeine and alcohol are either being banned by states (like Kansas banning canned drinks like Four Loko) or under stringent regulatory scrutiny, the classic after-dinner coffee drink is having a revival.
Nation's Restaurant News reports that "(restaurateurs) are refreshing the formulas and service styles of these popular and profitable after-dinner drinks."
According to the article, "liquor-laced coffees have a long history as pleasant pick-me-ups and liquid desserts sipped at the table."
Michael Smith, the chef-owner of the restaurants Michael Smith and Extra Virgin, says he's noticed an uptick in coffee-drink orders over the last three weeks, since the weather turned colder: "We don't have a specialty house coffee drink, but we make the classic drinks for customers. Coffee with brandy is very popular. Yes, we've noticed the volume has increased for those after-dinner drinks."
Cold weather definitely means more calls for hot alcoholic drinks, says Van Zarr, the bartender at Bluestem. "People like the classic drinks, like Irish coffee and hot toddies. But we have many creative bartenders and we can whip up unique hot beverages for your customers.
A signature Bluestem cocktail that's hot, but without coffee, is the Falling Leaves. Zarr says it's a combination of applejack brandy, a house-made fig-and-ginger puree and "something seasonal."
"Right now we're using a Barbados rum, made from distilled molasses, called Velvet Falernum," Zarr adds. "It has a nice, autumn, clove-y taste. After I mix the ingredients, I steam it with the espresso steamer."
(Image via Flickr: David.nikonvscanon)
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How can this be? Didn't our noble protectors in government recently ban Four Loko because the combination of alcohol and caffeine was just too dangerous to be allowed on the market? It's almost like you want me to think they were just posturing for the sake of publicity. Surely they wouldn't do that?
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