We need better brunch cocktails. I think I found a perfect one.
Because for the love of God bring me something with caffeine and get these mimosas out my face.
There are many of you who have never met me. Hopefully, one day, we’ll change that. But for those who truly know me, you know my feelings about brunch.
I hate brunch.
Okay, that’s too strong. I actually love that sacred time of the day where decadent breakfast meals can be paired with boozy beverages, but for a period of my life I definitely felt brunch had become bastardized and more of a chore.
My personal opinion is that brunch should never be hard. It should be fun and easy going, not something that requires a dress code (if I see too many dudes wearing brunch boots, I’m out) and the logistical planning of a bridal shower or a fantasy football draft.
And the option of coffee and coffee-like beverages should always be present.
Seriously, if I go to a restaurant for brunch and they don’t have quality coffee and good latte options, I get offended. No sir or madam, I don’t want bottomless mimosas with some low-grade champagne and various juices from fruits that aren’t in season. All of the bubbles and will just make me have to use the restroom more than necessary.
Seriously, can a brother just get a caffeinated boozy beverage to sip on while devouring some challah bread French toast, cheddar cheese grits, millionaire’s bacon and some poached eggs?
Truth is, I watch YouTube a lot more than I do actual television. I watch condensed basketball and soccer matches that I couldn’t get to the night before, I watch funny videos from RDCWorld on anime and video games and I pour over cooking clips from Bon Appetit for means to try at home.
And then I watch How To Drink with Greg.
I recommend him to anyone trying to learn more about making cocktails, but it was his shilling of a cold brew coffee liqueur that peaked my interest.
Mr. Black is a cold brew coffee liqueur made from a bittersweet blend of cold brewed specialty Arabica coffee and Australian Vodka. It will run you about $25 and is 25% alcohol by volume or 50 proof.
While Greg and Mr. Black both suggest a variety of drinks to try out using their stuff, I landed on a slightly elevated version of their “Cold Brew Old Fashioned” that has officially become my go-to beverage for the weekends when shrimp and grits are on the menu.
Recipe: Cold Brew Old Fashioned 2.0
Serve: Old fashioned glass
Garnish: Orange wedge
Ingredients:
1.5 oz — Mr. Black
1 oz — Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey
4 dashes — Orange Bitters
Make: Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice, stir and strain into an ice-filled glass. (I’d recommend using a big cube block or sphere) Garnish with an orange twist or wedge.
It’s undeniably good coffee but with the proper punch from the rye whiskey while the bitters help amplify those bitter, floral and nutty notes that good coffee provides. After two of these, you’ll be sufficiently caffeinated while feeling fine with a belly full of French toast, French omelette and croissants.
Did you make this? Yes? Let us know what you think. Did you not like it? Oh. Please don’t let us know what you think. Thanks!