A hot and creamy combo of liqueurs and brandy, the Coffee Nudge will quickly convince you of its deliciousness.
Occasionally, we get heat waves here in Los Angeles. While we can cool ourselves off during those dog days with some cold, refreshing cocktails and beverages, the hot temps will sometimes make me pine for a few snow flurries, followed by a brisk, refreshingly biting wind. We don’t get much snow around here, except in the mountains, but we do have cold nights that call for a fireplace and a warm mug of something relaxing.
Tonight’s drink is the perfect companion for a chilly eve. The Coffee Nudge is a flavorful, creamy and strong concoction that conjures up images of snowbound cottages or socializing with some snow bunnies in the ski lodge after a long day on the slopes. But it doesn’t have to be cold outside to enjoy this coffee cocktail, and it even has its roots here in Southern California.
First served in the late 1960s at Bully’s Prime Rib in Del Mar, California, this recipe was originally referred to as “George’s Coffee”, after its inventor, bartender George Bullington. As its popularity grew, legend tells of a customer who nicknamed the drink the Keoke Coffee, which is said to be Hawaiian for “George”. Over time, George’s Coffee began to be called the Coffee Nudge, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. How that came about has been lost to time, seemingly.
Lucky for us, the recipe hasn’t.
What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Coffee Nudge?
While some other coffee mixtures will use a spirit like vodka or whiskey, the Coffee Nudge opts for a fruity and oak-aged brandy. Christian Brothers, Rémy Martin, Paul Masson and E&J are all well-known and easy to find when out shopping. For the crème de cacao, you can go with DeKuyper, Bols or Tempus Fugit. And while there are plenty of excellent coffee liqueurs you can select, give our homemade recipe a try.
Ingredients
- 3/4 ounce coffee liqueur
- 3/4 ounce crème de cacao
- 1/2 ounce brandy
- 6 ounces hot brewed coffee
- 1 ounce whipped cream for garnish
- Chocolate sprinkles for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat a coffee mug by rinsing it with hot water and then emptying it. Pour the coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, and brandy into the prewarmed mug.
- Slowly fill the mug with hot brewed coffee. Stir lightly.
- Gently top with a dollop of whipped cream and a light scattering of chocolate sprinkles.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
Pick your favorite coffee mug to enjoy your Nudge out of, and once it’s poured and ready, garnish with some fresh whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.
CAN YOU STORE THE COFFEE NUDGE?
If you’re planning on making a cold version of this recipe, combine the ingredients together, stirring gently and chill in your fridge for a few hours. Pour over ice and garnish with whipped cream and sprinkles.
HOW MANY CALORIES ARE IN A COFFEE NUDGE?
This is an indulgent tipple, with each mug you drink being around 254 calories.
WHAT IS THE BEST COFFEE TO BREW FOR A COFFEE NUDGE?
Your favorite coffee is the best coffee. I’m a big fan of Nespresso, as well as Jones, Bones and Peet’s, with my preference being light or medium roasts as they tend to be a bit stronger in the caffeine department, along with a brighter, fruity flavor profile.
Other Coffee Cocktails Worth Trying
The java is brewed and piping hot, ready to pour and mix with some of your favorite spirits and liqueurs. Do you have a favorite version of this kind of drink? Or are you new to the beautifully bitter joys of a boozy cuppa joe? Either way, Twist & Toast has a fine collection of cocktail recipes to get you started, whether you’re a newbie or a well-traveled armchair expert.
- Irish Coffee – A strong, hot and sweetly potent classic.
- Carajillo – Espresso and Licor 43 make this beverage an eye-opener.
- Revolver – Take aim with this coffee liqueur and bourbon elixir.
- Nutty Irishman – Elevate your Irish Coffee with the addition of hazelnut liqueur.
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