Liven up cocktails with coffee

(ARA) - Getting good friends together for some good food, good times and laughter is a lot of fun during the winter months.

When it comes to celebrating with drinks, use your imagination in the kitchen and incorporate ingredients that your guests won't expect, like coffee.

"Making cocktails with coffee for your parties is a great way to take it up a notch," says Anu Apte, Seattle mixologist and owner of Rob Roy bar. "Coffee is an incredibly versatile ingredient and can be paired with a variety of liquors and mixers. I save time and add coffee flavor by using single serving packets of Starbucks VIA Ready Brew, a new instant coffee that allows you to mix it directly into your beverage."

Get creative and come up with your own coffee cocktails or try serving one of these delicious recipes at your next fete.

VIAtini

1 1/2 ounces vodka 1 1/2 ounces Starbucks VIA (prepared, cold) 3/4 ounce amaretto 1/2 ounce Irish cream

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, shake well and strain into martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Beccacino

1 ounce (30ml) bourbon, preferably Bookers 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) Benedictine 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) Irish Mist 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) amaretto 2 ounces (60ml) Starbucks VIA Italian Roast (prepared, cold) 1 teaspoon Orgeat Syrup 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy whipping cream

Stir first four ingredients together and pour into a martini glass. With a large spoon, carefully layer prepared Starbucks VIA Italian Roast over liquors. Whip Orgeat Syrup and heavy whipping cream together until slightly thickened and lines begin to form when whisk is pulled through. Gently layer on cocktail.

Colombia Coffee Fizz

1 packet Starbucks VIA Colombia (reserve a little for garnish) 1 egg white 1 ounce (30ml) heavy whipping cream 1 1/2 ounces (45ml) dark rum (Zaya Aged Rum suggested) 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) Green Chartreuse 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) simple syrup* Vanilla Dry Soda (or cream soda) 4 to 5 mint sprigs

*Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water, warm to melt into syrup.

Combine first six ingredients in a shaker and froth with a milk frother for 30 seconds. Add ice to shaker and shake well. Strain into a highball glass. Top glass off with soda, mint sprigs and reserved Starbucks VIA.

Hot Chocolate with a Kick

2 tablespoons cocoa (10 g) 2 tablespoons sugar (25 g) 1 packet Starbucks VIA 1 cup hot milk (240 ml)

Add cocoa, sugar and Starbucks VIA to a mug. Pour in hot milk and stir to dissolve.

For more delicious recipes, visit www.Starbucksvia.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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