Top 5 Trending Coffee Cocktails for the Holidays

Combining coffee and tequila can be delightful to many people as the flavors and aromas of both beverages complement each other perfectly. Here are 5 reasons why coffee and tequila make a great pair and 5 trendy and unique cocktails that showcase this powerful combination.

1. Contrasting Flavors

Coffee often has rich, bold, and bitter flavors, while tequila can have a range of tastes, including sweet, nutty, citrusy, and herbal notes. The contrast between the bitter and robust coffee and the varied flavors of Altos tequila can create a well-balanced and complex flavor profile.

2. Aroma Harmony

Both coffee and certain tequilas have aromatic qualities that complement each other. The roasted and nutty aromas of coffee can enhance the sensory experience when combined with the fruity or agave notes found in tequila.

3. Temperature Play

Coffee and tequila can be enjoyed hot or cold, providing versatility in serving. For example, a hot coffee cocktail with tequila can be comforting in colder weather, while a chilled coffee and tequila concoction can be refreshing in warmer climates. And why not, you can also enjoy a chilled cocktail in the middle of winter!

4. Cocktail Creativity

The world of cocktails allows for creative combinations, and coffee and tequila can be used in various recipes. Classic cocktails like the Mexican Coffee or Espresso Martini with tequila can showcase the synergy between the two.

5. Cultural Connections

In certain regions, especially in Mexico, there’s a cultural tradition of combining coffee and tequila. This can influence people’s perceptions of the combination, making it more accepted and enjoyable.

Experimenting with different types of coffee, tequila, and cocktail recipes can help you find the combination that suits your personal taste preferences!

The New Family Members: Altos Tequila Café Natural and Altos Tequila Cítricos

The latest crown jewels, Altos Tequila Café Natural, and Altos Tequila Cítricos (infused with coffee and natural citrus, respectively), can only be found in Mexico currently—fingers crossed they soon reach a bar near you—. However, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to share their history, particularly the one of Altos Tequila Café Natural. We are talking about tequila-and-coffee-based cocktails, after all.

Altos Café Natural and Altos Cítricos are the first tequilas to infuse natural botanicals during the second distillation. 

Once the liquid is extracted, the aromas of these natural ingredients are obtained and integrated without using any artificial flavoring or sweetener. 

That means a 100% agave tequila is extracted—dry and smooth—but with natural aromas that recall the botanical ingredients used: citrus peels such as tangerine and lime for Altos Tequila Cítricos, and coffee from Veracruz and Oaxaca, piloncillo (brown sugar), and cinnamon for Altos Tequila Café Natural.

After the first distillation of the agave’s fermented juices, the botanical ingredients previously mentioned come into contact with the liquid of the first distillation to be distilled again. The resulting tequila has the aromas of the botanicals.

But what makes these tequilas so unique? Both of them are natural! They are prepared in a complex process that results in a soft, gentle, elegant, and sophisticated tequila with incredible flavors.

Altos Tequila Café Natural – Tasting Notes 

The color of Altos Tequila Café Natural is light and bright yellow due to the natural infusion with coffee. 

The aroma of cooked agave is complemented by delicate notes of lightly roasted coffee, piloncillo, and notes of cinnamon.

Smooth agave sensation with subtle coffee notes, not overwhelming. Light notes of piloncillo and warm spices with a pleasant, smooth, and persistent finish. 

For the 5 cocktails that you’ll find below, if you are yet unable to use Altos Tequila Café Natural, you can use espresso and, of course, Altos Plata or Altos Reposado.

1. Altos Café Alteño 

By: David Ampudia

@ampudia.david 

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Altos Tequila Café Natural (or Altos Reposado)
• 1 oz espresso
• ½ oz agave syrup
• 1 oz orange blossom foam 
• lemon peel garnish
  
  *1 oz = 30 ml 
  
  

Method: 

Add Altos Tequila, espresso, and agave syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake and double strain over a chilled Coupette glass. Top with orange blossom foam. Garnish with a lemon peel.

2. Altos Café Martini 

By: Megs Miller
@megsmiller  

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz Altos Tequila Café Natural (or Altos Plata)
• ¾ oz Cocchi Americano
• 1 oz Licor 43
• 1 tsp Luxardo Maraschino 
• roasted coffee beans garnish (3)
  
  

Method:

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain over a Coupette glass. Garnish with coffee beans. 

3. Altos Café Tonic 

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz Altos Reposado 
• 1 shot of espresso or cold brew
• tonic water to top 
• orange peel for garnish 
  
  

Method:

Add the first two ingredients to a highball glass with ice. Stir and then top with tonic water. Garnish with orange peel. 

4. Altos Cold Brew Martini 

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz Altos Plata
• 2 oz cold brew
• ½ oz agave syrup
• coffee beans and/or orange-peel garnish 
  
  

Method:

Add all the ingredients to an ice-filled shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans or orange peel. 

5. Aranciata Espresso 

Ingredients:

• 6 oz San Pellegrino Aranciata soda
• 1 oz espresso
• ¼ oz agave syrup
• 1 orange slice and a cinnamon stick garnish
  
  
  

Preparation:

Mix the espresso with the agave nectar and set aside. Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice and add the soda. Slowly pour the coffee mix over the ice to form a floating layer. Garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.