A Delicious Christmas Coffee Cocktail with Mezcal

Looking for the perfect Christmas coffee cocktail to serve at your holiday party? The 'Merry Christa' is a uniquely festive and absolutely divine holiday mezcal cocktail that's sure to impress your guests. This delicious espresso martini-style drink features rich coffee and hazelnut notes, making it an ideal choice for a cozy winter evening. This recipe comes courtesy of Randall from Hermes Bar, who created it for our 2023 Holiday Cocktail Competition.

Why This is a Great Holiday Mezcal Cocktail

The "Merry Christa" stands out among holiday mezcal cocktail recipes because of its surprising and complex flavor profile. Mezcal, with its smoky and earthy notes, provides a unique depth that pairs beautifully with the bitterness of coffee liqueur. The addition of nutty Nocello and a hint of rich simple syrup creates a balanced sweetness. The real star, however, is the El Guapo Spiced Cocoa Bitters, which ties everything together with warm, festive spices that evoke the comfort of a holiday dessert.

The 'Merry Christa' Holiday Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Tia Maria coffee liqueur
• .75 oz Mezcal Unión Uno
• .75 oz Nocello
• .25 oz rich simple 2:1
• 3 dashes El Guapo Spiced Cocoa Bitters

Instructions

1. In a stirring glass, combine the Tia Maria coffee liqueur, Mezcal Unión Uno, Nocello, rich simple syrup, and El Guapo Spiced Cocoa Bitters.
2. Add ice to the stirring glass and stir the mixture until it's well chilled.
3. Strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass.
4. Top the drink with the prepared whipped cream.
5. Optionally, dust with extra nutmeg for garnish.

Whipped Cream Recipe

• Equal parts simple syrup to heavy cream
• Barspoon ground hazelnut
• 3 dashes El Guapo Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters

Whipped Cream Instructions

1. In a separate shaker, combine the simple syrup, heavy cream, ground hazelnut, and El Guapo Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters.
2. Hand whip the mixture until it becomes creamy, but not quite fluffy like a cloud.
3. Layer the whipped cream on top of the cocktail just before serving.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Christmas Coffee Cocktail

• Stir, Don't Shake: This recipe is designed to be stirred. This method chills and dilutes the drink without aerating it, which gives the final product a silky, clear texture perfect for a martini glass.
• The Right Whip: Be careful not to over-whip the cream. The goal is a light, creamy texture that sits beautifully on top of the drink rather than a stiff, fluffy foam.
• Garnish with Flair: A sprinkle of nutmeg or a dusting of cocoa powder can enhance the festive aroma and visual appeal of this holiday cocktail.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes mezcal a good fit for a Christmas coffee cocktail?

The smoky, savory notes of mezcal provide an earthy counterpoint to the sweetness of the coffee and hazelnut liqueurs. This creates a complex, layered flavor profile that's perfect for a sophisticated Christmas coffee cocktail.

Can I make this holiday mezcal cocktail non-alcoholic?

While this specific recipe relies on alcoholic liqueurs, you can create a similar flavor profile using non-alcoholic coffee and hazelnut syrups in place of Tia Maria and Nocello. You could also use a zero-proof mezcal substitute for a completely alcohol-free experience.

What is a substitute for coffee liqueur in this recipe?

You can substitute Tia Maria with another coffee liqueur like Kahlúa, or for a more intense coffee flavor, you could use a high-quality coffee syrup or even a shot of cold brew concentrate, adjusting for sweetness as needed.