Insomniac Cocktail

Substitutes:

• Vodka: If you don't have vodka, you can use rum (either light or dark) for a different flavor profile. You can also try it with bourbon, which adds an excellent depth to the drink.
• Coffee Liqueur: If you're out of coffee liqueur, try using a shot of cold brew concentrate mixed with a bit of sugar or simple syrup to mimic the sweetness and coffee flavor. You could also substitute it with extra hazelnut liqueur or with chocolate liqueur for a different twist on this cocktail.
• Hazelnut Liqueur: Although we generally recommend using Frangelico in recipes calling for hazelnut liqueur, any brand of your liking can be used to prepare this cocktail. If hazelnut liqueur is not available, you can substitute it with amaretto for a similar nutty flavor profile.
• Espresso: Strong brewed coffee can replace espresso if you don't have an espresso machine. Just make sure it's fresh and hot.
• Half-and-half or simple cream: You can also use milk for a lighter version. If you are on a vegan or lactose-free diet, you can of course use plant-based milk or cream to prepare this cocktail.
• Chocolate Bitters: Angostura bitters work fine if you don’t have chocolate bitters on hand.

Making a Pitcher of Insomniac Cocktail:

• Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 6 oz of vodka, 6 oz of coffee liqueur, 6 oz of hazelnut liqueur, 6 oz of freshly brewed espresso, 6 oz of half-and-half or simple cream, and 16 dashes of chocolate bitters.
• Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher, add ice, and stir well.
• Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into chilled coupe or Martini glasses, and garnish each drink with a few coffee beans. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep them in the fridge (make sure no ice cubes are left inside) in an airtight container.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

• Vodka Substitute: You can simply leave it out or use a non-alcoholic vodka substitute.
• Coffee Liqueur Substitute: Opt for a coffee-flavored syrup or make your own by mixing strong cold brew concentrate with sugar.
• Hazelnut Liqueur: You can use hazelnut syrup as a substitute for the liqueur.
• Chocolate Bitters: You can add a drop of cinnamon and/or clove essence to your drink to mimic the spicy kick of the bitters. Also, note that a few dashes of bitter in an otherwise alcohol-free drink won’t raise the overall ABV of the drink: the drink will indeed chemically contain a drop of alcohol, but won’t make you intoxicated at all. Depending on your reason for not drinking alcohol and your degree of tolerance on the topic, you can choose to omit the bitters or include them in your preparation.
• Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

• Ensure Ingredients Are Vegan: Most vodkas are vegan, but double-check your brand. Kahlúa is not vegan for coffee liqueur due to its sugar processing methods, so opt for a vegan-friendly brand like Tía Maria or Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur.
• Simple Cream or Half-and-half: Use plant-based milk and/or cream as a substitute; almond and coconut are usually a good match, but feel free to experiment and use your favorite kind!