Refresh yourself with this quick Shaft Cocktail recipe! Blend vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and espresso for a perfect winter drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 234
Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Irish Cream
- ¾ oz Coffee Liqueur
- 2 oz cold brew coffee or an Espresso shot
- Ice cubes
Equipment
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Straw
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
- Add Coffee: Pour 2 oz cold brew coffee or an Espresso shot into the shaker.
- Add Coffee Liqueur: Add ¾ oz Coffee Liqueur.
- Add Vodka: Measure and pour 1 oz Vodka into the shaker as well.
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it, and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
- Strain: Discard the ice in the Old Fashioned glass and refill it with fresh, new ice cubes. Then, use the cocktail strainer to strain the drink into the ice-filled glass. Add a straw or cocktail stirrer.
- Add Irish Cream: Measure and gently pour 1 oz Irish Cream on top of the drink to create a “float” effect. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Vodka: If you don't have vodka, you can use rum (either light, dark, or even spiced) for a different but still delicious flavor. Although it will change the original flavor quite a bit, bourbon also works well in this drink.
- Coffee Liqueur: Kahlua is a popular choice, but any coffee liqueur will work. If you don’t have any coffee liqueur on hand, you can use coffee syrup as an alternative.
- Irish Cream: Baileys is the go-to, but many other brands are available. If you cannot find any Irish cream at all or are looking for a vegan alternative, almond milk creamer is a great non-dairy option.
- Espresso or cold brew coffee: Strong-brewed coffee works well if you don’t have access to an espresso machine. Instant espresso powder mixed with hot water can also be a quick substitute, although it will certainly alter the final flavor of the cocktail.
Making a Pitcher of Shaft Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of vodka, 6 oz of coffee liqueur, 8 oz of Irish cream, and 8 espresso shots or 8 oz of cold brew coffee.
- Mix: Combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and coffee in a large pitcher. Add ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice and serve immediately into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses. 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 Vegan:
- Irish Cream Substitute: Use a vegan Irish cream alternative like Baileys Almande, or make your own using almond milk creamer mixed with cocoa powder and sweetener.
- Coffee Liqueur: Be careful while selecting your coffee liqueur as some brands such as Kahlúa are not vegan-friendly. Always check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their products are vegan.
- Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these vegan substitutes to enjoy a vegan version of the Shaft Cocktail.
What is a Shaft Cocktail?
A Shaft Cocktail is a cocktail made of vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and espresso or cold brew coffee. It’s easy to make because it involves simple mixing steps and readily available ingredients. This Cocktail is known for its bold and energizing flavor profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy coffee-infused drinks.
What is a Shaft Cocktail made of – The ingredients
To make a Shaft Cocktail, gather these ingredients:
- Vodka: Provides the base spirit and adds an alcoholic kick to the drink without overpowering the coffee & Irish cream flavors. .
- Coffee Liqueur: Adds sweetness and a rich coffee flavor.
- Irish Cream: Contributes creaminess and a hint of chocolate and vanilla.
- Espresso or Cold Brew Coffee: Infuses the drink with a strong, bold coffee taste.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the drink and slightly dilutes it for balance.
