Not the usual sweet Vermouth

In this article you will discover a delightful marriage between the rich, roasted depth of coffee and the herbal, bittersweet quality of vermouth, perfect for creating complex cocktails like Negronis, Manhattans, or simply adding a twist to a classic spritz. Here’s how to make your own coffee bean-infused sweet vermouth and a few ideas on how to use it.

Why Coffee Bean-Infused Sweet Vermouth?

The magic of infusing sweet vermouth with coffee beans lies in the balance of flavors. Vermouth, a fortified wine infused with herbs and botanicals, provides a nuanced base that’s both sweet and slightly bitter. When paired with coffee, it gains an added layer of warmth and complexity, as coffee beans impart subtle chocolate, nutty, and sometimes floral notes. The result is a dynamic ingredient that’s equally suited to complex cocktails or simple aperitifs.

Choosing the Right Coffee Beans for Sweet Vermouth Infusion:

As said, infusing sweet vermouth with coffee can create a rich and aromatic flavor profile, perfect for cocktails like Negronis or Manhattans. However, the type of coffee beans you use can significantly impact the outcome. Here's a guide to selecting the ideal coffee beans for this infusion:

1. Opt for Medium to Dark Roasts

Medium and dark roast coffee beans bring out deep, robust flavors like chocolate, caramel, and nuts, which complement the herbal and sweet notes of vermouth. Lighter roasts, while bright and fruity, may clash with the vermouth’s complexity.

2. Choose Single-Origin Beans

Single-origin coffee beans from regions like Colombia, Brazil, or Ethiopia are ideal, as they often have well-defined flavor notes. Colombian beans, for instance, offer nutty and chocolatey tones, while Brazilian beans add a mellow sweetness.

3. Look for Low-Acidity Beans

Since sweet vermouth already has a tangy and bittersweet profile, it’s best to use coffee beans with low acidity. Beans from regions like Sumatra are known for their smooth, earthy characteristics that harmonize well with vermouth.

4. Freshness Matters

Use freshly roasted coffee beans to ensure maximum flavor and aroma. Stale or overly oxidized beans may result in a flat or bitter infusion.

5. Avoid Flavored Coffee

Stick to unflavored beans to let the natural characteristics of the coffee and vermouth shine. Flavored beans can introduce artificial or overpowering tastes that may disrupt the balance.

Tips for Experimenting with Infusions:

Once you’re comfortable with the basic recipe, try experimenting by adding other ingredients to your infusion. Consider orange peels, cinnamon sticks, or vanilla beans for extra complexity. Additionally, the type of coffee you use can make a big difference; experiment with different roasts and origins to see how they change the flavor profile of your vermouth.

Final Thoughts:

Crafting coffee bean-infused sweet vermouth at home is a fun, simple way to elevate your cocktail game. This infusion can breathe new life into familiar drinks, offering a unique taste that’s sure to impress. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a versatile ingredient that bridges the gap between coffee and cocktails—a rich, bittersweet addition to your bar collection.

How to prepare the coffe infused sweet Vermouth:

Flavour profile:

Spiced, nutty, bittersweet

Tools:

Mortar & pestle

Liter glass jar

Double strainer

Ingredients:

3 & 1/3 oz (100ml)

10g Coffee beans

Procedure:

1. Using a mortar and pestle, gently crush the coffee beans to increase their surface area for better contact.

2. Combine the ingredients in the specified proportions in a sterilized glass jar.

3. Seal the jar, shake it well, and let it infuse at room temperature in a dark, dry place for 24 hours.

4. Once infused, strain the mixture thoroughly.

5. Transfer the strained liquid to a bottle and store it in the refrigerator.

Shelf life:

1 Week

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