I’ve been reading about coffee lately…  I’ve started to wonder…

Is coffee a spice?  

Well, spices are produced from bark, root, buds, seeds, berry or fruit of tropical plants and trees.   So, at the surface, to me it sounds like coffee beans could definitely fall be described as a spice.  My initial googling resulted in finding out that there are mixed reviews on this subject.  

Hmmm…  Sounds like a future article opportunity….Adding it to the list…

Anyway, I read that there are quite a few spices that complement coffee.  It was not a surprise to find out that cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and ginger all complement coffee.  I was surprised, however, to learn that cumin pairs well with coffee (especially since cumin is categorized as being pungent).   Evidently, cumin adds an earthy undertone to cold coffee drinks (especially when served cold with milk).   

Here is my recipe for a really good coffee based martini.  Enjoy!

 

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Vanilla Almond Coffee Martini

Serves 2

4 oz of Vanilla Flavored Vodka

2 oz Cold Coffee (Brewed Strong)

8 oz Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

1/2 teaspoon Gypsy Sweet Spice Blend

1/8-1/4 teaspoon cumin (to taste)

2 packets Splenda

crushed ice

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker… shake well.
2. Pour into martini glasses.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

 

Blogger’s Comments:  

Gypsy Sweet Spice Blend consists of cinnamon and some other select spices.  If you want, you can substitute just cinnamon. 

To get fancy, mix Gypsy Sweet Spice Blend with Splenda and coat the rim of your martini glass.

If martini’s are too strong a beverage for you, increase the amount of coffee noted in the recipe to 8 ozs and serve in a tall glass. 

 

Taster’s Comments: 

My husband said “This is really good.  But, it’s not something that I would typically drink.  It’s too girly”… We’ll have to see what spices pair well with beer.  ha ha