Kentucky Coffee Is A Bourbon Cocktail That's Perfect For Brunch

For many brunch lovers, one of the things that immediately takes a meal from simple to elevated is a boozy cocktail. Often, this takes the form of mimosas, bloody marys, or their many variations. However, those who need a bit of an eye-opener in addition to some "hair of the dog" may want to opt for another class of brunch cocktail altogether. That's Kentucky coffee, a spin on a familiar favorite that offers great flavor and the combined kick of bourbon and hot coffee. 

As the name suggests, the cocktail derives from the more-famous Irish coffee. Typical Irish coffee recipes include strong, sweetened black coffee, Irish whiskey, and cream, either in the form of a cream liqueur, whipped on top, or both. Kentucky coffee simply replaces the spirits of the Emerald Isle with those of the Bluegrass State, namely, bourbon. For those who aren't familiar, the key difference between the two types of whiskey is that grains used to distill bourbon must be at least 51% corn and must be aged for two years in a new, charred oak barrel. On the other hand, Irish whiskey usually relies on unmalted barley and is triple-distilled for its characteristic smoothness. 

Although Irish whiskey is the traditional choice in a coffee cocktail, bourbon complements coffee particularly well as a result of its common flavor and aroma profile. The corn contributes a subtle sweetness, while the charred oak barrel introduces elements of vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar.

There's no single best bourbon to use when it comes to making your Kentucky coffee. However, it's worth following general rules when mixing any spirits, such as not using the top-shelf versions. These are better savored on their own to allow drinkers to experience their carefully crafted flavor profiles without interference. And with some bourbons stretching into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars per bottle, it's important to make the most of these premium spirits.

The choice of coffee can make a significant difference, too. More robust blends generally do best when competing with the strong punch of added bourbon, while some cocktail recipes may step it up even further with the use of espresso. Also, it's worth considering the tasting notes for a given coffee, which can either complement or contrast those of your bourbon.

Although it might not be as common, coffee is among the best bourbon mixers (that aren't Coke). Notably, bourbon works with both traditional hot coffee, as is usually served with Irish coffee, but also with cold brew or iced coffee, a popular modern option. So, the next time you're dreaming of a deliciously sip-worthy coffee cocktail, don't fall back on an old familiar choice. Swap Ireland for Kentucky and enjoy a bourbon coffee with mouthwatering complementary flavors and a boozy, caffeine-infused kick.