In case you missed it, last week (September 18-23) was Negroni Week. But is it too late to participate? Never!
Last weekend, we celebrated in true Olympia Coffee fashion: by creating our own spins on the classic bitter-sweet, equal-parts cocktail. Typically a spirit-forward drink, the Negronis we crafted in our Columbia City cafe were distinctly missing the booze. Yet not missing out on deliciousness — thanks to a flavor-rich, flash-brewed coffee concentrate made with our Big Truck blend. Oh, and a few noteworthy favorites from our non-alcoholic spirits cabinet.
Our U.S. Coffee in Good Spirits Champion Sam Schroeder is off to Worlds in November, where he’ll be slinging coffee cocktails at full-proof. But for these versions, he and recipe-master extraordinaire Reyna Callejo took on the challenge of concocting the beloved Negroni without the alcohol. But how, you ask? As it turns out, the NA spirits market is in full bloom, boasting a number of incredibly tasty no-proof options. Including some that even the most liquor-loving among us have no trouble vouching for.
For these recipes, you can substitute your liquors of choice, if you like. But if the day calls for something a little less punchy (or if alcohol just isn’t your thing), check out these zero-proof recommendations:
An invigorating blend of grapefruit, orange blossom, and aromatic herbs, with a pleasantly bittersweet finish to pique your taste buds.
The original botanical non-alcoholic spirit made by Cornwall, UK-based Pentire. Distilling native plants such as rock samphire and sage along with lemon and Cornish sea salt, they've arrived at a truly compelling non-alcoholic liquor in the spirit of a briny gin.
ROOTS DIVINO ROSSO
This NA liqueur-maker returns to the "roots" of ancient herbal remedies. Using bitter orange, gentian, and wormwood, they've crafted a contemporary version of a bittersweet “rosso" aperitif.
ROOTS DIVINO BIANCO
With rosemary, thyme, and wormwood, Roots re-imagines an herbal “bianco”aperitif from Greece in this fresh, slightly-sour liqueur.
Ready to make some cocktails? Recipes below—let's go!
FLASH BREW COFFEE NEGRONI |
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You'll need: Method: In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients and add ice.
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To make the You'll need: - 20g coffee
Method: Chill in an ice bath or in the fridge overnight. Use within 3 days.
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TEA-GRONI BIANCO |
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You'll need: Method: In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients and add ice.
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To make the You'll need: - 3.5g Peach Blossom White Tea
Method: Strain both teas together into a large bowl / container. Add sugar and whisk to dissolve. |
*What? You don't have a "favorite" thickener? Have you even heard of kappa carageenan? Well good news, you can buy it in various places On The Internet. Or substitute the carageenan with agar-agar.