Swedish Coffee Cocktail Recipe

Swedish Coffee Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:5g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:18g

Alcohol:10%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Swedish Coffee cocktail is a delightful twist on the classic Irish Coffee, incorporating Swedish Punsch, a traditional liqueur made from arrack, sugar, and spices. This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate the warmth and depth of a good coffee drink with a Scandinavian touch. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century and has since become a popular choice for coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

How Swedish Coffee Tastes?

The Swedish Coffee cocktail offers a rich, warm, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The combination of strong coffee, Swedish Punsch, and whipped cream creates a smooth and velvety texture, while the addition of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a hint of spice. The overall taste is well-balanced, with the bitterness of the coffee complementing the sweetness of the liqueur and spices.

Interesting facts about Swedish Coffee

  • Swedish Punsch is a traditional Scandinavian liqueur that dates back to the 18th century.
  • The Swedish Coffee cocktail is a variation of the classic Irish Coffee, which was invented in the 1940s.
  • This cocktail is often enjoyed as a warming after-dinner drink, perfect for sipping by the fire on a cold winter's night.

Ingredients

Hot coffee

Coffee is the backbone of this drink providing a rich and bitter base that balances the sweetness of the punch. 6 oz is the right amount to fill a standard mug while leaving room for the punsch and whipped cream. Without coffee, it wouldn't be a coffee cocktail! If coffee is too strong, try a milder roast.

Mary Mitkina

Swedish Punsch

Swedish Punsch, with its sweet and slightly botanical flavors, adds complexity to the cocktail. 1.5 oz is the sweet spot—literally! If you pour more, it can overpower the coffee; too little, and you'll miss its character. No Punsch? Try a bit of rum mixed with simple syrup as a substitute, although it’s less nuanced.

Alex Green

Whipped cream

A dollop of whipped cream provides a creamy texture and mellows the intensity of the drink. It acts as a barrier between the hot liquid and your senses - kind of a fluffy safety net. Without it, the cocktail is less indulgent. You could swap for foam milk, but you'll lose some creaminess.

Emma Rose

Cinnamon

Cinnamon offers a warm, sweet spice that is quite comforting in hot drinks. A pinch is just enough to tickle your senses without turning the drink into a cinnamon challenge. Forgetting it is like missing a hug from an old friend. Cardamom could be an alternative, adding a different but equally compelling spiciness.

Mary Mitkina

Nutmeg

Nutmeg’s earthy sweetness and warmth complement the cinnamon and add depth. Again, just a pinch is necessary as nutmeg can be quite potent—think of it as a flavor-enhancing ninja. Omitting it wouldn't be disastrous, but why miss out on an extra layer of flavor? Grated fresh, it’s the best, but the pre-ground spice will do the trick.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Swedish Coffee Drink

  1. Preheat a heatproof glass or mug by filling it with hot water and letting it sit for a minute. Then, empty the glass.
  2. Pour the hot coffee into the preheated glass.
  3. Add the Swedish Punsch and stir gently to combine.
  4. Carefully float the whipped cream on top of the coffee mixture.
  5. Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg over the whipped cream.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • Preheat your glass: This will keep your coffee hot for longer.
  • Use freshly whipped cream: It will float better on the coffee.
  • Grate your own spices: Freshly grated cinnamon and nutmeg will give a stronger flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Desserts

  • Chocolate Cake: The rich flavor of chocolate pairs nicely with the robust coffee and the sweetness of the Swedish Punsch.
  • Almond Biscotti: Perfect for dipping, they complement this drink's warm, spiced notes.

Pastries

  • Cinnamon Rolls: Their sweet, spicy profile is a match made in heaven with the sprinkled cinnamon on top of the cocktail.
  • Apple Pie: A classic pie with a warm filling pairs delightfully with the nuances of the nutmeg.

Cheese

  • Aged Cheddar: The sharpness of the cheese contrasts and accentuates the cocktail's sweetness and spice.

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What you could change in Swedish Coffee

  • Swedish Punsch: Can be replaced with any other sweet liqueur, like Amaretto or Kahlua.
  • Whipped cream: Can be substituted with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
  • Coffee: If you prefer a milder taste, you can use a lighter roast coffee.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Swedish Coffee - Vanilla Twist

  • Hot coffee:6 oz
  • Swedish Punsch:1 oz
  • Vanilla-flavored vodka:0.5 oz
  • Whipped cream:1 dollop
  • Vanilla sugar:1 pinch

Vanilla further softens the edges of the coffee and Punsch. Replace 0.5 oz of Punsch with vanilla-flavored vodka, and sprinkle the top with vanilla sugar instead of spices. The result? A smoother, sweeter, and more fragrant indulgence.

Swedish Coffee - Mocha Delight

  • Hot coffee:6 oz
  • Swedish Punsch:1 oz
  • Chocolate liqueur:0.5 oz
  • Whipped cream:1 dollop
  • Cocoa powder:1 pinch

Add chocolatey goodness for a mocha twist. Replace 0.5 oz of Punsch with chocolate liqueur, and dust with cocoa powder. It's like a cozy hug for your taste buds, marrying the warmth of coffee with the decadence of chocolate.

Swedish Coffee - Spiced Orange

  • Hot coffee: 6 oz
  • Swedish Punsch:1 oz
  • Orange liqueur:0.5 oz
  • Whipped cream: 1 dollop
  • Orange zest:1 pinch
  • Clove: 1 pinch ground

Incorporate zesty citrus and a hint of clove for a festive variation. Replace 0.5 oz of Punsch with orange liqueur and garnish with orange zest and ground clove. This twist brings a bright and aromatic flair that's sure to enliven any cold evening.

In case you forgot basics how to make Swedish Coffee

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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Frequently Asked Questions on Swedish Coffee

What does 'arrack' mean in the context of Swedish Punsch?

Arrack, also known as arak, is a distilled alcoholic drink typically produced in South Asia and Southeast Asia. In terms of Swedish Punsch, it typically refers to a type of arrack made from fermented sugarcane and red rice.

What's the best time to drink a Swedish Coffee cocktail?

While this cocktail is perfect as an after-dinner drink, it can be enjoyed at any time. Its warming characteristics make it a good choice for colder days and nights.

Can I use regular cream instead of whipped cream for the Swedish Coffee cocktail?

Whipped cream is preferred as it floats on top, creating a beautiful presentation and different layers of texture. However, regular cream can be used as a last resort.

How important is the quality of the coffee in a Swedish Coffee cocktail?

The quality of the coffee plays a significant role in the final taste of the cocktail. It is therefore recommended to use a high-quality coffee of your preference.

Is there a specific type of glass or mug that should be used for serving Swedish Coffee?

While the recipe suggests a heatproof glass or mug, any glassware that can withstand hot liquids and is large enough to hold the cocktail can be used.

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