Wake The Dead Cocktail Recipe

Wake The Dead Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:17g

Alcohol %:20

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 Wake The Dead cocktail is a popular drink during the Halloween season. It's a potent mix that is sure to wake the dead, hence the name. This cocktail is perfect for those who love a strong, tequila-based drink with a hint of coffee and sweetness.

  • Who would like it?

    • If you're a fan of tequila and coffee, this is the drink for you. It's also a great choice for Halloween parties.

How Wake The Dead Tastes?

The Wake The Dead cocktail is a strong, robust drink with a rich, full-bodied flavor. The tequila provides a fiery kick, while the coffee liqueur adds a deep, earthy note. The sweetness of the simple syrup balances out the strength of the other ingredients, resulting in a complex, well-rounded taste.

Interesting facts about Wake The Dead

  • The Wake The Dead cocktail is traditionally served in a shot glass.
  • Despite its strong flavor, it's a relatively low-alcohol cocktail.
  • The cocktail is often garnished with a coffee bean, symbolizing the 'wake up' effect of the drink.

Ingredients

Tequila

With a zesty kick, our 1 oz of Tequila is the 'spirit' in this spirited concoction. Skimp on it, and you'll miss the liveliness; flood it, and you've started a party no espresso shot can handle. Want to switch? Try Mezcal for a smokier note.

Emma Rose

Coffee Liqueur

Adding 1 oz of Coffee Liqueur offers a sweet, deep coffee flavor that balances out the potent tequila. Go without, and you lose the cocktail's soul. Alternatives? Try a chocolate liqueur for a mocha twist!

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

Simple Syrup brings harmony to the ingredients with its 1 oz of sweetness. Less, and you might pucker up; more, and it's sugar rush central. Feel adventurous? Sub in a flavored syrup like vanilla or hazelnut.

Mary Mitkina

Espresso Shot

The final 1 oz is a piping hot Espresso Shot—the 'wake' in 'Wake The Dead.' No espresso equals a flat, lifeless drink. If your coffee machine has ghosted you, try a strong cold brew concentrate as a backup singer.

Emma Rose

Garnish

The single coffee bean garnish is our nod to coffee culture. It's an elegant, and simple way to hint at the robust flavors within the glass.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Wake The Dead Drink

  1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake well until chilled.
  3. Strain into a shot glass.
  4. Garnish with a coffee bean.

Pro Tips

Use a high-quality tequila for the best flavor.

  • Chill your shot glass in the freezer before serving for an extra-cold drink.

Perfect Pairings

Sweets & Desserts

  • Chocolate: The richness of dark chocolate especially complements the coffee and tequila notes.
  • Tiramisu: An Italian dessert that marries well with the coffee components.

Snacks

  • Salted Nuts: The saltiness can be a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cocktail.
  • Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses, particularly aged ones like cheddar or gouda, pairs nicely.

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What you could change in Wake The Dead

If you don't have coffee liqueur, you can use a strong brewed coffee instead.

  • Simple syrup can be replaced with agave syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Explore all drinks starting with W here

And of course - twists🍹

Mexican Chocolate Wake The Dead

  • Substitute Coffee Liqueur with Chocolate Liqueur
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon
  • Garnish with grated chocolate

In this twist, the luscious chocolate takes center stage, adding a touch of sweetness and cinnamon warms the soul, giving a Mexican hot chocolate vibe.

Vanilla Sky Wake Up Call

  • Replace Simple Syrup with Vanilla Syrup
  • Use a Vanilla Bean as garnish

Imagine a vanilla-infused dream where the aroma elevates the experience. Each sip is a sweet whisper of 'good morning.'

The Cold Brew Undertaker

  • Swap Espresso Shot with 1 oz Cold Brew Concentrate
  • Float a thin layer of cream on top

For those who like it chilled, cold brew brings a smooth character to the party, and the cream adds a luxurious texture, like a blanket over a resting soul.

In case you forgot basics how to make Wake The Dead

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Wake The Dead

Does the Wake The Dead cocktail have any variations?

Yes, some variations of the cocktail use dark rum instead of tequila or add a dash of cream for a creamier texture.

What type of Tequila is recommended for the Wake The Dead cocktail?

It is recommended to use a high-quality reposado tequila for a smoother taste.

Is the Wake The Dead cocktail suitable for non-coffee drinkers?

The cocktail does have a significant coffee component, so it may not be enjoyable for those who dislike the flavor of coffee.

How can I alter the sweetness of the Wake The Dead cocktail?

You can adjust the sweetness of the cocktail by adding or reducing the amount of Simple Syrup.

Can I make a large batch of the Wake The Dead cocktail for a party?

Yes, you can easily make a large batch. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want. However, make sure to taste and adjust the flavors as needed.

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