Cocktails
New Year's Chocolate-Orange Cognac Espresso Coupe
Shake 45 ml Cognac, 30 ml chilled espresso, 15 ml dark crème de cacao, 15 ml cream and 5 ml simple syrup with orange zest. Makes one New Year's cocktail in 8 minutes, approximately 215 kcal and 19% ABV before ice dilution.
A New Year's chocolate-orange Cognac espresso coupe is a coffee cocktail for people who prefer a little citrus with their after-dinner chocolate. Cognac supplies a warm, fruit-led brandy base; dark crème de cacao adds cocoa flavor, while a small measure of cream rounds off the espresso. The orange comes from fresh zest rather than sweet orange liqueur. This is an alcoholic, caffeinated drink for adults.
Eight minutes to assemble with espresso chilled in advance; brewing and cooling hot espresso adds 10–15 minutes.
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WHAT YOU NEED
Ingredients
METHOD
How to make it
- Prepare the espresso ahead: brew 1 fl oz (30 ml), cool it promptly and refrigerate until cold. If starting with hot espresso, allow an additional 10–15 minutes beyond the stated 8-minute assembly time.
- Chill a coupe glass. Wash the orange, grate 1/4 teaspoon zest without the white pith and, if garnishing, cut one thin strip of peel. Shave 1 teaspoon dark chocolate if using.
- Measure the Cognac, chilled espresso, dark crème de cacao, heavy cream and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Add the orange zest.
- Fill the shaker with approximately 1 cup ice cubes, seal and shake hard for 12–15 seconds. This chills the drink and builds a thin, creamy coffee foam.
- Double-strain into the chilled coupe. Let the foam settle for a few seconds; the drink should have a dark coffee body with a light tan cap.
- Optionally scatter the chocolate shavings over the foam and twist the orange peel above the glass to release its oils. Rest the peel on the rim and serve immediately.
Recipe notes
Approximately 215 kcal for the measured liquid ingredients; optional chocolate shavings add about 10–15 kcal. Approximately 19% ABV before ice dilution (45 ml Cognac at 40% plus 15 ml crème de cacao at about 20%, divided by 110 ml liquid); typically 15–16% after shaking, depending on dilution. Contains alcohol, caffeine and dairy. Cold espresso must be prepared in advance for the stated 8-minute assembly time.
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More in this article 4 sections
What does the Cognac add?
Cognac is grape-based brandy, so it brings fruit and oak notes rather than the grain and vanilla profile of bourbon. The coffee keeps the finish dry, the crème de cacao adds chocolate and the fresh orange zest supplies aroma without making the drink taste like orange juice. Unlike an egg-based flip, this coupe uses no egg. For a more classic coffee-and-bourbon combination, compare the Maple Espresso Bourbon Flip.
Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?
Yes. Use 1 fl oz (30 ml) chilled cold-brew concentrate in place of the chilled espresso. It will be a little less roasty, and the foam may be thinner. Do not use a full cup of ordinary brewed coffee: the extra water would change the strength and balance. If the liqueur is particularly sweet, reduce the simple syrup to 1/2 teaspoon and adjust the estimated calories downward.
Make-ahead notes for a New Year's gathering
You can combine the Cognac, espresso, crème de cacao, simple syrup and orange zest in a covered container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Keep the heavy cream refrigerated separately and add it to each shaker just before serving. Do not add ice to the batch; shake and strain individual cocktails so the foam stays fresh. This is a chilled, still cocktail—not a Champagne drink—and is best served immediately.
Calories, ABV and caffeine
One measured cocktail is approximately 215 kcal, estimated from 45 ml of 40% ABV Cognac, 30 ml espresso, 15 ml of roughly 20% ABV crème de cacao, 15 ml heavy cream and 5 ml simple syrup. Chocolate curls are optional and add roughly 10–15 kcal; the orange peel adds negligible energy. The liquid mixture is approximately 19% ABV before shaking (about 21 ml pure alcohol in 110 ml liquid). Melting ice typically reduces the served strength to roughly 15–16% ABV, depending on dilution. Espresso contributes caffeine; its amount depends on the beans and brewing method. These are estimates, not lab measurements. This recipe has not been physically made or tasted by the owner.
For a different midnight toast, try the New Year's Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail. At the family table, serve children a separate Christmas Peppermint Snowman Hot Chocolate with no alcohol or extracts. Browse more New Year's Eve drinks.
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