Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, the year-end has a special meaning nonetheless. It could be a time to rest a bit after a hectic busy year and to catch up with friends and family or to reflect on getting through the challenge that was 2023.

While there are plenty of traditional Christmas foods, Malaysia is blessed with a cultural melting pot where you can celebrate Christmas morning with roti canai and nasi lemak after a dinner with roast lamb or turkey. Whatever you’re eating, chances are that you’d be eating much more than you normally would.

Pairing coffee with a Christmas dinner can add an extra layer of flavor and warmth to the festive meal. Here are some recommended coffee pairings for typical dishes served during Christmas dinners:

  1. Roasted Turkey or Chicken:
    • A Coffee with Citrus and Floral Notes: A medium roast coffee with subtle citrus and floral notes complements the mild flavor of poultry without overpowering it. This type of coffee can balance the savory taste of the meat and enhance the herbs and spices often used in seasoning.
      Kopi Social pick: Columbia El Indio for its floral Rose and mango profile.
  2. Beef or Lamb Roasts:
    • A Coffee with Spicy or Smoky Notes: Rich meats like beef or lamb roast are well complemented by bolder, nutty profile coffee, which often has deeper, spicier, or smokier notes. These roasts can stand up to the robust flavors of the meat.
      Kopi Social pick: Indonesia Pucuk Sindoro #1 for its orange and pistachio notes
  3. Chocolate Desserts:
    • A Coffee with Chocolate and Nutty Notes: The rich and bold flavors with chocolate and nutty notes, pair excellently with chocolate desserts. The coffee can enhance the chocolate flavors while providing a pleasing contrast.
      Kopi Social pick: Ethiopia Yirgecheffee Aricha G1 for its butterscotch and sweet vanilla profile is chocolate’s best friend.
  4. Christmas Pudding and Fruit-Based Desserts:
    • A Coffee with Berry Notes: For desserts like Christmas pudding or fruit-based treats, a lighter roast coffee with berry notes can complement the sweetness and fruitiness of the dessert.
      Kopi Social pick: Ethiopia Yirgecheffee Aricha G1 for its butterscotch and sweet vanilla profile goes with any dessert or the Columbia El Indio as a black pour-over for it’s clean, bright, fruity profile.

When selecting coffee for your Christmas dinner, consider the dominant flavors of your dishes and try to either complement or pleasantly contrast these flavors with your coffee choice. Serving coffee after the meal can also be a delightful way to conclude your festive feast.

Since the New Year is around the corner, you’d be surprised that you can celebrate New Year’s Eve with coffee too! Besides your typical espresso, affogato (espresso with ice cream) and milk-based coffee drinks, here is my favorite using Frangelico hazelnut liquer.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur
  • 1 oz dark rum
  • 1 oz double-shot espresso
  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Whipped Cream (for garnish)
  • Chocolate Shavings or Cocoa Powder (for garnish)
  • Ice

Method:

  1. Prepare the Coffee: Brew your favorite coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature. A strong brew works best for a rich flavor.
  2. Mix the Cocktail:
    • In a shaker, combine the Frangelico, vodka/rum, cooled coffee, and simple syrup.
    • Add ice to the shaker.
    • Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
  3. Serve:
    • Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass or an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
    • Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
    • Sprinkle chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder over the whipped cream for an elegant and tasty finish.
  4. Enjoy: Sip and savor this indulgent blend of nutty, sweet, and coffee flavors, perfect for a sophisticated evening or a festive celebration.

This cocktail harmoniously combines the nutty sweetness of Frangelico with the rich depth of coffee, creating a luxurious and comforting drink. It’s an ideal choice for New Year’s Eve or any special occasion where you want to add a touch of elegance.

Besides Frangelico, here are some other cocktails to try:

  1. Espresso Martini:
    • Ingredients:
      • 2 oz Vodka
      • 1 oz Espresso (freshly brewed and cooled)
      • 1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlúa)
      • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
    • Method:
      • Combine vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
      • Shake well until chilled.
      • Strain into a chilled martini glass.
      • Garnish with a few coffee beans on top for an elegant look.
  2. Irish Coffee:
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 1/2 oz Irish Whiskey
      • 4 oz Hot Coffee
      • 1-2 teaspoons Brown Sugar
      • Whipped Cream for topping
    • Method:
      • Pour hot coffee into a preheated glass.
      • Add the brown sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
      • Add the Irish whiskey and stir.
      • Gently float whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
      • Serve hot.
  3. Coffee Negroni (for a twist on a classic):
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 oz Gin
      • 1 oz Campari
      • 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
      • 1/2 oz Cold Brew Coffee
    • Method:
      • Combine gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and cold brew coffee in a mixing glass filled with ice.
      • Stir well until the outside of the glass feels cold.
      • Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
      • Garnish with an orange peel.

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