Hook Shot Café Twist

The Hook Shot Café Twist celebrates the Women’s NCAA Tournament. It blends the excitement of the women’s game with rich, strong flavors of coffee, and just a touch of sweetness. It captures the spirit of basketball—dynamic, invigorating, and distinctly American—while providing a drink that’s perfect for all the nail-biting tournament moments.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60 ml) Cold Brew Coffee: The foundation of our cocktail, offering a deep, smooth coffee flavor that’s less acidic than hot-brewed coffee.
• 1 oz (30 ml) Bourbon: Adds a distinctive American twist, with its rich and slightly sweet profile complementing the coffee beautifully.
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) Coffee Liqueur: Enhances the coffee flavor while adding a hint of sweetness. (We like Kahlúa, but use your favorite or try something new!)
• 2 Dashes of Orange Bitters: Adds complexity and a slight citrus note, reminiscent of the zest of competition.
• Orange Peel: For garnish, symbolizing the basketball.
• Fresh Cream (optional): A dollop on top for those who prefer a smoother, richer texture.

Glassware:

• Old-Fashioned Glass: Sturdy and traditional, just like the game itself.

Garnish:

• A mini basketball or hoop decoration (optional): For that extra thematic touch.
• Orange Peel: Twisted or scored to resemble a basketball.

Instructions:

1. Chill the Glass: Begin by chilling your old-fashioned glass in the freezer to keep your cocktail perfectly cool.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the cold brew coffee, bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters. Shake well to chill and combine the flavors.
3. Prepare the Glass: Remove your glass from the freezer and if desired, rub the rim with an orange peel for an aromatic hint.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into the chilled glass over a large ice cube or sphere (the ice sphere can playfully represent a basketball).
5. Garnish: Add a twist of orange peel on top to garnish. For those who like it creamy, gently pour a dollop of fresh cream over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the cocktail.
6. Add a Mini Basketball Decoration (optional): Place a small basketball or hoop decoration on the rim or beside the glass for that festive touch.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve the Hook Shot Café Twist during halftime or at the start of an exciting game. It’s a sophisticated, flavorful cocktail that celebrates both the intensity of the Women’s game and the rich, aromatic world of coffee. This drink is not just a beverage; it’s an experience, marrying the worlds of sports and gourmet coffee in a way that’s both memorable and delicious.

Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team or just enjoying the game with friends, this cocktail is sure to add an extra layer of enjoyment to your NCAA Women’s Tournament viewing experience. Cheers to great basketball and even greater coffee cocktails!