INeedCoffee INeedCoffee
 
 

Scotch Coffee

by

Why is it that when we add whisky to coffee we use Irish whiskey, never Scotch whisky?

I discovered recently that, historically, 'Scotch Coffee' had nothing to do with whisky or coffee. Scotch Coffee was drunk in times of hardship when supplies of coffee had run out. It consisted of hot water, milk, sugar and a handful of burnt breadcrumbs. This foul concoction was "popular" from the time coffee was first introduced into the UK. The name is, obviously, derived from the supposed tight-fistedness of the Scots.

I would like to reclaim "Scotch Coffee", and the honour of the Scots. The Irish may have invented whisky (that's going to upset some people) but the Scots perfected the art of making it. Also, Scotch whisky regions are so varied that the potential exists for a unique coffee experience with every mug.

Scotch Coffee
Scotch Coffee

Scotch Coffee Ingredients

  • A mug
  • A shot of espresso
  • A shot of your favourite single malt Scotch whisky (e.g., Highland Park)
  • Sugar (if desired)
  • Milk - to steam and froth

Method

  1. Take your favourite mug and pour the shot of espresso and the shot of single malt Scotch whisky into the mug.
  2. Steam and froth the milk and pour over the coffee/whisky.
  3. Dust with your favourite topping.
  4. Enjoy.

About the Author

Steve Gaythorpe is the editor of half a dozen whisky brand web sites based in Scotland. As well as single malt Scotch whisky and coffee his favourite beverage is Chai - which is difficult to find in Scotland.

Published: July 2000, Last Modified: September 2011

Home |  Brewing Coffee |  Cafe Culture |  Coffee and Health |  Coffee Business |  Coffee Comics
Coffee Growing |  Coffee History |  Coffee People |  Coffee Travel |  Espresso
Grinding Coffee |  Recipes with Coffee |  Roasting Coffee |  Tea

Copyright © 1999-2012 INeedCoffee is a project of coffee fanatic Michael Allen Smith.