Pousse CaféCocktail recipe
Rating
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Shot glass
Ingredients
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Cocktail Colin says:
The Pousse Café is a true spectacle in a glass, showcasing its vibrant layers from grenadine to floating rum, each contributing a distinct hue and flavor. The harmony between the sweet grenadine, herbal crème de menthe, citrus-infused Triple Sec, robust bourbon, and bold rum creates a complex and multifaceted taste experience, though the combination can be quite potent and sweet for some palates.
Method
How to make a Pousse Café
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- Layer the ingredients into a chilled glass, starting with the grenadine, then the Kahlúa, crème de menthe, triple sec, and bourbon
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- End with floating the rum on top, then serve
Power tips
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Find out more- Use a bar spoon to gently layer each ingredient over the back of the spoon held against the glass lip to achieve distinct layers.
- Chill each ingredient separately in the fridge before layering to maintain a good temperature and prevent mixing.
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail
· Layer ·Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Pousse Café?
The Pousse Café is a type of layered cocktail that originated in France in the late 19th century. Its name translates to 'coffee pusher', referring to its initial purpose of being consumed after coffee to 'push' or aid in the digestion process. It became popular for its visually appealing layers, each ingredient having a different density.
How do you layer the ingredients in a Pousse Café?
Layering the ingredients in a Pousse Café requires a steady hand and patience. You should start with the heaviest ingredient, which has the highest sugar content or the lowest alcohol content, and gently pour it into the shot glass. Subsequent layers are added using the back of a spoon or a pourer to gently float each ingredient on top of the previous one, minimizing mixing. The order in this recipe might start with Grenadine, followed by Crème de Menthe, Triple Sec, Coffee liqueur, Bourbon, and finally topped with Overproof rum.
Why is the Pousse Café served in a shot glass?
The Pousse Café is traditionally served in a shot glass to emphasize its layered appearance, showcasing the distinct layers of different ingredients. The small size of the glass is also suitable for the rich and flavorful ingredients, making it a perfect after-dinner drink that's meant to be sipped and savored slowly, rather than consumed in one gulp.
Is the Pousse Café a strong cocktail?
Yes, the Pousse Café can be considered a strong cocktail due to its high alcohol content ingredients like bourbon and overproof rum. However, the total alcohol content of about 25.83% is mitigated by the small total volume (48ml) and the inclusion of non-alcoholic or less alcoholic layers like Grenadine and Crème de Menthe. It's a drink where strength is balanced with flavor.
Can I customize the layers in a Pousse Café?
Absolutely! Pousse Café is known for its versatility in ingredients, allowing you to experiment with different spirits and liqueurs as long as you pay attention to their density to maintain distinct layers. Customizing the layers lets you tailor the flavor profile to your liking or create visually stunning combinations. Just remember that the key to a successful Pousse Café is the careful layering of ingredients based on their specific gravity.
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