Spice up your cocktail game with our XOXO drink recipe! This creamy and fiery concoction features coffee liqueur, vodka, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. Garnish with a chili pepper for extra heat. Perfect for impressing your guests or spicing up your night in. Shake it up and enjoy in a cocktail glass. Get your shaker ready and try this recipe today!
XOXO Ingredients
- 1 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz heavy cream
- pinch Cayenne Pepper
- garnish Chili Pepper
XOXO Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
XOXO Recipe
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes to cool the ingredients properly
- shake till perfectly chilled
- strain into cocktail glass without ice
Recommend: serve in Cocktail glass
The conical shape of the cocktail glass brings to mind martini for most people. Cocktail glasses are for drinks with a volume of 3 to 6 ounces that are usually served "up" without ice.The XOXO Cocktail: A Classic with a Kick
If you're looking for a classic cocktail with a little bit of a kick, look no further than the XOXO. Made with coffee liqueur, vodka, heavy cream, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, this drink has been a favorite of bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts for decades. In this article, we'll explore the history and popularity of the XOXO, its ingredients and garnish, and some variations you can try at home. We'll also cover some common mistakes to avoid when making this delicious drink.
Popularity
The XOXO has been a popular cocktail for many years, with its origins dating back to the 1950s. It's famous for its rich, creamy texture and the subtle heat provided by the cayenne pepper. The XOXO is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed at any time of day, and it's often associated with romantic evenings or special occasions.
Geographically, the XOXO has been enjoyed all over the world, with variations and adaptations popping up in different regions. However, it's most commonly associated with the United States, where it has been a staple in bars and restaurants for many years.
In terms of appearance, the XOXO is typically served in a cocktail glass, with the chili pepper garnish adding a pop of color and an extra kick of heat. The drink itself is a rich, dark brown color, with a creamy texture that's sure to please.
Ingredient Roles
The XOXO is a simple drink, made with just four main ingredients: coffee liqueur, vodka, heavy cream, and cayenne pepper. Each ingredient plays a specific role in the drink, contributing to its overall flavor and texture.
The coffee liqueur is the star of the show, providing a rich, deep flavor that's both sweet and bitter. The vodka adds a bit of kick and helps to balance out the sweetness of the liqueur. The heavy cream provides a creamy texture and a sweet, rich flavor that complements the coffee liqueur. Finally, the cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat that lingers on the palate.
How to Garnish
Garnishing the XOXO is simple but effective. Start by rimming the cocktail glass with chili pepper flakes, using a bit of honey or simple syrup to help them stick. Then, simply drop a chili pepper into the glass before pouring in the cocktail. The chili pepper adds an extra kick of heat and a pop of color to the drink, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Variations
While the classic XOXO is delicious as is, there are a few variations you can try to mix things up.
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin or mocktail version of the XOXO, simply omit the vodka and replace the coffee liqueur with a non-alcoholic coffee syrup. The heavy cream and cayenne pepper can stay the same, or you can substitute with non-dairy milk and a bit of cinnamon for a vegan version.
Gluten-Free Version
The XOXO is naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten. However, if you're looking for a gluten-free vodka, try Tito's Handmade Vodka or Chopin Vodka, both of which are made in the USA.
Vegan Version
To make a vegan version of the XOXO, substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or oat milk. You can also use a non-alcoholic coffee syrup instead of the coffee liqueur.
Keto Version
If you're following a keto diet, you can still enjoy the XOXO with a few modifications. Replace the coffee liqueur with a sugar-free coffee syrup, and use heavy whipping cream instead of regular heavy cream. This will reduce the carb count while still maintaining the rich, creamy texture of the drink.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the XOXO, use a sugar-free coffee syrup and replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or skim milk. You can also reduce the amount of coffee liqueur and vodka to cut down on the alcohol content and calories.
Common Mistakes When Making
One of the most common mistakes people make when making the XOXO is using too much cayenne pepper. A little bit goes a long way, so be sure to use just a pinch to start. You can always add more if you want a stronger kick.
Another mistake is not shaking the drink enough. The XOXO should be shaken vigorously with ice to create a frothy, creamy texture. Be sure to strain out any large pieces of ingredients before serving to ensure a smooth, consistent drink.
Finally, be sure to use quality ingredients when making the XOXO. Cheap coffee liqueurs and vodka can ruin the flavor of the drink, so opt for high-quality brands like Kahlúa and Grey Goose.
In conclusion, the XOXO cocktail is a classic drink with a kick that's sure to please. Whether you're looking for a romantic drink to share with a loved one or a fun twist on a classic cocktail, the XOXO is a great choice. With a little bit of creativity and some quality ingredients, you can enjoy this delicious drink in a variety of ways.
If you are going to order XOXO in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. XOXO can be served with different ingredients in different places.
