Needing to become your own barista these days? Tired of hearing the word “alcohol” applied only to hand sanitizers? Longing to carbo-load?
Have we got some tips for you, first courtesy Jordan Karcher, founder of Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co., which we wrote about in last April’s WAG.
As we discovered then, Jordan’s entire reason for starting G & H was to spend an extra 15 minutes of his morning at home with his rescue pup, Molly, by brewing his own coffee versus going out. Doubtful he ever thought it would become an actual necessity, but here we are. Here’s his take on how to brew a good cup.
Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. can ship everything you need to keep caffeinated at home. As always, Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. will donate 20% of proceeds back to animal rescues around the country to help pupsin need. Speaking of pups in need, the company would also like to get the message out that if you’ve been thinking about fostering a pet, now is the time.
For those who need something stiffer, here are two of G & H’s alcoholic coffee drinks:
SKIP THE LINE: COLD BREW COCKTAIL
Ingredients:
2 ounces of vodka
½ ounce of coffee liqueur
½ ounce of simple syrup
1 ounce of freshly brewed cold brew, like G & H’s Sunny Spot Cold Brew Blend
Directions:
1). Combine all of your ingredients in a cocktail shaker. (Be sure to add lots of ice.)
2). Shake well for about 10 to 15 seconds.
3). Strain into a favorite glass (full of ice).
4). If desired, garnish your cocktail with a few coffee beans to add a little extra flair.
5). Sip and enjoy alone while giving a few belly rubs to your pup.
SKIP THE LINE: EASY IRISH COFFEE
Ingredients:
4 ounces of Strong Brewed Grounds & Hounds new Good Boy Blend
1 ½ ounces of Irish Whiskey (Tullamore Dew is the company’s personal choice.)
½ tablespoon of maple syrup
1 ounce of heavy cream (optional)
2 ounces of whipped cream
Nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1). Brew a strong cup of Grounds & Hounds new Good Boy, using the French Press method for a more robust and rich coffee base. (Also, the dark roast of Good Boy is designed to pair perfectly with the savory Irish Coffee ingredients.)
2). Grab your favorite mug and add 1 ounce of your favorite Irish Whiskey.
3). Then, to give a touch of sweetness to the drink, add in ½ tablespoon of maple syrup and one ounce of heavy cream.
4). Next, fill your mug with the fresh brewed Good Boy Blend coffee, stopping about 1 inch short of the cup’s brim.
5). Top off your Irish coffee with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle nutmeg to garnish.
For more, visit groundsandhoundscoffee.com.
Why not pair your java with some baked goods? The Snackery Bakeshop, a nostalgic shop specializing in homemade retro treats, as well as cakes and cupcakes, is now offering six different “care packages” to help people send a little “hug in a box” to their friends and loved ones during these challenging times of COVID-19 quarantines.
Packages include a variety of delicious items, such as retro treats (homemade takes on Moon Pies, Twinkies, Yodels and more); cookies and milk; homemade versions of Pop Tarts; breakfast treats (muffins, croissants); and deluxe cupcakes. The treats come with a personalized card. Prices for the packages range from $20 to $36, which includes free local delivery from the shop at 1985 Palmer Ave., Larchmont. The shop also offers “curbside pickups” for its cakes and many other goodies, too.
For more, visit snackerybakeshop.com.
– Georgette Gouveia
