Distilled: Brunette Clear puts new twist on coffee liqueur

New launch in focus: Brunette Clear Coffee Liqueur

Bordeaux Distilling Co has claimed a 'world first' with the launch of its Brunette Clear organic transparent coffee liqueur, helping to tackle waste in the coffee industry.

Brunette Clear Coffee Liqueur (Alc 22%, £30.75/70cl The Whisky Exchange) is made from a base of organic French wheat and uses two by-products of the coffee-making process: cascara (the de-pulped coffee cherry) and coffee blossom.

These are macerated in wheat spirit for two weeks, before being distilled.

They are then blended with a third distillate created from the filtration process of the company’s Brunette Organic Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur.

How it tastes

Lower in sugar than conventional coffee liqueurs, Brunette Clear is light enough to sip as a digestif, with a combination of dried fruit and floral notes, plus a delicate coffee cream flavour on the silky palate.

It also works well in a Clear Espresso Martini: simply stir equal parts Brunette Clear and vodka over ice and strain into a chilled Martini glass.

What to drink now: 'Lumen' Champagne cocktail

Lumen Cocktails and Cuisine, The St Regis Rome, Italy

For a drink that dazzles as much as the Eternal City, look no further than the Lumen.

A simple combination of Italicus, bitters and Champagne, this sparkling libation is as satisfying to drink as it’s easy to make.

Fabio Borro, director of food and beverage at The St Regis Rome hotel, explains that the cocktail was created to capture the spirit of its namesake bar: bright, elegant and rooted in the spirit of Rome.

He adds that the Lumen cocktail unites Italian craftsmanship with classic hotel cocktail culture.

What's in the Lumen cocktail?

‘What makes the Lumen cocktail truly special is how simple yet expressive it is,' says Borro.

'Italicus [Alc 20%, £27.99-£42/70cl Widely available] gives the cocktail a fresh, bergamot-driven lift that feels distinctly Italian, while Peychaud’s Bitters [Alc 35%, £11.50/148ml Gerry’s, Spiritly] adds depth and a subtle nod to old-world mixology.’

The Champagne finishes the drink with brightness and ease, making it feel effortlessly celebratory without being showy.

How to make the Lumen cocktail: What you'll need

• 30ml of Italicus
• 2 – 3 dashes of Peychaud's Bitters
• Champagne (chilled)
• Glass: Champagne coupe
• Garnish: Lemon peel (if desired)

Method

• Add the Italicus and bitters to the coupe glass
• Gently top with chilled Champagne to maintain balance and effervescence
• Add lemon peel garnish (if desired)