🎄 The best festive coffee recipes

December is the month when coffee becomes more than just a ritual. It becomes a moment of comfort, a festive ingredient, a sweet treat shared with friends and family. At Café Castelo, we've selected three gourmet recipes that are easy to make at home, so you can enjoy the festive season one cup at a time.

And to make these recipes even better, we've chosen our flagship coffees of the season: Ho-Ho-Ho, the warm Espresso Castelo, and the elegant Tanzanie Peaberry.

☕ 1. Latte with spices and Ho-Ho-Ho

Comforting, sweet, festive

The Ho-Ho-Ho blend is THE most eagerly awaited coffee of the year. With its notes of caramelized almonds, smooth crema and perfectly balanced liveliness, it's the ideal base for a Christmas latte.

Ingredients (for 1 cup) :

• 1 espresso or ½ cup of coffee with our Ho-Ho-Ho blend

• ¾ cup warm milk (or vegetable drink)

• ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

• A pinch of nutmeg

• Maple syrup or vanilla, to taste

• Whipped cream and cinnamon (optional)

Preparation:

1. Brew the Ho-Ho-Ho coffee.

2. Heat the milk with the spices (do not boil).

3. Lightly foam if you have a frother.

4. Pour the coffee into a mug, add the hot milk and sweeten to taste.

5. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Castelo tip: Add a touch of sweetened condensed milk for an even more decadent version!

🍫 2. Christmas mocha at Espresso Castelo

Generous, full-bodied, chocolaty

Castelo Espresso is a tribute to Italian tradition. Full-bodied, straightforward, with a roasted aroma reminiscent of dark chocolate, it's perfect for a rich, creamy mocha.

Ingredients:

• 1 espresso (or 2 oz) from Espresso Castelo

• ¾ cup hot milk

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup (or melted chocolate)

• Whipped cream (optional)

Preparation:

1. Mix the cocoa with the chocolate syrup and a little hot milk to create a creamy base.

2. Add the espresso.

3. Gently pour in the hot milk.

4. Mix gently and add whipped cream if desired.

Suggestion: Sprinkle with cocoa powder or add dark chocolate shavings for extra indulgence.

🍸 3. Tanzania Peaberry iced cocktail

Subtle, fruity, festive

Tanzanie Peaberry offers a highly aromatic profile with notes of ripe fruit and chocolate, perfect for a subtle caffeinated cocktail, to be served at the end of a meal or during a festive happy hour.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Tia Maria type)

• 1 oz cream (or nut beverage)

• 1 oz cold-brewed coffee (Tanzania Peaberry)

• Ice cubes

• Nutmeg or orange zest for garnish

Preparation:

1. Brew Tanzanie Peaberry coffee in advance and leave to cool.

2. In a shaker, add all the ingredients and a few ice cubes.

3. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

4. Strain into a short glass.

5. Garnish with grated nutmeg or flambéed orange zest.

Variation: Replace the cream with coconut milk for an even creamier, exotic version.

Offering or sharing a coffee during the holiday season is much more than just a drink. It's a gesture of care, comfort and conviviality. Whether in a spicy latte, a generous mocha or an elegant cocktail, Ho-Ho-Ho, Espresso Castelo and Tanzanie Peaberry coffees are here to sublimate every moment of December.

And if you're looking to treat a loved one or colleague, don't forget: our caffeinated gift sets are available in store and online, for gifts that are local, refined and always appreciated.