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Swedish Coffee

The Swedish Coffee is a light aquavit spirit-forward cocktail, bitter and smoky on the palate. Heated and served in a mug.

  • 6 min
  • Mug
  • Heated

Flavor profile

Sweet
6 out of 100
Bitter
99 out of 100
Herbal
41 out of 100
Smoky
68 out of 100
Boozy
16 out of 100

How to make a Swedish Coffee

To make a Swedish Coffee, heat gently and pour into a mug: 8 oz coffee, 1⅓ oz aquavit and ¼ oz simple syrup.

You'll need

1 drink

Pairs well with: Simple syrup · All syrups

Instructions

  1. 1

    Warm a mug by filling it with hot water, then empty it.

  2. 2

    Brew the coffee.

  3. 3

    Pour it into the warmed mug.

  4. 4

    Add simple syrup and aquavit, adding the alcohol last so it stays in the drink.

  5. 5

    Stir gently.

Why heat it gently? Boiling dulls the flavors, and adding the alcohol last keeps it from cooking off.

No simple syrup? Stir 1 tsp sugar into the warm drink until it dissolves.

Swedish Coffee questions

What does a Swedish Coffee taste like, and is it sweet?

Not really: it's mostly bitter and smoky. It's a light drink at about 5% ABV once mixed.

How much alcohol is in a Swedish Coffee?

About 5% ABV after mixing, closer to a beer or glass of wine.

What glass do you serve a Swedish Coffee in?

A mug.