I missed National Coffee Month in August, but, thankfully, International Coffee Day is observed Sept. 29. If you didn't just bat an eye at the upcoming beverage holiday — because every day is Coffee Day — we're in the same boat.
Nothing quite beats a morning cup of joe, does it?
OK, OK. Except when you kick things up a notch with some booze.
The Avenue Eat + Drink does just that with help from bar manager Rob Rivera. The downtown St. Pete restaurant's caffeinated concoction, Life of Pablo, is mixed with Captain Morgan Coconut Rum and coconut cream, plus cold-brew coffee, which I'll get to shortly. First, let me fill you in on a little secret about me: I love the combination of coconut and coffee. Coconut is — hands down — my favorite variety of flavored creamer.
The cocktail's use of local cold brew from Voyage Cold Brew makes it all the more tempting.
"We like to support local companies and someone who cares about their products the same way we do," said The Avenue owner Stephen Schrutt. "This cocktail is smooth, light and perfect for after dinner or during brunch on a Sunday."
As for the name of the drink, it comes from Kanye West's most recent album, which Schrutt really digs. Patrons can order the $10 sipper anytime, as it's part of the house cocktail menu.
Life of Pablo
Makes 1
1 1/2 ounces Captain Morgan Coconut Rum
3 ounces Voyage Cold Brew
1/2 ounce coconut cream
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
Follow CL columnist Chris Fasick (@cfasick) on Twitter, or email him at cdfasick@gmail.com if there's a cocktail or recipe you'd like featured.
This article appears in Sep 7-14, 2017.