As if turning java drinkers into latte-sipping sophisticates wasn’t enough, Starbucks is now trying to turn your local bartender into a barista. Its new coffee-flavored liqueur, made in collaboration with Jim Beam Brands Co., is going bean-to-bean with coffee-flavored standby Kahlua. Though you won’t find it in coffee shops, Chicago bars including Martini Ranch (311 W. Chicago Ave. 312-335-9500) and The Bella Lounge (1212 N. State Pkwy. 312-787-9405) carry it.
Starbucks suggests using it in classic cocktails, so we held a taste test at The Motel Bar (600 W. Chicago Ave. 312-822-2900), a place that’s all about retro-cool libations. Owner Hubie Greenwald and crew whipped up a batch of concoctions–and we sounded off.
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White Russian, $7
Vodka and Starbucks liqueur served over ice with cream floated on top.
The Starbucks-infused version muscles right in on the drink that coffee-flavored Kahlua’s dominated for years. This version leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste in your mouth, but the frothy top makes it the closest cocktail to your morning latte. You’ll fill up quickly because of the cream, so this delicious drink’s best as an after-dinner treat. Now sip back and wait for that kick.
Mochatini, $8
Starbucks, Stoli Vanil and Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur shaken and served in a martini glass.
When you think coffee, you think Seattle. When you think Seattle, a certain neurotic, pompous sitcom psychiatrist might come to mind. And true to form, this Mochatini could just as easily be called the Frasier Crane: It’s smart, elegant and a bit of a showoff. Translation: A little goes a long way, so sip this sweet, chocolately drink for dessert, but don’t down it all night.
Chocolate-covered cherry, $8
Starbucks, Baileys and Chambord served in a martini glass and garnished with brandied cherries.
If Frasier’s personified by the Mochatini, sip The Motel Bar’s Chocolate-covered Cherry, and you’ll conjure up images of his foppish brother Niles. Precious and a bit fussy, this concoction’s by far the most effeminate Starbucks-infused sipper we tasted. Ladies, you’re going to love it. Imagine a handful of raspberry Frango mints melted down and served chilled in a martini glass with a bit of booze. Stop your drooling.
Black Russian, $7
Stoli Vanil and Starbucks on ice.
Compared to the Crane brothers’ cocktails, this one would be their dad. Like crusty ol’ Marty Crane, this unpretentious drink seems to scream: “I’ve been around the block, and I know what I drink. Don’t mess with me.” But it also might be popular with those who carry a flask to add to that cup of joe. This “iced coffee” leaves an aftertaste that’ll have you craving a pack of breath mints in no time.
Seattle Manhattan, $8
Starbucks, sweet vermouth, bourbon and bitters served on the rocks and garnished with a cherry.
When we asked Greenwald to mix up this Starbucks concoction, he said: “I’ll make it, but it offends me.” A Manhattan’s a classic drink not to be messed with. But for the sake of the experiment, we had to try it. Verdict: Leave the Manhattan alone and order it straight off The Motel Bar’s classic menu with Maker’s Mark, sweet vermouth and bitters ($8). When you add Starbucks, one word was thrown out in our tasting group: vile. The coffee liqueur deadens the timeless taste.