PURA VIDA: A SPECIALTY COFFEE COCKTAIL RECIPE

Mixologists from all over Palm Beach County came together at chef Clay Conley’s restaurant to compete for the best cold brew-based craft cocktail. Reed Ferguson took home the trophy with his Pura Vida cocktail, a name that means “the simple life” or “the pure life”.

Reed used Dawn Patrol cold brew in the competition, which is made by local roaster Pumphouse Coffee using a rotating blend of one to three organic coffees from South America, Central America, and/or East Africa. The current batch uses organic Honduran coffee from Coprocael. The flavor profile is heavy chocolate on the front end, usually accompanied by a hint of citric acidity and a slight nuttiness. If you’re not able to find this cold brew where you are, look for a locally available one with a similar profile.

Cold brew is combined with vodka and coffee liqueur in this recipe. Using a small amount of Galliano Ristretto coffee liqueur enhances the profile of the cold brew, rather than masking it, and a dash of vanilla bitters adds a touch of richness.

Dawn Patrol cold brew and the Pura Vida cocktail. Credit: Cristyle Egitto

INGREDIENTS

If you can’t find Dawn Patrol cold brew, a ready-to-drink nitro cold brew is recommended in lieu of a concentrate. Vanilla bitters are available from many different cocktail ingredient manufacturers, or you could even make your own with spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon to create a personalized flavor profile. 

• 45 ml Belvedere vodka
• 30 ml Galliano Ristretto coffee liqueur
• 30 ml Dawn Patrol cold brew coffee
• 2 – 3 drops vanilla bitters

METHOD

Fill a rocks glass or martini glass with ice and water and then discard (or use a glass that has been chilled in the freezer). Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake until well mixed. Double strain into the pre-chilled glass.

The Pura Vida cocktail. Credit: Cristyle Egitto

FOOD PAIRINGS

The Pura Vida pairs well with a charcuterie board. Create a platter that includes a selection of delicious staples: honey, nuts, goat cheese, thinly sliced prosciutto, and an assortment of cured meats. The clean coffee cocktail pairs well with the richness of the charcuterie board and the two together makes for a perfect cocktail hour when entertaining friends.

The Pura Vida cocktail and its ingredients. Credit: Cristyle Egitto

This competition-winning cocktail uses just a few high-quality ingredients to really emphasize the profile of the coffee. So make sure you choose a good quality cold brew with similar flavor notes to that of Dawn Patrol. Or why not come to Palm Beach and try the original recipe for yourself?