Shaft Drink Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about a drink that brings together the rich essence of coffee with the smooth indulgence of Irish cream and vodka — it’s like your trusty morning brew decided to embrace its rebellious side and hit the town for a night of adventure.

I adore making a fantastic Shaft Drink, which is a delightful combination of vodka, Kahlúa, Baileys, and cold-brewed coffee served over ice. For those of us who love coffee, this drink remains a choice indulgence.

Its rich, creamy flavor with a coffee-kick and smooth finish makes it, in my opinion, an evening treat that truly offers a sumptuous touch.

Shaft Drink Recipe Ingredients

• Vodka: A clear, neutral spirit that provides the drink’s alcoholic base.
• Kahlúa or coffee liqueur: Adds a rich, sweet coffee flavor to the mix.
• Baileys Irish Cream: Introduces a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness.
• Cold brewed coffee: Infuses a deep coffee aroma and caffeine kick.
• Ice cubes: Cools the drink and creates a refreshing, chilled experience.

Shaft Drink Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 ounce vodka
• 1 ounce Kahlúa or coffee liqueur
• 1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 ounce cold brewed coffee
• Ice cubes

How to Make this Shaft Drink Recipe

1. Collect all essential components: vodka, Kahlúa (or coffee liqueur), Baileys Irish Cream, and cold brewed coffee, along with ice cubes.

2. Get a cocktail shaker and fill it half full with ice cubes.

3. Place 1 ounce of vodka in the cocktail shaker. Then add ice.

4. Pour 1 ounce of Kahlúa or the coffee liqueur of your choice into the shaker.

5. Add 1 ounce of Baileys Irish Cream to the mixture.

6. Combine 1 ounce of cold brewed coffee with the other ingredients in a cocktail shaker.

7. Fasten the cover onto the shaker and shake it with gusto for approximately 10 to 15 seconds to ensure that the components are well mixed and have reached a sufficiently cold temperature.

8. Pour the mixture into a glass that has been chilled. Use a strainer to hold back the ice.

9. If you wish, you can add a few fresh ice cubes to the serving glass.

10. Serve without delay and delight in the uniform, deep flavors of this Shaft Drink.

Shaft Drink Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker
2. Jigger or shot glass (for measuring)
3. Chilled glass
4. Strainer
5. Ice cube tray or source of ice cubes

FAQ

• What is the origin of the Shaft drink?The drink called Shaft enjoys great popularity in Western Canada, and almost to the exclusion of other regions, in Alberta. It is also frequently consumed there as a pick-me-up or shooters.
• Can I use a different coffee liqueur instead of Kahlúa?Certainly! Any coffee liqueur that suits your fancy can be used, but Kahlúa is the standard, thanks to its flavor richness.
• Can I use hot coffee instead of cold brewed coffee?To ensure that the drink remains refreshing and that the ice does not melt too quickly, use cold brewed coffee.
• Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?A comparable non-alcoholic version can be made using coffee-flavored syrups and creamy non-dairy or dairy substitutes.
• How should the Shaft drink be served?The Shaft is typically presented in a petite glass with ice, a setting that invites its drinkers to savor this easy, cold, smooth, and creamy libation.
• Can I prepare this drink in advance?The best combination of flavors and textures comes when this drink is prepared fresh.
• Is there a preferred type of vodka for this recipe?Choose a smooth vodka that you enjoy, for it complements the flavors without making them seem weak or diluted.

Shaft Drink Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Rum can be used in place of vodka for a different flavor profile.
If you don’t have Kahlúa, you might use Tia Maria or any other similar coffee-flavored liqueur instead.
Replace Baileys Irish Cream with another brand of Irish cream liqueur or a dairy-free cream liqueur for a version that is free of lactose.
Replaced with a shot of espresso, cold brew becomes an intensely flavored coffee. Its smooth profile remains intact.
To enhance the flavor of coffee without diluting the beverage, use frozen coffee in lieu of ice cubes.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Your Glass: Before you start, place your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes. This ensures the drink stays cold longer and provides a refreshing experience.