South of the Border

Pro tips

• Use fresh lime juice only—bottled juice dulls the bright citrus note critical to balance the coffee brandy's sweetness.
• Chill your glass beforehand; the small volume means temperature loss is rapid.
• Pour ingredients slowly to control dilution if stirring, or shake hard with ice for 10–15 seconds to achieve proper chill and texture.
• Taste the coffee brandy beforehand—sweetness varies by brand, so adjust lime juice proportionally if needed.

Substitutions

• Coffee-flavored brandy → Kahlúa or other coffee liqueur (will be sweeter; reduce by ¼ oz)
• Lime juice → Lemon juice (more herbaceous; use ½ oz)
• Tequila → Mezcal (smoky variant with deeper complexity)

Can I make this as a shot?

Yes. Layer or stir the ingredients and serve in a shot glass. The proportions work well in shot form.

What type of tequila works best?

Silver or blanco tequila provides clean flavor that lets the coffee brandy shine. Reposado adds oak complexity if preferred.

Can I substitute coffee liqueur for coffee brandy?

Yes. Kahlúa or similar coffee liqueurs will work, though the brandy base adds a drier finish than liqueur alternatives.

Should this be shaken or stirred?

Shake with ice for better integration and a chilled serve, or stir if you prefer a spirit-forward presentation.

How do I juice a lime efficiently?

Roll the lime firmly on the counter before halving, then use a handheld citrus juicer for maximum yield.