I don't need an irish breakfast.

November 5, 2008 5:03 AM

Is there a coffee syrup that tastes like Cointeau?

I absolutely love the flavor of Cointreau in my coffee, but I certainly don't need to have alcohol first thing in the morning. Is there a flavor syrup that would fill my needs? It reminds me a little of the valencia flavor Starbucks used to have. Also, 'orange' flavor syrup is not the same. That tends to much sweeter and less complex than what I'm looking for.

Thanks for your thoughts!

posted by Gneisskate to food & drink (10 comments total)

I have no specific recommendations, but could you maybe try orange flavoured coffee, rather than a syrup? Possibly the orange notes would be subtler in a blend rather than in something you add.
posted by pised at 7:01 AM on November 5, 2008

Maybe you could buy cointreau and boil off the alcohol. Carefully heat it to around 78C, when the temp goes any higher, your done.
posted by bdc34 at 7:06 AM on November 5, 2008

Torani makes both a Blood Orange syrup and a Mandarin Orange syrup. With that specificity, I don't know if they would fall into your "orange won't cut it" category or if they might be more complex than the other orange syrups you've tried.
posted by vytae at 7:57 AM on November 5, 2008

Maybe you could try dried orange peel or pure orange extract. You'd probably want to add simple syrup or sugar to taste as both are unsweetened. I really think the extract would be what you're looking for.
posted by peep at 8:23 AM on November 5, 2008

Cointreau isn't made from normal oranges, it's made from bitter oranges. Specifically, the peel. Some related keywords: Seville oranges, Curaçao. There's a product called Monin Blue Curacao Syrup that might be worth trying to get. In a pinch you could try cooking your own.
posted by Nelson at 8:28 AM on November 5, 2008

I used to pull espresso shots over orange zest for a particular drink I liked. Try some in your coffee pot or cup when you brew.
posted by oneirodynia at 11:02 AM on November 5, 2008

Try adding a teaspoon or two of orange flower water.
posted by goo at 11:53 AM on November 5, 2008

Lots of great ideas, thanks! It probably is the orange peel flavor I'm looking for.

goo - that sounds good, if different. I wonder if rosewater would also be good!
posted by Gneisskate at 12:48 PM on November 5, 2008

I'll sign any petition you form to get Valencia syrup back in Starbucks. I miss my Mocha V's.
posted by hwyengr at 11:52 PM on November 5, 2008

I wonder if rosewater would also be good!

Hmm, interesting! The strong coffee flavour might be too much for the delicate rose flavour, but it's worth a try. What I know is good is rosewater, a squeeze of lime juice, vodka and soda water, with ice. Mmmm.
posted by goo at 10:12 AM on November 6, 2008