Rye was one of a slew of grains, roots, and vegetables that were roasted and used as coffee substitutes. These were especially popular in times of economic strife, war, and trade disruption. Roasted rye coffee is especially associated with the Civil War. This recipe is a wholly anachronistic cocktail inspired by rye coffee--it's basically an Irish Coffee, and it's maybe my favorite hot drink that I've ever come up with.
INGREDIENTS
½ oz. rye whiskey
½ oz. mocha ratafia
½ oz. spiced brown sugar syrup
5 oz. strongly brewed coffee, preferably with whole rye grain in the mix
~ 1½ oz. aerated cream
Garnish: orange zest, nutmeg
ABV LEVEL
Make a strong cup of coffee with some of the whole rye grain thrown in with the grounds if you wish. Heat your mug with boiling water. In another vessel (such as a double rocks glass), pour a few ounces of hot water. Now combine spirits and syrup in a metal cup, such as a small shaker tin. Carefully place the tin into the rocks glass of hot water. When your coffee is ready, toss out the warming water from your tea cup/mug. Pour in the warmed spirits mixture and the hot coffee. Stir briefly to combine. Shake cream in a small jar to aerate it until it's thickened but still pourable. Float on top of coffee. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and orange zest.