How to Throw a Coffee-themed Dinner Party
Shane Redsar, Shane Redsar
When it comes to potlucks and dinner parties, we’ve never met one we didn’t like* ‑ and we’ve never liked them more than when there’s a theme.
Seeing as how coffee is the life force that gets you through your day, may we suggest it as the main ingredient in your next potluck? With a strict rule of “no coffee cake” you’re sure to see some interesting dishes. Just be sure to supply your guests with a sleeping pill on their way out, lest you want your friends to rue the day you were born as they lie wired in bed that night.
Below are four coffee-centric courses and some interesting recipes for each. But remember, just as you wouldn’t use a cheap wine to cook with, you shouldn’t use crappy coffee either. Sticking to the rule “If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it” also applies to java.
Coffee makes for a great tried-and-true cocktail, like in the Irish Coffee or White Russian, but you can offer your guests something new and fun (and delicious!) with these crafty cocktail recipes.
While your guests are sipping their coffee cocktail concoctions, pass these apps to get everyone buzzing and prepped for the caffeinated dinner to come.
Barbecue Chicken Hoecakes with Vinegar Slaw ‑ from Art Smith via Epicurious
Coffee and meat, together at last. Try a simple dry rub or coffee-infused barbecue sauce, or go crazy and add some joe to your sides and veggies for a little bit of bitter smokiness.
Pot-Roasted Celery Root with Olive & Buttermilk ‑ from René Redzepi via Bon Appetit
We’ve proven that coffee tastes great in any course, but let’s face it, the bean’s best friend is dessert. We like to think out of the box when it comes to themed dinners, so forget standbys like tiramisu and cappuccino cheesecake and instead wow your guests with something they’ve never tried before.
Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes with Coffee Frosting ‑ from Virtually Homemade
Mocha-Mousse with Sichuan Peppercorns ‑ from Raquel Carena via Gourmet
Now that your guests are nicely satiated and just a tad bit overcaffeinated, passing out a warm cup of chamomile with a splash of fernet, alongside a Tylenol PM, will close out the night nicely.
