Confession: Until a few weeks ago I’d never tried root beer before. But since East 9th Brewing released Australia’s first adult (read: alcoholic) version in their loftily named ‘Future Memoirs of a Root Beer’, now is a good a time as any.

Not quite sure what to expect; was it like sarsparilla? Creamy soda? Some weird mutant cola? Root Beer – based on the sassafrass root – is actually all things nice, vanilla and spice. It’s delicious by itself over ice instead of cider but, of course, I’m putting it in a cocktail for you.

This drink is the wicked love child of a root beer float and spiked iced coffee. If that idea doesn’t already grab you, please do know that this cocktail spice-laden enough for Xmas time, chilled enough for an Australian summer, with enough of a dual caffeine/boozy kick to see you easily through to 2018.

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Supercharged (Sp)Iced Coffee

– Ingredients –
30ml espresso, chilled
30ml coffee liqueur, we used Tia Maria
1 large scoop vanilla ice cream
ice
Alcoholic Root Beer, we used Future Memoirs of a Root Beer
whole star anise or cinnamon stick, to garnish

– Method –
Add espresso and coffee liqueur to a large glass and stir. Add plenty of ice. Top with root beer until almost full. Carefully add a scoop of vanilla icecream. Garnish with star anise or a cinnamon stick. Be careful it may fizz and froth.

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Find more cocktail recipes here.