Fuego con Bourbon: A Spicy Bourbon Coffee Cocktail

Recipe and Photos by Rebecka Evans

Are you ready for a new coffee experience? Presenting Fuego con Bourbon, the latest culinary masterpiece by Rebecka Evans, distinguished food blogger and MasterChef alum.

Made with a proprietary blend of Café Caliente coffee—sourced from small family farms in central Mexico, the beans are infused with a rare chili pepper, creating a one-of-a-kind tasting experience.

A layered latte with sweetened condensed milk, frothed whole milk, French press Café Caliente beans, bourbon, and a whisper of Arbol chili to awaken your senses.

INGREDIENTS

• 1½ tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup fresh ground coffee beans
• 2 cups boiling water
• ½ to 1 jigger bourbon (to taste)
• ¾ cup whole milk (for frothing)
• Pinch of ground Arbol chili (or finely crushed flakes)
• Optional garnish: chili threads, cinnamon stick, or orange peel twist

INSTRUCTIONS

French press coffee instructions

1. Add 1 cup of ground coffee to your French press.
2. Pour in 2 cups of boiling water, stir gently.
3. Let steep for 4 minutes, then press slowly and evenly.

Froth the milk

1. Heat ¾ cup of whole milk until it is steaming (not boiling).
2. Froth with a handheld frother or whisk until a thick foam forms.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of Arbol chili directly onto the foam.

Layer the drink

1. In a heatproof glass or mug, add:
   • 1½ tbsp sweetened condensed milk
   • ½ to 1 jigger bourbon, depending on your mood
2. Pour in the hot milk, holding back the foam with a spoon.
3. Gently spoon the frothed milk foam on top.
4. Slowly drizzle the French press coffee down the side of the glass to create a layered effect.

Garnish & serve

• Top with a sprinkle of Arbol chili, chili threads, or a cinnamon stick.
• Optional: add a twist of orange peel for a citrusy finish.

The story behind the coffee

I first met the brother-and-sister team behind Café Caliente — Ann and Paul — at the 2025 World Food Championships and instantly fell in love with their passion and their coffee. They launched with two proprietary blends: Caliente Hot, fiery and full-bodied, and Picante, smoother with a gentler chili whisper.

To order: Café Caliente

While you’re at it, don’t miss my Strawberry Angel Food Cake for something light and lovely — or my Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake if you want the ultimate coffee companion. 

This drink has it all

• Creamy sweetness from frothed whole milk and sweetened condensed milk
• A spirited kick of bourbon
• A zippy chili finish that warms you from the inside out

It’s layered, luscious, and a little rebellious. Whether you’re sipping fireside or sharing your morning ritual, Fuego con Bourbon is your new signature pour.

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