Big mug o’ hooch? Check.

Hot cross buns are an Easter treat, sure. But like so many delightful Easter treats, they won’t get you drunk. (We’re looking at you, Peeps. Step up your game.) Though Hash House A Go Go’s Cinnamon Roll A Go Go is available as a virgin drink, we’ve never been able to figure out what the point of that is, unless you have one of those Andy Dick ankle monitors that go off when you sweat booze.

This coffee cocktail is available as part of the Hash House (6800 W. Sahara Ave.) Easter menu, but appears on their year-round menu as well. Start with espresso, add cinnamon syrup and steamed milk. Top with whipped cream, a dusting of brown sugar and garnish with a cinnamon stick and shaved cinnamon on the saucer.

You have your choice of Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey American Honey or, for an extra cinnamon kick, Goldschlager. We took the latter in ours.

At first blush, there’s a nice strong cinnamon rush to start the drink before the coffee settles in underneath. It never really has a really super strong cinnamon profile, even with the Goldschlager. Instead, the cinnamon starts as an overtone while the coffee gradually take over. There’s a lot of whipped cream on top, so as it melts the drink thickens up some, and it probably dilutes the cinnamon taste a bit. At the same time, it gets sweeter the longer you sip with the infusion of whipped cream.

As coffee drinks go, this one is exceptionally balanced. Usually you’re going to get some bitterness after you put your cup down for good, but here everything finishes off without any real aftertaste. We love Irish coffee as much as anyone, but even that stays with you a while.

Now if only someone can find a a way to booze up your Easter ham, we’ll really be on to something. Maybe slip some vodka into your hot ham water for a nice aperitif.

By Jason Scavone

Comments RSS