Barsys
The Ruby Roast
About
The Ruby Roast cocktail is not here to play it safe. This is a coffee drink that deliberately breaks the rules, swapping sweetness and creaminess for brightness, acidity, and spice. Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur provides a deep, roasted backbone, but instead of leaning into dessert territory, fresh lemon juice cuts straight through it, sharpening the drink and pulling the coffee into focus.
Cinnamon syrup steps in last, not to sweeten, but to warm the edges. It adds spice and length without masking the coffee or citrus. The result is a drink that feels vivid, structured, and surprisingly refreshing for something coffee-based. Served straight up in a chilled coupe, The Ruby Roast is confident, modern, and made for drinkers who like contrast on the palate. This is a thinking drink - bold, clean, and memorable.
Shaken or Stirred? Shaken. Shaking is essential here to fully integrate the citrus with the coffee and soften the sharp edges without muting them.
What You'll Need
For one Ruby Roast Cocktail:
- 1.5 oz Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz cinnamon syrup
Glass: Chilled coupe
Garnish: Thin lemon wheel and a light dusting of ground cinnamon (over half the glass)
Pro Tip: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled juice flattens the contrast that makes this drink work.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Skill Level: Intermediate
- Add coffee liqueur, lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake firmly until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a thin lemon wheel.
- Lightly dust ground cinnamon over half the surface of the drink.
Using Barsys Cocktail Maker?
Barsys Coaster 2.0 Cocktail Maker helps keep this drink precise. Load the coffee liqueur for accurate pours, add lemon juice and cinnamon syrup, then shake and strain. Balance matters here.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
With coffee and citrus sharing the spotlight, small measurement errors show instantly. Barsys keeps the Ruby Roast sharp, controlled, and intentional instead of sour or muddy.
Sip Setting
Best enjoyed late at night, after dinner, or when you want a coffee cocktail that feels modern and challenging rather than comforting.
Garnish Game
The lemon wheel reinforces brightness, while the cinnamon dusting adds aroma and visual contrast. Keep it light - this drink rewards restraint.
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FAQs
What is the Ruby Roast cocktail?
The Ruby Roast is a coffee-forward cocktail made with Mr. Black, lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup. It’s bold, citrus-driven, and intentionally dry.
Does lemon really work with coffee?
Yes - when balanced correctly. Lemon sharpens the roasted notes instead of fighting them.
Is the Ruby Roast sweet?
No. It’s dry and spiced, with sweetness kept minimal.
When should I serve this cocktail?
It works best as a late-night or post-dinner drink for adventurous palates.
Can I batch the Ruby Roast cocktail?
You can batch the ingredients, but shake individual servings for proper texture.
Is this similar to an Espresso Martini?
Only in spirit. The Ruby Roast skips espresso and sweetness in favor of brightness and spice.