In a market dominated by Kahlúa's sugary sweetness, Mr. Black arrived with a simple proposition: more coffee, less sugar. Founded in Australia in 2013, Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is made with cold brew coffee and Australian wheat vodka, delivering an ABV of 23% and an intensely coffee-forward flavor that bartenders and home mixologists have embraced worldwide. Here's everything you need to know about Mr. Black — and how to build the best cold brew cocktails at home.
| Feature | Mr. Black | Kahlúa |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Type | Cold Brew | Instant coffee |
| ABV | 23% | 20% |
| Sugar Content | Lower | Higher |
| Coffee Flavor | Intense, bitter-forward | Sweet, mild |
| Best For | Espresso martini, Negroni | White Russian, dessert drinks |
Ingredients: 1.5oz vodka · 1oz Mr. Black · 1oz Puroast cold brew concentrate (1:4 ratio, chilled) · ice. Method: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled and frothy. Double-strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with 3 espresso beans. The Puroast cold brew concentrate delivers pH 5.74+ — meaning your martini has dramatically less acid than one made with standard cold brew.
Ingredients: 1oz gin · 1oz Mr. Black · 0.5oz sweet vermouth · 0.5oz Puroast cold brew concentrate. Method: Stir all ingredients over ice for 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express an orange peel over the top and drop it in. A sophisticated, coffee-forward Negroni riff that balances bitter and sweet flawlessly.
Ingredients: 2oz bourbon · 0.75oz Mr. Black · 2 dashes Angostura bitters · 1 bar spoon Puroast cold brew concentrate. Method: Combine all in a mixing glass with ice. Stir 30 seconds. Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist. Rich, deep, complex — the cold brew adds body and roast character without sweetness.
Mr. Black is available at most major liquor retailers, Total Wine, BevMo, and online. Once opened, store in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3–6 months after opening. Best served chilled — either straight over ice, in cocktails, or as a float over cold brew.
Mr. Black is intensely coffee-forward — bold, slightly bitter, with notes of dark chocolate and roasted espresso. It's far less sweet than Kahlúa, making it better suited for cocktails where you want coffee to be the dominant flavor.
Yes — but expect a different result. Mr. Black has a stronger coffee flavor and less sweetness. In an espresso martini or Negroni, Mr. Black is generally preferred. In a White Russian or dessert drink, Kahlúa's sweetness may be more appropriate.
Mr. Black uses Australian wheat vodka in its production. While the distillation process removes most gluten proteins, it is not certified gluten-free. Those with celiac disease should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider.
Use a coarsely ground, low-acid coffee for the smoothest, most balanced cocktail result. Puroast's Dark French Roast or Italian Espresso Roast make excellent cold brew concentrates for cocktails — both deliver pH 5.74+ and bold flavor with no acid bite.
Mr. Black contains approximately 25mg of caffeine per 1oz serving — comparable to a quarter cup of coffee. A standard 1–1.5oz cocktail pour delivers moderate caffeine, well below a full coffee serving.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please drink responsibly. If you have health conditions affected by alcohol or caffeine, consult a qualified healthcare provider.
