If there was ever a collaboration I was excited about, this was it. My favourite pastime has always been eating scoops of vanilla ice cream daubed with Amarula liqueur. I didn’t know this up until recently, but it turns out I like my coffee how I like my ice cream — Naked with a dash of Amarula.

In their most recent collaboration, Naked Coffee collaborated with Amarula for the launch of their new product — Amarula Ethiopian Coffee Liqueur. Celebrating the Spirit of Africa, Amarula and Naked Coffee curated a limited edition drinks menu, along with an equally delicious cocktail menu.

Naked Coffee owner, Victor Barbosa, has always sought to bring customers “a specialised coffee experience”, something that they have undoubtedly managed to execute with their latest offering. Their menu features a range of bespoke coffee creations, and I unashamedly sampled them all…

Naked Coffee x Amarula Ethiopian Coffee

Their Bush Coffee — Americano served with a side of Amarula Ethiopian Coffee, is for the no-nonsense coffee lover. As someone who appreciates a strong, flavourful brew, this one was a lovely alternative to the regular Irish coffee I slug back, time and again. It was the ultimate beverage to indulge, while catching up with a long-time friend, it was also perfect to drink for the chillier weather that day.

The warm, spiced notes of cinnamon and cardamom have always had my heart, and admittedly, the Naughty Chai Latte was my favourite on the menu. It’s probably the best chai I’ve had after each sip, I thought to myself that ‘it’s a damn shame that this menu is a limited-time offer’. The creaminess of the Amarula Ethiopian Coffee was the perfect addition, adding a balanced sweetness to the spices.

Naked x Amarula Cocktails

Most can’t stand the taste of cold coffee, but truth be told — I can’t function without my daily dalgona, and quite like the taste of a cold brew. Along with the help of Julian Short, better known as ‘the flavourist’, Naked Coffee created delicious Amarula-inspired cocktails.

Inspired by ancient Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, where coffee was normally consumed with a side of popcorn, they created a Salted Caramel Popcorn cocktail, for a modern take. The richness of the coffee and satisfying bitterness of fresh coffee beans sprinkled atop complemented the sweeter caramel notes, with the hint of saltiness providing the perfect balance.

To round off the experience, we finished off with a Reinvented Coffee Martini —Bains Whisky, Espresso, Amarula Ethiopian Coffee shaken over ice. The perfect ending to a rich afternoon.

I especially loved that with each drink, patrons received a sample bottle of Amarula Ethiopian Coffee, allowing you to create your very own Amarula and Naked Coffee-inspired creations in the comfort of your home.

*While the Amarula x Naked menu is no longer available, you can still visit Naked Coffee for a good cuppa. 

Location: 2 Wisbeach Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town | Morningside Shopping Centre, Rivonia Rd, Sandton
Hours: Mon-Sat: 07h00-18h00 | Sun: 08h00-15h00 *may differ with location
Contact: 021 433 1648 | 011 883 0291

amarula.com | nakedcoffee