Starbucks Coffee Liqueur

By Don Ellis

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oliday season is approaching, which brings with it a time for rebirth and renewal - as well as an excuse to get stupid drunk on the liquor of one's choosing. However, the thought of another winter-long slumber of rum drinks and hot toddies is less than alluring. Wouldn't it be nice to have a brand new drink?

Well, Starbucks has tapped into that need by entering the liquor market. It seems the Seattle-based coffee monster really wants more out of life. It’s getting help with the endeavor from some notable collaborators. The company has previously teamed with Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream for its Starbucks Coffee Ice Cream, and then later with Pepsi-Cola Company for its bottled Frappuccino drinks. Now, Starbucks and Jim Beam Brands Co. have partnered to bring a Starbucks-branded coffee liqueur to the thirsty masses.

The Starbucks Coffee Liqueur ($23), sold in 750 ml bottles, is packaged in distinctively Starbucks fashion adorned with a simple label and raised glass. Embossed with the idiosyncratic stars and the universally-known green logo, the bottle mimics a cocktail shaker, complete with a lid that also functions as a measuring shot glass.

Re-marketing the big-selling Frappuccino-ish flavour, but with an alcoholic twist, puts the company head to head with similar coffee-based products, particularly Kahlua. Indeed, the liqueur brings to mind memories of sadly forgotten classics like the Brown Cow or the Black Russian (I bet you haven't ordered that one lately).

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