Crafted Cocktails with Norse Code

We’ve partnered with some of Yorkshire’s finest mixologists to bring you a curated selection of expertly crafted cocktails. Each recipe showcases the rich, smooth flavours of Norse Code Coffee Liqueur, giving you inspiration to enjoy it in classic serves, inventive twists, and everything in between.

The NORSE CODE Manhattan

A bold twist on a classic, the Norse Code Manhattan blends rich coffee notes with the warming spice of rye and a hint of citrus sweetness for a sophisticated, layered cocktail. Perfect for after-dinner indulgence or elevating your home bar repertoire.

Ingredients:

40ml Lot 40 Rye

20ml Norse Code Coffee Liqueur (Hel Above)

10ml Discarded Cascara Vermouth

15ml Cartron Triple Sec

3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Method:

1. Stir all ingredients with ice until well-chilled

2. Double strain into a Nic & Nora glass

3. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry

Tasting Notes:

Coffee Forward: Smooth, rich coffee notes shine through

Warm & Spicy: Rye provides depth, balanced with bitters and vermouth

Citrus & Sweetness: Triple sec adds a bright, slightly sweet finish

Complex & Layered: A cocktail that’s elegant, nuanced, and memorable

Serving Suggestion:

Serve neat in a Nic & Nora glass to highlight the aroma, or offer as part of a curated cocktail menu for a premium, coffee-forward twist on a Manhattan.

The Norse Code Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini York

This is the ultimate expression of a coffee cocktail — bold, smooth, and beautifully balanced. By increasing the amount of Norse Code Coffee Liqueur, we create a richer, more indulgent serve that celebrates the depth of Yorkshire-roasted coffee, with less emphasis on raw spirit heat.

Ingredients:

30ml Norse Code Coffee Liqueur (Hel Above)

30ml Yorkshire Vodka (less than classic for softer balance)

Double Shot of Fresh Espresso (approx. 40ml)

5ml Gomme Syrup (adjust to taste)

Method:

1. Pull a double espresso and cool rapidly — stir over a couple of ice cubes or place the cup in an ice bath to bring the temperature down fast. (This prevents bitterness and preserves crema, as recommended by barista champions like Victor Del Pierre.)

2. Add cooled espresso, Norse Code, vodka, and gomme syrup to a shaker filled with fresh ice.

3. Shake hard for 10–12 seconds to aerate and create a dense crema.

4. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

5. Garnish optionally with three coffee beans for tradition — or leave clean and minimalist.

Why This Works:

More Norse Code = More Flavour: Puts the focus on the coffee liqueur, making it richer and more distinctive.

Perfect Dilution: Rapid espresso cooling ensures crema without over-dilution.

Balanced Strength: Slightly less vodka gives a smoother, more approachable finish without losing backbone.

Bar-Quality Crema: Hard shake creates that iconic foamy top.

Tasting Experience:

Velvety, coffee-forward, and perfectly balanced — this is the espresso martini you’ll want to come back to again and again.

NORSE CODE Chocolate Orange

A decadent twist on the classic, this Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini pairs the rich coffee notes of Norse Code Coffee Liqueur with the zesty sweetness of Clementine Rum and the bright citrus of Triple Sec and orange bitters. Inspired by the heritage of York’s Terry’s Chocolate Orange, it’s perfect for after-dinner indulgence or a show-stopping cocktail at your bar.

Ingredients:

40ml Clementine Rum
20ml Norse Code Coffee Liqueur (Hel Above)
1 Shot Fresh Espresso (or 20ml Cold Brew if unavailable)
15ml Triple Sec
3 dashes Orange Bitters

Method:

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice
2. Shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled coupe glass
3. Garnish as desired (classic serve has none)

Tasting Notes:

Coffee & Citrus: Rich coffee meets bright, zesty orange

Sweet & Smooth: Clementine Rum and Norse Code add depth and indulgence

Balanced & Layered: Triple Sec and orange bitters bring complexity and elegance

Serving Suggestion:

Serve in a coupe glass for a luxurious, aromatic cocktail. Perfect as an after-dinner serve, seasonal menu highlight, or any time you want to celebrate York chocolate heritage in a drink.

HEL'S Spicy Espresso Martini

Spicy Yorkshire Espresso Martini with chilli jam man

Turn up the heat with this bold twist on a classic. The Spicy Espresso Martini combines the rich coffee notes of Norse Code Coffee Liqueur with fiery chilli spirit and smooth agave sweetness, creating a cocktail that’s equal parts indulgent and adventurous.

Ingredients:

20ml Norse Code Coffee Liqueur (Hel Above)
40ml Tapatio or Chilli Jam Man hot sauce
1 Shot Fresh Espresso (or 20ml Cold Brew if unavailable)
15ml Agave Syrup

Method:

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice
2. Shake hard to create a foamy crema
3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass
4. Serve ungarnished — or add a single dried chilli for flair

Tasting Notes:

Coffee & Spice: Smooth coffee balanced with a gentle chilli kick

Sweet Heat: Agave rounds out the spice, leaving a warm finish

Complex & Adventurous: Perfect for those who like their cocktails with attitude

Serving Suggestion:

Serve as a fiery after-dinner cocktail or feature on a “twists on classics” menu for guests looking for something with a little edge.

Norse Code Espresso Spritz

Espresso Spritz cocktail york

Bright, refreshing, and a little bit indulgent — the Espresso Spritz is the perfect daytime coffee cocktail. Combining Norse Code Coffee Liqueur, herbal amaro, fresh orange, and sparkling prosecco, it’s light yet flavourful — a brilliant brunch or aperitivo serve.

Recipe:

20ml Norse Code Coffee Liqueur

15ml Herbal Amaro (e.g. Montenegro or Averna)

10ml Vanilla Syrup

30ml Fresh Orange Juice

1 Shot Fresh Espresso (or 20ml Cold Brew)

Prosecco (to top)

Method:

1. Build directly in a large tumbler or wine glass

2. Add Norse Code, amaro, vanilla syrup, orange juice, and espresso

3. Stir gently to combine

4. Add ice, then top with chilled prosecco

5. Give a final gentle stir

Garnish:

Fresh mint sprig

Slice or wheel of fresh orange

Tasting Notes:

Fresh & Effervescent: Coffee meets citrus in a light, bubbly serve

Balanced Sweetness: Vanilla smooths the amaro’s herbal bite

Perfect for Daytime: A lower-ABV, refreshing alternative to a heavy cocktail

Our coffee liqueur in the Pearly Cow Espresso Martini