Exploring Coffee-Based Cocktails in Downtown State College

As a devoted coffee lover, whether savoring a latte, indulging in a mocha, or enjoying a simple black coffee, I find joy in every sip. In downtown State College, I make it a point to explore various spots that cater to my coffee cravings.

With plenty of bars and cafes available, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re after a chill ambiance, a lively dance scene, or a dive-bar experience.

Some locations even serve coffee-infused cocktails, and having tried 16 coffee cocktails on a single bar crawl, I’ve compiled my thoughts on a few popular options that are sure to energize your evening.

Key Takeaways

• Doggie’s Pub offers a peanut butter iced coffee cocktail that’s smooth and easy to drink.
• Phyrst’s Espresso Martini shots provide a balanced mix of liquor and espresso.
• Champs’ Espresso Martini struggles with watery consistency and overpowering vodka.
• Chumley’s serves a well-crafted espresso martini with a rich, fresh taste.
• Bill Pickle’s Tap Room features a standout Kentucky Frozen Coffee, perfect year-round.

Doggie’s Pub Iced Coffee

This cocktail was my first taste of coffee mixed with more than just the usual espresso shot.

Made with whiskey, coffee liqueur, half and half, and your choice of flavored alcohol (peanut butter, vanilla, or whipped), I opted for the peanut butter version featuring Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey.

The iced coffee from Doggie’s is delightful and goes down all too easily. From personal experience, it’s easy to finish four in less than an hour if you’re not careful.

Rating: 10/10

Phyrst Espresso Martini shots

Phyrst features a more refined espresso shot option that skips the whipped cream, providing a cleaner experience.

The Espresso Martini shots offer a harmonious blend of liquor and espresso without favoring one over the other. At just $4 each, they can be deceptively easy to enjoy, so approach them with caution during your next outing.

Rating: 9/10

Champs Espresso Martini

Famed for its buckets and dirty sprites, Champs misses the mark with its espresso martini.

This was the only cocktail on my list that seemed to come from a can rather than being freshly made. The martini ended up too watery, and while you could catch a hint of espresso, it became overshadowed by an overwhelming vodka flavor.

The drink also had a strange syrupy texture towards the bottom, making it less enjoyable as you reached the final sips. Although I finished it, I found little pleasure from the first to the last gulp.

Rating: 3/10

Chumley’s Espresso Martini

For a classic cocktail experience, Chumley’s excels with arguably the best espresso martini downtown.

With a more mature crowd, it’s evident that they prioritize quality in their drinks. This martini showcases a rich flavor, clearly made with freshly brewed espresso.

However, it’s worth noting that prices here may be higher than at other locations. The ambiance caters to a classier night out, eliminating the chance of losing your wallet or memories.

Rating: 8/10

Bill Pickle’s Tap Room Kentucky Frozen Coffee

Saving the best for last, this drink is truly the highlight of coffee-based cocktails in downtown State College and possibly within a 50-mile radius.

The Kentucky Frozen Coffee features a milkshake-like consistency, blending Kentucky whiskey, ground coffee beans, vanilla ice cream, and Rothrock coffee. Together, they create an indulgent drink that’s simply heavenly.

This cocktail is priced similarly to Doggie’s at $6, and while it may be slightly smaller than its competitors, the taste more than makes up for it.

Perfect for any time of year, this drink is a delightful choice, regardless of the theme of your evening.

I enjoyed this drink so much that one bartender even gave me three specialty cups as a memento for my upcoming graduation. He didn’t realize that I would have preferred to take the machine they use, fully loaded!

Rating: 100/10

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