Writing, re-writing, trimming, expanding and making tough decisions about your guestlists can be a long and arduous task. Happily, this original cocktail that NSW-based coffee roaster and distiller Mr Black has created and kindly shared with us for ‘The Invitation issue‘, has the caffeine kick necessary to keep you going! It may be just the spicy, sweet and strong saviour you to need to keep you from deciding to elope come late nights of stuffing endless envelopes and licking stamps.

Finally, here’s an addictive coffee cocktail that’s not an espresso martini. Plus it’s a simple enough recipe so that you can quickly stir yourself up another when it comes time to pick out stationery designs for your wedding (and the engagement party… and the bridal shower… and the hen’s night – oh dear, can you whip us up a few too, please?)

Midnight Aperitif by Mr Black

40ml Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur

15ml Aperol

90ml Fever-Tree Ginger Beer

Add Mr Black and Aperol to a tall Collins glass and stir well. Add ice cubes. Top up with ginger beer.

About Ms Fleur De Lys: Aside from being Ms Polka’s Editorial Assistant, Ms Fleur de Lys is also Polka Dot Bride’s Melbourne correspondent so you’ll see her running all over town finding wedding inspiration. As both a lifestyle journalist and cocktail aficionado, Fleur appreciates the power of words whipped up as deftly as a good martini.