Keoki Coffee
George Bullington, Bully’s, Del Mar, California, 1967
Forget the Espresso Martini — go for the original “magnificent coffee drink” — the Keoki Coffee!
Keoki Coffee (sometimes spelled “Kioki” or “Keoke”) is an evolution of the Irish Coffee, and was created by restaurateur George Bullington in 1967. It’s a delicious hot after-dinner cocktail featuring brandy, Kahlua, and crème de cacao.
Bully’s Steak House was founded in La Jolla by George Bullington, JD Dahlen and Lester Holt, as a restaurant and bar supporting the nearby Del Mar Racetrack crowds. Bullington’s coffee drink was “first brewed” in 1967 one night in the bar at. A colleague told George “Keoki” was his name in Hawaiian. Today, the Mission Valley location (established in 1971 and still run by family members) is known for their strong cocktails, hearty steaks and great prime rib.
By the late 1970s, Keoki Coffee and its variations became quite popular, locally in San Diego, and nationally — thanks to promotions by the Playboy Club and Benson & Hedges. Many San Diego restaurants like Albie’s Beef Inn, Carlos ’n Charlie’s, T.G.I. Friday’s, and The Whaling Bar adopted it into their late-night pantheon of coffee-based after-dinner drinks. In the Pacific Northwest, this drink is known as the Coffee Nudge.
La Jolla (1967-2008)
Bully’s
5755 La Jolla Boulevard
La Jolla, CA 92037
Del Mar (1969-2017)
Bully’s North
1404 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014
Mission Valley (1971-✔)
Bully’s East
2401 Camino del Rio South
San Diego, CA 92108
Ingredients
1 ounce brandy
1/2 ounce Kahlua
1/2 ounce crème de cacao
Black coffee, hot
Whipped cream to top
1 teaspoon sweet chocolate, shaved , or cinnamon to dust
Method
Pour brandy, liqueur, and creme de cacao into a 6-ounce glass coffee mug with handle. Pour hot coffee over a metal spoon to within one-half inch of rim. This helps to avoid breakage of the glass. (Or, pre-warm the mug…) Stir well. Top with a swirl of whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings (1979) or a dust of cinnamon (2000s).
Cheers!
