I have a special place in my heart – and mouth – for shafts. Ow ow!
I do not however, have quite the same adoration for Valentine’s Day. I know, I know. There’s a lot of different reasons to not get all up in the biznass of Valentine’s Day. Mandatory romance, over-priced prix fixe menus, the heterosexism of it all, long stemmed roses (blech) and all that awful red-pink-white colour combining. Some things were just not meant to be together.
Like chocolate and peanut butter (don’t judge). Or nails on a chalkboard. Or cotton in your mouth. Or square pegs and round holes. Or oil and water. Or power tools and booze. Or salt and wounds. Or asshole motorists and asshole cyclists. Or pedophiles and playgrounds. Some things, should really just be kept separate.
In this case, me and Valentines day.
But because I’m a food blogger and because the rest of the mainstream internets are asking for Valentine’s Day recipes, and because I have a special place in my heart of hearts for this one, and because I’m kind of in love with my monthly coffee delivery service, I decided to spring into the swing of things and talk about how much I love shafts.
Not those shafts.
And certainly not drive shafts. Though my high school boyfriend did teach me how to assemble a truck engine. No big deal or anything, but I’m bad ass like that.
I’m talking about the cocktail. The coffee drink to end all other coffee drinks. The proud, tested (oh so many times) and true pre-shift fuel for all restaurant industry staff on Vancouver Island. This, is where I first discovered the brilliance that is coffee, Baileys, Kahlua, vodka and a straw.
Baby these things go together like ramma lamma lamma ka dinga da dinga dong!
Now, my obsession with this coffee drink could be because Victoria itself, has a very smurshy place in my heart. I mean it’s unpacked, hung window treatments and is talking about getting a cat in there. I moved to Victoria in 2005 on a whim and out of desperation to get out of Alberta. And it was the best decision I ever made. Once I got there, I found a job (or 3), attended university, met some of the best friends of my life, discovered feminism (woot!), started growing my own crops, met the love of my life, and got to food blogging. If it weren’t for that U-Haul disaster that got me there (tell you about that another time), I wouldn’t be here. With you. And a great big ‘ole shaft in my mouth.
When I started working in my first restaurant there, I noticed everyone – bartenders, servers, managers, bussers (if they’re lucky), kitchen staff – were caning these. It was akin to putting on your apron – you just did it. And let me tell you: Once you pop, you can’t stop.
It even went so far as when I moved to Toronto – the land of all that is cold and awful – and tried to order a round, the server threw a tantrum because “that’s not even a real cocktail”.
I’m not saying I moved away from Toronto because they wouldn’t make me a shaft…. But that’s kind of what I’m saying.
Let me tell you my friends: It IS a real cocktail. I’ve been there. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Tasted it with my own mouth. And it. was. glorious.
Let it be said I asked you not to use power tools when consuming alcohol, yes? Good. Now go make yourself one or ten of these. The secret is this is NO sipping drink. You gotta cane that bad boy. Hock it back. Right down your gullet. I’m pretty sure the alcohol is rendered ineffective because of the caffeine but I could be wrong. Regardless, this bad boy with percolate you right up.
I clearly have a serious infatuation with coffee drinks, shafts in particular. But I kind of love you too. And by kind of I mean I stalk you all the time. So while I refuse to buy you pretty red and white Valentine’s Day propaganda or bake you a heart shaped cake topped with perfect pink buttercream frosting, I DO want you to put my shaft in your mouth. And then cheers me, you, us, our experiences that have led us here, Parachute Coffee who keeps me right buzzed at all hours of the day and night, and the drunken power-tool use that is sure to ensue.
…Despite my insistent warnings. Because we’re bad ass like that. Right?
Ramma lamma lamma ka dinga da dinga dong. Haha… “dong”.
Happy Valentine’s Day my friends. I love you.
Shafts
Prep
Total
Yield 2 drinks
Ingredients
- 2 C Strong Coffee (or espresso), chilled.
- 2 Oz Vodka.
- 1 Oz Kahlua.
- 1 Oz Baileys Irish Cream.
- Ice Cubes (to really vamp it up, use coffee ice cubes! Just brew extra coffee and then freeze like you would any other ice cubes).
- Optional: 'Lil Heavy Cream to top.
Instructions
Dump the liquor into a shaker or large mason jar. Top with coffee and then ice cubes. Cover, shake vigorously for 20 seconds.Pour into two glasses and top with a little extra heavy cream if desired.Throw a straw in there and suck that baby back as fast as you can.
Have you ever had a shaft? What are you feelings toward Valentine’s Day? What other things belong together? What things should NEVER go together? Ever make bad decisions when it comes to power tools? Spill it below in the comments!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a brand ambassador for Parachute Coffee and they DID provide me with financial compensation and a bag of Detour Coffee Beans at no cost to mention their company here. Regardless, I only recommend, giveaway or share products or services I use personally and genuinely believe will be of interest to my readers. All opinions, words and information here are entirely accurate and a reflection of my true experience and were not influenced, in any way, by the above mentioned products or companies. Opinions and views are my own. Because that’s how I roll, yo. I’ve never been one to shut my mouth – I’m not going to start now. If something sucks, why would I waste your time? I wouldn’t. Capiche?
Michael
February 12, 2015 at 4:19 PMOoooohhhh! Look who got to use her beautiful new brass knuckle looking cups! Stunning photos
Kristy Gardner
February 12, 2015 at 4:31 PMhahahaha aren’t they bad ass? I could take these to prison if i ever end up like Martha. Thank you!
Becky
February 12, 2015 at 4:53 PMSuch a pretty new look!
I’m a total sucker for Valentine’s Day because way back when, all the hoopla made a boy think it was a great idea to call a girl, even though he knew she was down at the Mardi Gras in NOLA, because she’d come home to a sweet message on her answering machine saying Happy Valentine’s Day. What he didn’t know was that she had an most crapola Mardi Gras – so much so that she swore it off forever – and coming home to her crappy house very late that night to that message made the whole day salvageable. He suggested they get together soon and so the following weekend, she ran into him at a party and the rest, as they say is history. We credit Valentine’s Day as the the impetus for him to finally make a move. And so we celebrate it as the start of us.
Becky recently published…That time I nailed the biscuits.
Kristy Gardner
February 15, 2015 at 9:17 AMThat is pretty much the cutest story ever Becky. You have every right to love and celebrate Valentines day 🙂
PS. I think most people – despite the hype – have a crapola Mardi Gras 😉 It’s kind of like New Years: Overrated.
debby
February 12, 2015 at 5:06 PMAwesome new look to She Eats. You need to make that drink for me next time I see you!
Kristy Gardner
February 15, 2015 at 9:17 AMDeal.
PS. You had one on the patio when we were looking for a place for me to live. Mine have actual coffee ice cubes though = better.
Michelle
February 12, 2015 at 6:43 PMLOVE LOVE LOVE your new look, so elegant 🙂 And oh my… those shafts looks mighty (and) amazing 😉 Can’t wait to try them. Beautiful pictures as usual, and I am green with food blogger prop envy at your glasses 🙂
Michelle recently published…Indian Classics – Steamed Nutmeg Flan (Custard)
Kristy Gardner
February 15, 2015 at 9:18 AMAw thanks Michelle!!
I know right?! I almost peed my pants when I found the glasses. Total score. Total thrift shop jewel. I call them my brass knuckle cups. haha
Darina
February 12, 2015 at 10:41 PMBeautiful looking post/pics and your blog redesign is gorgeous, too!
Kristy Gardner
February 15, 2015 at 9:19 AMThank you lady love! We must get together soon 🙂
Jessica
February 13, 2015 at 12:24 AMHoly.Hell.
Bring the shaft ON!
lol.
This is similar to a drink my father has made for me. Yours sounds even more delish, and the pics…well, if I could devour a screen! 😉
Awesome ode to this hallmark holiday. Cheers!
Jessica recently published…Homemade Lip Balm with Peppermint Oil
Jessica
February 13, 2015 at 12:25 AMPS GrEaT new look!!!
Jessica recently published…Homemade Lip Balm with Peppermint Oil
Kristy Gardner
February 15, 2015 at 9:21 AMHAHAHAHAHA … that’s what she said 😉
PS. Thanks lovely lady! You just made my day.
Jacqueline Gum (Jacquie)
February 13, 2015 at 3:38 AMWho hasn’t heard of a shaft??? Uh…well me, until today. But it looks spectacular enough for me to want to attempt making a few for myself. Best way ever to pass the time while the big V-day passes:)
Jacqueline Gum (Jacquie) recently published…Valentine’s Day… Where’s The Justice?
Kristy Gardner
February 15, 2015 at 9:21 AMMy thoughts exactly Jacqueline!
suki
February 13, 2015 at 7:29 AMPictures are so beautiful .. i just stared them for a minute!!!!
suki recently published…Paneer Biryani
Kristy Gardner
February 15, 2015 at 9:22 AMThank you Suki! Great to see you 🙂
carole
February 13, 2015 at 7:50 AMholy crap, that is my kind of cocktail and I even have everything on hand but the Bailey’s. Luckily, my neighbour’s have it lol
Kristy Gardner
February 15, 2015 at 9:22 AMCarole. It sounds like you have the best neighbours ever. And talk about a good Sunday – neighbours, shared coffee and booze? I’m in.
Ayngelina
February 13, 2015 at 8:10 AMYour coffee set is gorgeous, I must have it!
Ayngelina recently published…Cider, Apple Pie and Goats… Oh My!
Kristy Gardner
February 15, 2015 at 9:23 AMhaha – i’ll share Ayngelina.
Raj @ www.ThePrimalDesire.com
February 13, 2015 at 12:54 PMAs always Kristy: had me in stitches. I think we need to play Cards Against Humanity some time.
I’m not a coffee person, but this looks incredible. Great photos too!
Happy Valentine’s Day girl!
Kristy Gardner
February 15, 2015 at 9:23 AMRaj! That sounds like a super fun – and terribly offensive – idea. I’m in.
Thalia @ butter and brioche
February 13, 2015 at 2:52 PMCoffee + 3 different types of alcohol? Now this is my kind of drink! Looks divine!
Thalia @ butter and brioche recently published…Persian Meringue Nests with Rhubarb Curd
Kristy Gardner
February 15, 2015 at 9:24 AMHAHAHA… Right Thalia? I’m a firm believer that when it comes to coffee, more booze = good. Or vice versa.
Lindsey @HalfDimeHomestead
February 13, 2015 at 7:00 PMThese are the awesome-sauce!
I have all of the ingredients at home and I will be making these.
I bet they go great with yoga.
Just sayin….
(And you brought it with the photography on this post. SO PERFECT.)
Lindsey @HalfDimeHomestead recently published…Garden Update – February
Kristy Gardner
February 15, 2015 at 9:25 AMYOU my friend, are the awesome sauce.
PS. I’m gonna pair with a side of yoga later and I’ll let you know how it goes 😉
Teresa
February 13, 2015 at 9:59 PMI’m with you on Valentine’s Day. My partner and I don’t celebrate it and we were so relieved to find that we both felt the same way about the day. I get a lot of, “You don’t like Valentine’s Day? But…you’re in a relationship!”
That drink, on the other hand, is well worth celebrating.
Kristy Gardner
February 15, 2015 at 9:27 AMSuch assumptions Teresa, are the bane of my existence. Just because I have someone doesn’t mean we HAVE to love the holiday. Right? 🙂 I actually took some time yesterday to text girl friends instead of the bf – who was lovely btw and got me a massage …. I got him an e-card. hahaha. Oops. I’ll make it up to him though. I think if you show each other each and every single day how much you care for each other, an over-manufactured consumerist holiday doesn’t need to mean anything at all. But I do appreciate the massage. haha. Won’t argue with that.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
February 17, 2015 at 4:16 PMYou had me at shaft. I mean coffee. I mean vodka. Now, I mean dong.
I’d move to Vancouver for this. And also to grow my own crops.
Kristy Gardner
February 18, 2015 at 5:12 PMBAHAHAHA! I just spit out my water.
PS. Yes. I want crops this year too. Won’t you grow things where you are though?
meghan
March 4, 2015 at 3:39 PMthat is truly the liquid of legends… I tried the recipe, awesome, but the cup is what caught my eye, I could almost taste the glass and liquid when I saw it. I plan on varying the recipe adding crème de cocoa, and amaretto. Glad to know there are more ladies out there who feel like I do!
By the V day is a complete waste of a Martyr, I completely agree with you.
Kristy Gardner
March 4, 2015 at 3:46 PMOH Meghan that makes me so happy!! I LOVE the idea of creme de cocoa and amaretto. DO let me know how it works out for you – or better yet, if you’re on Instagram, @ tag me so I can see it and regram. http://instagram.com/kristy_gardner – I’ll have one at the same time and cheers you.
Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed the drink and for sharing your experience here. It’s wonderful to hear from you!
Ralph Donkin
April 7, 2015 at 11:11 PMMarvelous!! The Pictures and the blog INCREDIBLE. And those shafts wonderful. Ow ow recipe too. I am thinking to try this A DIRTY SEXY COFFEE with my husband. Thanks.
Kristy Gardner
August 23, 2016 at 8:25 AMAw thanks Ralph! I appreciate that 🙂 Hope you enjoyed the coffee with your hubby!
Kristy Gardner recently published…Spiced Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon, Herbs & Toasted Almonds
A Culinary Blog Tour | The Endless Meal
April 19, 2015 at 3:26 PM[…] to make me hungry with her delicious food and tasty cocktails. Need more convincing? Check out her Dirty Sexy Coffee Drinks: Shafts, 13 Secrets about Black Bean Burgers the Government is Hiding, Devour It with a Spoon Lemon Curd, […]
15 Coffee Cocktails That Will Be the Star of Your Brunch - MainViral
March 5, 2016 at 2:44 AM[…] Get the recipe from She Eats. […]
Alison
August 15, 2016 at 7:05 PMI recently moved to Victoria from Alberta on a whim (and desperation to get OUT), and I’m so happy to hear someone that did the same!
I’m always showing friends and family who come visit the city this AMAZING beverage, and am very happy I stumbled across your blog searching for the true recipe!
Currently in the works – getting a cat and growing my own garden veggies! Victoria is easily the best decision I’ve ever made.
Im very happy I stumbled upon your blog today. You gained a new reader!
Ps – if you’re lactose intolerant, shafts can be made with only Kahlua (nix the baileys) and they taste almost identical!
Kristy Gardner
August 23, 2016 at 8:27 AMLOL… I totally understand that desperation Alison. Sometimes ya just need a new start, ya know? Victoria is a great place to do it in. Congrats on your big move and the new garden – so good! And welcome to the community!!
PS. Good to know! I’ll try making the Shafts sans Baileys this weekend – I’m sure it’s super yum! Thanks for the tip 🙂
Kristy Gardner recently published…Spiced Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon, Herbs & Toasted Almonds
Aaron
October 4, 2017 at 9:30 PMI do not believe you have to drive the island to enjoy a shaft. Calgary claims they invented it so does golden so does Louise same with Vic. I’m trying to figure out who actually did. I know I had this drink for the first time in 05 in golden at the riv