The Stag's Head Pub's Coffee Shooter

Desperately needing to escape the Thanksgiving culinary mayhem at my crib, I enlisted brother-in-law Bruce and nephew Matthew to join me for a cocktail. Neil Young blaring, the mayhem continued as we shouted suggestions, made wrong turns and finally ended up at The Stag's Head Pub (2128 Portsmouth, 712-533-1199). We immediately felt at home in this feel-good pub, which has nightly drink and food specials served up by attentive and downright funny employees. We scored seats at the bar, marveled at the selection of brews, selected a few and settled down to companionable silence. Some pints later, silence long gone, it was time for a shot. The ensuing debate got us nowhere until delightful bartender Molly stepped in and suggested a coffee shooter. Huh? I had to ask the ingredients; Molly glibly replied, "coffee and shooter stuff." I was unable to resist her sales tactic, and ordered 'em up. The boys and I raised our glasses and downed this creamy, powerful, orgasmic shot. Knowing we had stuffing to make, pies to bake and family members waiting at home, we conspiratorially ordered another round of shots while I wrangled the ingredients from Molly. As we headed out the door, we started arguing about what CD we would play on the way home, and I silently gave thanks for family, friends and all the good drinks to come.

3/4 ounce Kahlúa liqueur

3/4 ounce Baileys Irish Cream liqueur

3/4 ounce brandy (your choice)

3/4 ounce coffee

Mix all ingredients and pour to the top of a three-ounce shot glass. Make it part of your holiday tradition.