Kraken and Coke Cupcakes

I think I've mentioned before that one of my favorite mixed drinks is Kraken and Coke. Pair with fresh chocolate chip cookies, and I'm in heaven. Is it 5 o'clock yet? It is somewhere!

For those of you who don't know what Kraken is, let me explain. Kraken is the most vanilla-y and in my humble opinion the best tasting dark spiced rum out there. Although its relatively inexpensive, the smooth taste is good enough to sip. Yet, I'm a little timid when it comes to mixed drinks, so I like to add some Coke. 

So, it should be no surprise that I've wanted to make Kraken and Coke cupcakes for quite some time. It took me a while to decide on the best combination so for the ultimate cupcakes, I present a Kraken and Coke base, Coke Glaze, and Kraken Buttercream Frosting. 

Kraken and Coke Cupcakes
adapted from Guinness and Irish Cream Cupcakes
preheat oven 375 degrees

1 cup Coke
1 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup dutch processed cocoa powder
1 tsp cola extract
12.25 oz all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1/4 cup Kraken Dark Spiced Rum
2/3 cup sour cream

1. Combine the coke and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add the cocoa powder and whisk until smooth.  Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.  In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the eggs and sour cream to blend.  Add the coke-butter mixture and beat just to combine.  
3. Mix in the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon just until incorporated.

Makes 24 cupcakes. Fill liners to 3/4 full. Bake for 15 minutes or until tester comes out clean. Set aside to cool.

Coke Glaze
1/4 cup Coke
1 cup glazing sugar or powdered sugar
1 tbsp cool water

1. Heat the coke in a small saucepan until reduced to about 1 tbsp concentrate. 
2. Set aside to cool.
3. In a small bowl stir sugar and water adding water until desired consistency.
4. Stir in coke reduction.

Dip cooled cupcakes into glaze.

Kraken Buttercream

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
3 tbsp Kraken Dark Spiced Rum
Heavy Whipping Cream to taste

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream softened butter, salt, and vanilla. Mix well.
2. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time alternating with liquids. Add cream or powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency.

Fill pastry bag with large tip and frost cupcakes.

Kraken and Coke Cupcakes

I'm happy to say that the reviews are in and they are very positive. Would I get negative reviews you ask? Not exactly, but its clear when the cupcake I bring into work is a good one.

The best comment of today, "Wow these are Kraken and Coke, you nailed it!"