Coffee and cocktails? Yes, please! I’m always on the lookout for new ways to get my caffeine fix, and these 16 recipes for coffee cocktails are just the thing.
You might be surprised at how well coffee can pair with anything from vodka and rum to tequila and even gin. So grab your shaker and get ready to enjoy these coffee cocktails!
1. Spanish Coffee with Brandy
It is common in Spain to observe people taking pleasure in brandy and coffee at the start of their day. Typically, both beverages get their own cups, and they enjoy the brandy as they sip on their hot coffee.
In the evening, however, they combine them into a Carajillo. Liquor 43 is a popular choice, and I’ve had the honor of seeing the distillery close to Murcia in Spain, but any brandy will be sufficient.
This version includes a dash of orange, which you will spread along the rim so you can smell it with each sip.
2. Espresso Negroni
The classic Negroni is a basic combination of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, which is an Italian liqueur that has orange peel, cherry, clove, and cinnamon undertones. This cocktail may be a tad bitter, but it also has cherry, wine, and citrus undertones.
Then, to make this coffee variation, all you have to do is add espresso to the mix. A Negroni is already a pretty mature cocktail, and adding coffee will only enhance it.
I wouldn’t suggest preparing this unless you know you appreciate Negroni because it’s an acquired taste.
3. Coffee Buzz Martini
The name suggests that this is a highly boozy cocktail. If you aren’t a big fan of strong drinks, it might not be for you.
I wager you’ll enjoy this if you appreciate the warmth you get after a martini sip. To prepare it, you’ll need Bailey, Kahlua, and vodka, though you can substitute heavy cream for the Baileys to lessen the alcohol content.
I used whipped cream vodka in place of simple syrup, which made this even more like a dessert.
4. Cinnamon Whiskey Coffee Cocktail
Cinnamon may quickly spice up coffee. It might be a sprinkle on top or a stick steeped into the pot.
It gives a lovely warmth. Given that I’m discussing coffee cocktails, I can’t simply add cinnamon to the mix.
Instead, grab the Fireball bottle and try to spare room for the coffee!
5. Iced Whiskey Coffees With Whiskey Syrup and Whipped Cream
Many cocktails and coffees employ simple syrup to enhance the taste. That touch of sweetness, like salt, may transform your drink from bland to bright. There is no prohibition against adding whiskey to the syrup!
First, prepare the syrup by mixing water, whiskey, brown sugar, and vanilla and heating until the sugar dissolves. It tastes like caramel, and I swear you’ll want to drizzle it over ice cream.
After the syrup chills, stir it into coffee and top with lightly whipped cream.
6. Iced Drunken Mocha Cocktail
Chocolate and coffee are a natural match, and this drunken mocha will make you smile. Did you rush home from school to make chocolate milk? This one starts the same way, so keep the kids away!
After making chocolate milk, put it in a shaker with espresso and Kahlua. Serve with ice and cocoa powder.
Alternately, create a boozy frappuccino. Toss everything in your blender and blitz until thick.
7. Mexican Coffee Cocktail
I enjoy collecting tasty tequilas as a margarita lover. One of my favorites is Patrón XO Cafe, a delicious blend of Arabica coffee and tequila. This recipe requires simple white tequila, but I used XO Cafe for an additional coffee taste.
This drink is worth trying. I found it was warm with cinnamon whipped cream.
8. Coffee Brandy Alexander Cocktail
The classic Brandy Alexander consists of cognac, crème de cacao, and cream. It’s creamy and sweet with milk chocolate and vanilla undertones.
To produce a coffee version, add a splash of coffee liqueur. Because the original is sweet, you can use straight espresso.
9. Kahlúa Midnight Coffee Cocktail
You may already know I like sweets. That, with my love for coffee, makes it unsurprising that I always keep Kahlúa. For those who dislike sweets, Kahlúa Midnight is next.
It’s a strong blend of black coffee and rum, which serves as the ideal basis for this coffee cocktail. Adding Irish cream will impart a smooth, creamy flavor with a hint of sweetness. Also, whiskey provides heat.
10. Iced Coffee Margarita
Can’t leave home without iced coffee? Me too! Are margaritas your go-to cocktail?
If you’re nodding, we’re soulmates. If we ever met, we’d drink these iced coffee margaritas.
Trust the process with lemon. The citrus works wonders and you’ll miss it if you skip it.
11. The Siciliano
This cocktail does not taste extremely boozy. It’s light with bubbles, like coffee soda. So, you might not notice it immediately, but this drink will surprise you.
I appreciate the dark fruity flavors from sweet vermouth. Great for individuals seeking non-creamy and decadent cocktails.
12. Mocha Mezcal Dessert Cocktail
Mezcal is smokey, unlike sweeter tequila. I find it complements coffee well! Depending on your choices, you may need extra sugar.
Intense, especially using homemade chocolate syrup. If you can locate coffee-infused mezcal, do it.
There aren’t many, but Dangerous Don Cafe Mezcal is delicious.
13. Nutty Irishman
Frangelico is a beautiful Italian liqueur containing hazelnuts, coffee, cocoa, and vanilla. It’s sweet, fragrant, and best on ice. It’s exquisite in hot coffee with whipped cream.
Instead of milk, use Irish cream for extra creaminess and alcohol. Adding whiskey is also a good idea, so substitute milk for the Irish cream.
14. Long Island Iced Coffee
Everyone has memories of hazy nights with Long Island iced teas. It’s a strong drink with vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec. To be honest, this creamy coffee version is intense.
You’ll need Baileys, Kahlua, vodka, rum, and tequila, which sounds weird, but it works! Shake with coffee and ice.
15. Frothy Whipped Coffee White Russian
You’ve seen Dalgona coffee on social media. Did you try it and love it? It’s easy.
Combine hot water, instant coffee, and sugar, then whisk until light and fluffy. Yes, really! The coffee turns light and airy, and it’s luscious and smooth, so you’ll want another before finishing the first.
Like a White Russian, stir vodka, Kahlua, vanilla, and milk in a glass. Pour milk over a spoon to see the layers. Top with foamy coffee.
16. Cold Brew Bourbon Cocktail
Bourbon’s sweetness makes it ideal for coffee cocktails because it counteracts acidity and bitterness. However, this recipe utilizes cold brew, so it’s already smooth.
Add a dash of triple sec for a light citrus note. It is optional, but it brightens the flavor.