Coffee and cocktails—two of the world’s most beloved indulgences—come together to create a magical pairing. With a coffee cocktail, you can elevate your brunch, impress at a dinner party, or enjoy a unique nightcap. From creamy classics to modern twists, we’ve rounded up the best coffee-infused libations that are sure to delight and tantalize your taste buds.
What’s a Coffee Cocktail?
Coffee cocktails are made from a magical combination of coffee, spirits, and various other flavorings, resulting in a delicious and punchy beverage. These cocktails feature the bold and comforting flavors of coffee and elevate these with the complementary flavors of spirits and liqueurs. Recipes for coffee cocktails range from simple two-ingredient drinks to multi-step recipes that require special equipment and a little mixology know-how. Some are warm, boozy, and comforting, while others are crisp and refreshing. No matter how simple or complex, coffee cocktails are extremely popular for the way they blur the lines between a morning cup of joe and a sultry evening cocktail.
20 Coffee Cocktails You'll Love
Whether you’re looking for some new recipes for after-dinner drinks or want to spice up your next brunch party, these coffee cocktails stand out as the perfect caffeinated boozy solutions.
1. Espresso Martini
The espresso martini is the definitive coffee cocktail. It’s a sophisticated and energizing cocktail that combines the bold flavors of espresso with the smoothness of vodka and the sweetness of coffee liqueur. It’s perfect as a pre-dinner drink, a pick-me-up, or an after-dinner treat.
Ingredients
- 1 shot fresh espresso (hot or cooled)
- 2 oz vodka
- 1.5 oz coffee liqueur
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- Ice
- Garnish: 3 whole coffee beans
Instructions
- Brew the espresso: Prepare a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool slightly. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee can work as a substitute, though it will lack the crema and bold flavor of espresso.
- Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup (if using).
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice to the top. This is crucial for chilling the drink and creating the frothy layer.
- Shake vigorously: Shake the mixture for 15–20 seconds. The goal is to chill the drink and build a creamy, frothy top from the espresso.
- Strain and serve: Double strain (using a cocktail strainer and fine-mesh sieve) into a chilled martini or coupe glass to ensure a smooth texture.
- Garnish: Gently place 3 coffee beans on the frothy surface for an elegant finish.
2. Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is another staple in the coffee cocktail category. This warm, comforting cocktail features hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream. It’s a classic, perfect for cozy evenings or as a winter warmer. The combination of strong coffee, smooth whiskey, and creamy topping creates a rich and satisfying experience.
Pro tip: Use a medium or dark roast to help balance the strong flavors of Irish whiskey. We recommend Belly Warmer–it’s one of our most popular blends because of the rich-tasting notes of chocolate and almond butter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
- 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
- 1-2 tsp brown sugar (to taste)
- 1-2 tbsp lightly whipped heavy cream
Instructions
- Warm the glass: Fill your mug or glass with hot water before adding the cocktail ingredients to keep the beverage extra warm.
- Brew the coffee: Prepare a fresh, hot cup of coffee.
- Add sugar and whiskey: Place the brown sugar in the warm glass, then pour in the Irish whiskey. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Pour the coffee: Slowly add the hot coffee to the glass, leaving some space at the top for the cream. Stir gently to combine.
- Add the cream: Lightly whip the heavy cream until it’s thick but still pourable (avoid full whipping). Gently pour it over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect on top of the coffee.
- Serve: Do not stir the cream into the coffee. Instead, drink through it to enjoy the contrast between the rich cream and the warm coffee-whiskey mix.
3. Spanish Coffee
Spanish coffee is a rich and dramatic cocktail made with coffee, spirits, and often flambéed for a caramelized flavor. Originating in the U.S. Pacific Northwest but inspired by the classic Irish coffee, it combines coffee with rum or brandy and coffee liqueur, making it a cozy and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz coffee liqueur
- 1/2 oz dark rum (or brandy)
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (to rim the glass)
- Optional garnish: grated nutmeg or cinnamon, orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Use a heatproof glass or mug. Moisten the rim with a citrus wedge, then dip it in granulated sugar to coat evenly.
- Flambé the liqueur (optional for drama):
- Pour the coffee liqueur and rum into the sugar-rimmed glass.
- Carefully ignite the mixture with a long lighter or match. Swirl the glass gently to caramelize the sugar rim (use caution!).
- Once the sugar has melted slightly, extinguish the flame by adding the hot coffee.
- Add the coffee: Slowly pour hot coffee into the glass to fill it, leaving some space at the top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with grated nutmeg, cinnamon, or a twist of orange zest for extra flavor and presentation.
4. White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, indulgent cocktail that blends coffee liqueur, vodka, and cream. It’s a richer variation of the Black Russian, made famous by The Big Lebowski, and is perfect for sipping after dinner or as a dessert-like treat.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz heavy cream or milk
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill the glass with ice: Use a rocks glass (or an old-fashioned glass) and fill it with ice cubes.
- Add vodka and coffee liqueur: Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur directly over the ice.
- Top with cream: Slowly pour the cream over the back of a spoon onto the drink for a layered effect, or simply pour it in for a mixed look.
- Stir (optional): You can leave the drink layered for presentation or stir it gently to combine the ingredients before drinking.
- Serve and enjoy: The White Russian is best enjoyed slowly, letting the flavors meld as you sip.
5. Black Russian
The Black Russian is an elegant and straightforward cocktail, perfect for sipping slowly while enjoying its rich, dark flavors. It’s the predecessor of the White Russian and is known for its smooth, slightly sweet, and bold coffee flavor. With just two ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to make and ideal for those who enjoy the taste of coffee without the creaminess.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- Ice
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Use a rocks or old-fashioned glass. Fill it with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka and coffee liqueur: Pour the vodka over the ice, followed by the coffee liqueur.
- Stir gently: Use a cocktail stirrer or spoon to mix the ingredients gently, ensuring they’re well combined.
- Serve: The Black Russian is ready to enjoy as-is.
6. Cold Brew Negroni
The cold brew negroni is a modern twist on the classic negroni, swapping out the gin's botanical sharpness for the deep, rich flavors of cold brew coffee. This cocktail is bittersweet, aromatic, and perfect for coffee and negroni lovers alike. It’s a refreshing and sophisticated drink ideal for warm afternoons or as a pre-dinner aperitif.
Pro tip: Did you know it’s easy to make your own cold brew at home? If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a bag of Guatemala, Ixlama (a medium roast with chocolate, apple, and caramel tasting notes) and make your own cold brew batch for this coffee cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 oz cold brew coffee
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Ice
- Garnish: Orange twist or slice
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice: Add ice to a mixing glass to chill the ingredients as you combine them.
- Add ingredients: Pour the cold brew coffee, Campari, and sweet vermouth into the mixing glass.
- Stir: Stir the mixture for 20–30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Strain into a glass: Strain the drink into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish: Add an orange twist or slice for a burst of citrus aroma and flavor.
7. Amaretto Coffee
Amaretto coffee is a warm, nutty, and slightly sweet coffee cocktail that blends freshly brewed coffee with the almond flavors of Amaretto liqueur. It's a simple yet indulgent drink, perfect as an after-dinner treat or a cozy dessert beverage.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 1.5 oz amaretto liqueur
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Optional garnish: Sliced almonds, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Brew the coffee: Prepare a fresh cup of hot coffee. A medium or dark roast works best to complement the sweetness of the amaretto.
- Add amaretto: Pour the amaretto liqueur into a heatproof mug or glass.
- Combine and stir: Add the hot coffee to the mug and stir gently to combine the flavors.
- Top with whipped cream: Spoon or pipe whipped cream onto the top of the drink for a rich and creamy finish.
- Garnish (optional): Sprinkle with sliced almonds, a dusting of cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings for extra flair.
8. Coffee Old Fashioned
For a caffeinated twist on a classic, try an old fashioned–with coffee! This cocktail balances the depth of coffee with the warmth of whiskey, enhanced by bitters and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 oz cold brew coffee or espresso (cooled)
- 1/4 oz simple syrup (or adjust to taste)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Garnish: Orange twist and coffee beans
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Use a rocks glass. Add a large ice cube or several smaller cubes.
- Add ingredients: Pour the whiskey, cold brew coffee, simple syrup, and bitters into the glass over the ice.
- Stir: Stir the mixture for about 20–30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish: Express the oils of an orange peel over the drink by twisting it gently above the glass, then place the peel into the drink. Add a few coffee beans for an extra aromatic touch.
9. Siciliano
The Siciliano is a refreshing, bittersweet cocktail made with cold brew coffee, sweet vermouth, coffee liqueur, and sparkling water. Originating as a lighter, aperitivo-style drink, it’s perfect for warm afternoons or as a pre-dinner sip. The combination of coffee and vermouth creates a complex yet approachable flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 2 oz cold brew coffee
- 1.5 oz sweet vermouth
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz sparkling water or club soda
- Ice
- Garnish: Orange twist
Instructions
- Fill a class with ice: Use a rocks or highball glass and fill it with ice cubes.
- Add ingredients: Pour the cold brew coffee, sweet vermouth, and coffee liqueur over the ice.
- Top with club soda: Gently add club soda to the mixture to give the cocktail a light and fizzy finish.
- Stir: Stir gently to combine the flavors while maintaining the effervescence.
- Garnish: Add an orange twist for a touch of citrus aroma and visual appeal.
10. Mudslide
If a white Russian and Irish coffee had a baby, it would be the mudslide. The mudslide combines the rich, creaminess of a White Russian with the warming booziness of an Irish coffee. Though typically served as a dessert cocktail, this also makes a great holiday brunch beverage.
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- Ice
- Optional: 1 oz heavy cream or milk (for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and ice. If using heavy cream, add it here as well.
- Shake: Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to mix and chill the ingredients.
- Strain into a glass: Fill the prepared glass with ice and strain the cocktail over it.
11. Death by Morning
A caffeinated riff on Ernest Hemingway’s Death in the Afternoon, the Death by Morning is a refreshing, botanical coffee cocktail. Don’t let the absinthe scare you–this anise-forward spirit adds delicious complexity to this cocktail. Despite its name, you can enjoy a Death by Morning any time of day.
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz absinthe
- 1/2 oz Branca Menta
- 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 1/2 oz cooled espresso (or 1 1/2 ounces cold brew coffee concentrate)
- 1 barspoon demerara sugar
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 pinch coarse sea salt
- 1 orange twist
- Ice
- Garnish: mint sprig
Instructions
- Brew the espresso: Prepare a fresh shot of espresso. Let it cool slightly to avoid melting the ice too quickly.
- Combine ingredients: In a shaker, combine the absinthe, Branca Menta, coffee liqueur, espresso, sugar, bitters, salt, and ice. Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain: Double-strain the liquid into a Nick and Nora glass.
- Express orange: Twist the orange peel over the glass to express the oils, then discard.
- Garnish: Gently place a small spring of mint on top.
12. Roman Holiday
The Roman Holiday is a variation of the classic Jungle Bird cocktail, with a delicious balance of moody bitters and bright, tropical flavors. This cocktail is light and refreshing, with just the right amount of alcohol and coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 oz amaro liqueur
- 1/4 oz Campari
- 1 oz cold brew coffee
- 3/4 oz pineapple juice, freshly squeezed
- 3/4 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 oz demerara syrup
- 1 pinch sea salt
- Garnish: cinnamon stick or lime wedge
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Add the amaro, Campari, cold brew coffee, pineapple juice, lime juice, demerara syrup and sea salt into a shaker with ice. Shake for about 10-15 seconds, until well-chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a double rocks glass over crushed ice.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with a cinnamon stick or lime wedge and enjoy!
13. Espresso Gin & Tonic
The espresso gin & tonic is a modern twist on the classic gin and tonic, combining the herbal and botanical flavors of gin with the bold richness of espresso and the effervescence of tonic water. This cocktail is refreshing, slightly bitter, and complex, making it a great choice for adventurous drinkers.
Pro tip: To help elevate the refreshing botanical flavors of this cocktail, use our Pink Lady blend to make your espresso. These beans produce coffee with a bright, citrus-forward flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 oz espresso (freshly brewed and slightly cooled)
- 1.5 oz gin
- 3-4 oz tonic water (chilled)
- Ice
- Garnish: Lemon or lime wedge, or a sprig of rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare a glass: Fill a highball or rocks glass with ice cubes.
- Add gin and tonic water: Pour the gin into the glass and top it with chilled tonic water. Leave some space for the espresso.
- Brew the espresso: Prepare a fresh shot of espresso. Let it cool slightly to avoid melting the ice too quickly.
- Add espresso: Slowly pour the cooled espresso over the tonic water. It may create a layered effect, with the espresso floating on top.
- Garnish: Add a lemon or orange twist for a citrusy aroma, or a sprig of rosemary for an herbal note.
- Stir gently (optional): You can leave the drink layered for presentation or stir gently to mix the flavors.
14. Kirsch au Café
The kirsch au café is a niche coffee cocktail that combines the tart cherry flavor of kirsch (cherry brandy) with rich, freshly brewed espresso. The cherry and coffee flavors blend exceptionally well, creating a fruity and aromatic cocktail.
Pro tip: Use a fruit-forward light roast coffee in this recipe to amplify the flavor of the kirsch. We recommend our Colombia, Chami for the cherry and pomegranate tasting notes.
Ingredients
- 1 oz cognac
- 3/4 oz kirsch
- 3/4 oz Cherry Heering
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz egg white
- 1 1/2 oz espresso
Instructions
- Brew the espresso: Prepare a fresh shot of espresso and set aside.
- Dry shake: Add the cognac, kirsch, Cherry Heering, simple syrup and egg white into a shaker and dry-shake. Dry shaking cocktails with egg whites allows all the ingredients to emulsify more effectively before the ice is added.
- Add espresso and ice: Add your shot of espresso to the shaker, fill with ice, and shake again.
- Strain and serve: Double-strain the liquid into a cocktail glass and enjoy.
15. Irish Affogato
An Irish affogato is a boozy take on a classic dessert. This cocktail combines the creamy decadence of gelato with the bold flavors of espresso and the warmth of Irish whiskey. It's a sophisticated yet simple treat, perfect for ending a meal on a high note.
Pro tip: Since this is a rather sweet coffee cocktail, you want to go bold with your coffee choice. We recommend our super dark Late Night coffee for its bold, nutty flavor and dark chocolate tasting notes.
Ingredients
- 1 scoop vanilla gelato (or ice cream)
- 1 shot hot espresso
- 1 oz Irish whiskey
Instructions
- Brew the espresso: Prepare a fresh shot of espresso and set aside.
- Scoop the ice cream: Place one generous scoop of vanilla ice cream in a clear glass or mug,
- Add Irish whiskey: Drizzle the Irish whiskey over the ice cream for a boozy base.
- Pour the espresso: Immediately pour the freshly brewed hot espresso over the ice cream. The heat will slightly melt the ice cream, creating a luscious blend of flavors.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately with a spoon for a mix of hot, cold, creamy, and boozy goodness.
16. Café Corrección Ponche
Café corrección ponche, aka coffee rum punch, is an absolute crowd pleaser for the holidays. This cocktail is rich, boozy, and packs a powerful caffeine punch–no pun intended. This recipe serves about 8, so get some friends together and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons demerara sugar
- 2 strips orange peel
- 1 1/2 cups añejo rum
- 1/2 cup sweet vermouth
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup simple syrup
- Garnish: cinnamon, freshly ground
- Garnish: 4 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Extract orange oils: In a large bowl or pitcher, combine the sugar and orange peels. Muddle them together to release the oils, then let the mixture stand for about an hour.
- Mix the punch: Add the rum, sweet vermouth, cold brew coffee, orange juice, and simple syrup to the bowl. Include a small handful of cracked ice and stir well to combine.
- Chill and strain: Strain the mixture into a punch bowl with a large ice block to keep it cool.
- Finish with cinnamon: Sprinkle freshly ground cinnamon over the top for a warm, aromatic touch.
- Serve: Ladle into teacups and garnish each with a cinnamon stick for an elegant presentation.
17. Espresso Milk Punch
Liven up your next brunch with an espresso milk punch cocktail. This is a super creamy, super boozy, comforting cocktail that’s a great way to wake up–or wind down after a long day.
Ingredients
- 1 oz espresso (freshly brewed and cooled)
- 1.5 oz bourbon or dark rum
- 1/6 oz chicory liqueur
- 1 oz whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (or to taste)
- Ice
- Garnish: Grated nutmeg or cocoa powder
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the cooled espresso, bourbon or rum, chicory liqueur, milk, and simple syrup.
- Add ice and shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled and frothy.
- Strain into a glass: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg or cocoa powder for a warm and aromatic finish.
18. Spark & Stormy
Dark and stormy fans rejoice, there’s a coffee version of this cocktail just for you. The spark and stormy is a tropical, caffeinated variation on a classic, full of bright and interesting flavors. The spark and stormy is the kind of cocktail to make any night interesting.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Drambuie
- 1/2 oz Mezcal
- 2 oz coffee concentrate
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- Club soda, to top
- Ice
- Garnish: 3 fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Combine ingredients and shake: Combine all of the ingredients except for the club soda in a shaker and shake vigorously.
- Strain and add club soda: Double-strain over fresh ice in a tall glass and top with the club soda.
- Garnish: Finish the cocktail by topping with 3 fresh basil leaves. Serve and enjoy!
19. Eye Opener
It’s well known that coffee and whisky play quite nicely together, but what happens when you add beer to the mix? Good things, it turns out. This cocktail is strong on all fronts, but these bold flavors combine beautifully to create a cocktail you’ll want any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz whiskey
- 3/4 oz ginger–brown-sugar syrup
- 3 oz cold brew coffee
- 1 oz stout beer
Instructions
- Make the syrup: To make the ginger-brown-sugar syrup, combine equal parts fresh ginger juice with dark brown sugar in a blender. Blend until fully combined.
- Combine ingredients and stir: Add the whiskey, ginger-brown-sugar syrup and cold brew coffee into a mixing glass and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain: Strain into a rocks glass.
- Add the beer: Dry-shake the stout and top off the cocktail.
20. Affogato Martini
An Affogato Martini is a delightful cocktail inspired by the classic Italian affogato dessert. It combines the richness of espresso with the indulgence of creamy liqueurs and the elegance of a martini. This drink is perfect for coffee and cocktail enthusiasts alike, offering a dessert-like experience in a glass.
Ingredients
- 1 shot fresh espresso (cooled)
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 small scoop vanilla gelato
- Ice
Instructions
- Add gelato to martini glass: Add a scoop of gelato to a chilled martini glass.
- Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the cooled espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream liqueur.
- Add ice and shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for a few seconds until the mixture is well chilled and frothy.
- Strain: Strain the cocktail over the gelato and enjoy!
Cheers to Coffee Cocktails
Whether you’re savoring the creamy decadence of an Irish coffee, the refreshing fizz of an espresso gin & tonic, or the bold sophistication of a cold brew negroni, there’s a coffee cocktail for every mood and occasion. So why choose between coffee and cocktails when you can have the best of both worlds? Experiment, sip, and savor the magic of these caffeinated creations—cheers to the perfect blend!
If you need to avoid caffeine, you can still enjoy most of these cocktails by using decaf coffee! Choose from one of our three delicious decaf blends and keep the party rolling.
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