9 Of The Best Coffee Cocktails To Make Your Tastebuds Jump
Whether you’re a coffee lover or not, you have to admit that there’s something pretty special about coffee cocktails. They’ve become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason – they’re delicious! If you’re looking to try something new, or just want to add a little spice to your usual routine, check out some of these eight amazing coffee cocktails. From classics like the Irish Coffee to newer recipes like the Bushwhacker, there’s sure to be something for everyone. So next time you’re at your favorite bar or restaurant, order one of these drinks and enjoy!
1. Espresso martini
Espresso martinis are a type of cocktail that is made with espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur. To make one, you will need to shake all ingredients together with ice and strain them into a chilled glass. While the cocktails-with-coffee trend started in the 1970s, the espresso martini as we know it today was invented in the 1980s by Dick Bradsell.
He created it for a model who wanted a drink that would “wake me up and get me messed up”. And so, the espresso martini was born. Thanks to its popularity, there are now many variations of this drink available, including versions made with rum, whisky, or even tequila. So whether you’re looking for a pick-me-up or a nightcap, an espresso martini is sure to hit the spot.
INGREDIENTS
- 1.25 oz. Ketel One® Vodka
- 1 oz. espresso coffee (hot)
- .5 oz. simple syrup
- .25 oz. coffee liqueur
METHOD: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Shake with ice and fine strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with three coffee beans on top.
2. Irish coffee
Irish coffee is classic coffee cocktails that are perfect for chilly evenings. It is made with coffee, whiskey, and sugar, and it is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a mug and enjoy!
The coffee provides a rich and bold flavor, while the whiskey adds a touch of warmth. The sugar helps to balance out the flavors and creates a smooth, velvety texture. Irish coffee is the perfect drink for relaxing after a long day or for enjoying with friends on a cold night. So next time you’re in the mood for something special, whip up a batch of Irish coffee and enjoy!
- STEP ONE
Combine Baileys, coffee, and Irish Whiskey in a tall “Irish Coffee” glass. - STEP TWO
Top with whipped cream.
3. White Russian with a coffee twist
As any coffee lover knows, there are few things more delicious than a freshly brewed cup of joe. But what if you could enjoy the flavor of coffee cocktails? Enter the White Russian with a coffee twist.
This delicious drink combines the classic flavors of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, with an added coffee kick. To make it, simply combine one part vodka, one part coffee liqueur, and one part cream in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Then, add a shot of espresso or cold brew coffee and enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up or an evening nightcap, this cocktail is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
- Ice Cubes
- 1⅓ Parts Absolut Vodka
- 1⅓ Parts Kahlúa
- 1⅓ Parts Cream
How to make
Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes. Add Absolut Vodka and Kahlúa, top off by adding a cream layer. Pour the cream on the back of a spoon to get the layering right. If you fail with the layering, just stir. It tastes just as good! Want a drink with less calories? Try it out with plant based or regular milk! Or try one of the other versions described below.
A story about White Russian
The White Russian origins from 1949 when Gustave Tops who was a Belgian bartender, created the cocktail at Hotel Metropole in Brussels. He’s also the creator of its sister cocktail, the Black Russian – a White Russian without any cream.
There are several different variations of the White Russian. There’s the White Belgian, which is made with chocolate liqueur instead of coffee liqueur, the White Canadian, which is made with goat’s milk instead of cream, and the Dirty Russian, which is made with chocolate milk instead of cream. There is also the White Mexican, which uses horchata instead of cream and finally the White Cuban, which uses rum instead of vodka.
4. Coffee and Bailey’s milkshake
There’s nothing quite like coffee cocktails to get your day started – or ended, for that matter. And one of our favorites is the classic coffee and Bailey’s milkshake. This creamy, dreamy drink is the perfect pick-me-up – or nightcap – and can be easily made at home with just a few simple ingredients. Just combine coffee, Bailey’s Irish Cream, ice cream, and milk in a blender and blend until smooth. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy! Cheers!
TO MAKE THESE BOOZY BAILEY’S AND COFFEE MILKSHAKE’S YOU WILL NEED THE FOLOWING:
- cold (brewed) coffee
- whole milk
- Baileys Irish cream
- chocolate syrup
- coffee ice cream
OPTIONAL GARNISHES:
First, measure and add the 1/4 cup of cold coffee and 3/4 cup of whole milk into your blender.
Note: It’s a good idea to wait until the coffee has cooled, otherwise the ice cream may melt when you add it
First, measure and add the 1/4 cup of cold coffee and 3/4 cup of whole milk into your blender.
Note: It’s a good idea to wait until the coffee has cooled, otherwise the ice cream may melt when you add it
Then add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup and then pour in 1/4 cup of Baileys Irish cream.
5. Kahlua and Cream Coffee
There’s something about the combination of coffee cocktails that just feels so indulgent. Perhaps it’s the caffeine buzz that gives us a little extra boost, or maybe it’s the fact that we’re basically drinking dessert. Whatever the reason, Kahlua and cream coffee is one of our favorite ways to enjoy a boozy pick-me-up.
This rich and creamy drink is made with coffee, Kahlua, and heavy cream, and it can be served either hot or cold. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even garnish your drink with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. No matter how you enjoy it, Kahlua and cream coffee is sure to give you a delicious buzz.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 PART KAHLÚA
- 2 PARTS COFFEE
- PARTS
EQUIPMENT
- Moka pot or espresso machine
- Spoon and whisk
- A heating element for the milk; a steamer, microwave, stovetop
- Creamer or small bowl
INGREDIENTS
- Filtered water
- Finely-ground Cuban coffee
- 10-12 ounces milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the espresso. We’re using a Moka pot, but if you’re using a different method, prepare your espresso as usual. Fill the bottom compartment with water and add coffee grounds to the filter basket. Screw the top compartment on and place the Moka pot on the stove. Use medium heat to avoid scorching your coffee.
- Heat the milk using a milk steamer, stovetop, or microwave. You don’t need to froth the milk; it just needs to be hot. Make sure not to boil the milk.
- Pull or pour your espresso shots into your coffee mug. Add the hot milk and stir well. You’ll want a ratio of about 2/3 milk and 1/3 espresso.
- This step is optional, but it’s a fun addition! This sugary foam, called espuma, is traditional in Cuban café con Leche but is less common in other countries. Pour 2 tablespoons of sugar into a small bowl or creamer.
- Add an equal amount of espresso and whisk vigorously. You want the sugar to dissolve and the mixture to form a light brown froth. Pour this mixture on top of your café con Leche and enjoy your tasty treat!
6. Coffee old-fashioned
For coffee lovers, there’s nothing quite like a good cocktail made with coffee. The Coffee Old Fashioned is a classic example of how coffee can elevate simple coffee cocktails to new heights. This drink combines the bold flavor of coffee with the smoothness of bourbon, and the result is a truly unique and delicious beverage. Best of all, it’s easy to make at home. Simply combine coffee, bourbon, bitters, and sugar in a glass and stir until well combined. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy your perfect cup of cocktails. Cheers!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz coffee liqueur We used Mr. Black Cold Brew
- 1/4 oz simple syrup or to taste
- 2 dash orange bitters
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 expressed orange peel for garnish
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add bourbon, coffee liqueur, syrup, and bitters into a mixing glass.
- Fill 3/4 with ice.
- Stir for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a glass with a large ice cube.
- Express orange peel over the glass by squeezing orange peel over the glass to release the oils and rubbing it around the rim.
- Drop the peel into the glass.
- Garnish with coffee beans.
7. Bushwacker drink
Bushwacker coffee cocktails are popular in the Caribbean and are made with coffee, rum, and cream. The drink is said to have originated in the Virgin Islands, and it is occasionally called a Virgin Island Fog Cutter.
There are many variations of the recipe, but the basic ingredients remain the same. Bushwackers are typically served blended with ice, but they can also be served over ice or neat. The drink is usually garnished with whipped cream and a cherry, and it can be enjoyed any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer cocktail or a cozy winter drink, a Bushwacker is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 1-ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 1-ounce dark creme de cacao
- 2 ounces of whole milk
- 1 ounce cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)
- Garnish: nutmeg, freshly grated
Steps
- Add the dark rum, coffee liqueur, dark creme de cacao, whole milk, cream of coconut, and a cup of ice into a blender and blend until combined and frothy.
- Pour into a Hurricane glass.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
8. Espresso Margarita
If you’re looking for a twist on the classic margarita, an espresso margarita is a great option. The coffee adds a rich, deep flavor to the drink, and the tequila provides a perfect contrast. To make this coffee cocktails, you’ll need espresso, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and ice. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in chilled glasses and enjoy!
- 1 oz
Cointreau - 1.75 oz
Tequila - 0.5 oz
Fresh lime juice - 1 tsp
Coffee syrup - 1 tsp
Orange blossom - 1 dash
Angostura Bitters - 0.75 oz
Fresh Espresso
HOW TO MAKE
- Step 1/2
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and add ice. - Step 2/2
Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass rimmed with golden sugar.
9. Spanish coffee
If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve probably tried a few different coffee cocktails. But have you ever had Spanish coffee? This tasty drink is made with coffee, brandy, and triple sec, and it’s garnished with whipped cream and cinnamon.
The origin of Spanish coffee is disputed, but one story goes that it was created in the early 1800s by a Spanish bartender who was trying to impress an American traveler. Whatever its origins, Spanish coffee is a delicious way to enjoy your morning cup of joe. So why not give it a try the next time you’re looking for something new?
Ingredients
- ¾ OZ. 151-PROOF RUM
- ¼ OZ. TRIPLE SEC
- 1½ OZ. COFFEE LIQUEUR
- 3 OZ. FRESH-BREWED COFFEE
- 1 LEMON WEDGE
- SUPER-FINE SUGAR
Preparation
Run the cut edge of the lemon wedge around the rim of the glass and press the rim into superfine sugar, shaking off the excess. Add the rum and triple sec to the sugar-rimmed glass and carefully ignite, slowly turning until the glass has warmed and the sugar has begun to caramelize. Add the coffee liqueur (the flame should go out at this point) and top with hot coffee. Garnish by gently floating the whipped cream on top using the back of a spoon, then add grated nutmeg.
Tools:
- LIGHTER OR MATCHES
- GLASS:
- RED WINE OR IRISH COFFEE
- GARNISH:
- LIGHTLY WHIPPED CREAM AND GRATED NUTMEG
Wrapping it up
Ready to try your hand at our coffee cocktails? Let’s get started with a few recipes. These nine cocktails are just the beginning – we’d love to hear about your favorite coffee cocktails, too. Share them in the comments below or on our social media pages. Cheers!
