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Top 15 Coffee Cocktail Drinks You Need to Try

Coffee Cocktails

January 29, 2025

An affogato martini with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Looking to spice up your coffee routine? Dive into the world of coffee cocktail drinks. This list of 15 unique and delectable concoctions will show you how to blend rich coffee flavors with your favorite spirits for an extraordinary drinking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a cocktail novice, you’ll find something to love in these inventive recipes.

Key Takeaways

  • Get your caffeine fix and buzz on with classics like the Espresso Martini and Irish Coffee, balancing kick and comfort.
  • Explore the wild side of coffee cocktails with creative twists like the Cold Brew Negroni and Tiki Coffee Cocktail—because why not sip on adventure?
  • Whether you’re going for creamy decadence in a Mudslide or flair with Café Brûlot, there’s a perfect coffee cocktail for every mood (or mischief).

Classic Espresso Martini

A beautifully crafted espresso martini with a creamy top.

The Espresso Martini is a timeless classic that has captivated coffee and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Invented by the legendary bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club in the late 1980s, this drink was born out of a request from a young model who wanted a drink that would “wake her up and *** her up”. The result was a perfect blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and freshly brewed espresso. Shake the ingredients vigorously with ice to create a velvety foam, then serve in a martini glass garnished with three whole coffee beans, symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness.

The Espresso Martini stands out for its simplicity and elegance. The robust flavors of freshly brewed espresso combined with the smoothness of vodka and the sweetness of coffee liqueur create a harmonious balance that is both invigorating and indulgent.

This drink is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of classic coffee cocktail and coffee cocktails.

Irish Coffee Delight

Video – How to make Irish Cream Coffee with Cooper’s!

Irish Coffee is a beloved classic that combines the warmth of hot coffee with the smoothness of Irish whiskey. This delightful drink, perfect for chilly evenings or as a comforting treat, consists of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a topping of lightly whipped cream. To prepare, simply pour hot coffee into a cup, add brown sugar and Irish whiskey, stir until dissolved, and top with lightly whipped cream.

Irish Coffee stands out for its simplicity and high-quality ingredients. Freshly brewed coffee and quality Irish whiskey make for a rich, flavorful drink. Avoid stale coffee or overcomplicating the recipe. This classic cocktail exemplifies the beauty of simplicity.

White Russian Variations

The White Russian is a creamy and indulgent cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. This drink, popularized by the movie “The Big Lebowski,” is a delightful combination of smoothness and sweetness. Make a White Russian by adding heavy cream to a Black Russian, which includes vodka and coffee liqueur.

The White Mexican is a great variation, using milk instead of cream and adding a touch of chocolate liqueur for richer flavor.

The Tia Flat White Russian, incorporating espresso and rum, offers a robust coffee flavor with a hint of spice.

These White Russian variations cater to different palates, ensuring there’s a perfect version for every enthusiast. Whether you stick to the classic or venture into the realm of creative variations, the White Russian remains a versatile and beloved drink.

Cold Brew Negroni

A refreshing cold brew negroni cocktail.

The Cold Brew Negroni is a modern twist on the classic Negroni, combining the rich flavors of cold brew coffee with the bitter and aromatic notes of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. This innovative cocktail adds an extra layer of complexity and caffeine, making it a favorite among coffee lovers.

Combine cold brew coffee, gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

The result is a refreshing and invigorating drink that perfectly balances the bitterness of the Negroni with the bold flavors of cold brew coffee.

Affogato Martini

An affogato martini with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Affogato Martini is a delightful dessert cocktail that combines the richness of vanilla ice cream with the bold flavors of freshly brewed espresso and a shot of coffee liqueur. This creamy coffee cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and indulgent drink.

Cool the espresso to room temperature to prevent dilution. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a shot of coffee liqueur to a martini glass, then pour the cooled espresso over the top. For extra sweetness, include a bit of brown sugar syrup. Garnish with three espresso beans for a decorative touch and enhanced aroma.

For those who love variety, traditional Affogato Martinis use vanilla bean gelato, but other flavors can also be employed to create new and exciting versions of this classic cocktail. The Affogato Martini impresses whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with new flavors.

Carajillo Twist

The Carajillo Twist is a classic Mexican coffee cocktail that is both simple and flavorful. Shake mezcal, Licor 43, and espresso with ice until frothy, then strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.

This cocktail is incredibly easy to make yet offers a unique and complex flavor profile. The combination of mezcal and Licor 43 with espresso creates a harmonious blend that is both smoky and sweet.

The Carajillo Twist is ideal for exploring new and exciting coffee cocktails without too much fuss.

Mudslide Magic

The Mudslide cocktail is a decadent and indulgent drink that has evolved into a boozy milkshake. Originating in the 1970s, the Mudslide combines vodka, Kahlúa, Baileys, and ice cream to create a creamy and delicious treat.

Initially, the Mudslide didn’t contain ice cream, but it has evolved to include this, making it more dessert-like. This cocktail can be customized by adjusting the quantities of its alcoholic components, ensuring it’s not overly sweet and suits individual preferences.

The Mudslide is a perfect choice for those looking to indulge in a rich and creamy cocktail.

Tiki Coffee Cocktail

A colorful tiki coffee cocktail with tropical garnishes.

The Tiki Coffee Cocktail is a tropical twist on traditional coffee cocktails, featuring a blend of Black Strap rum, Madeira wine, lemon juice, pineapple juice, coffee liqueur, spiced rum, dark Jamaican rum, falernum, and tiki bitters. This vibrant drink is perfect for those who enjoy bold and exotic flavors.

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a tiki glass and garnish with pineapple prawns, a pineapple wedge, and coffee beans for a visually stunning presentation.

The Tiki Coffee Cocktail is ideal for late afternoon pick-me-ups or as an after-dinner treat.

Revolver Cocktail

The Revolver cocktail is a modern innovation that offers a unique twist on a classic drink. Combining rye bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters, this cocktail is perfect for whiskey and coffee lovers.

Mix the ingredients and serve with a visually striking flaming orange peel presentation. The combination of coffee and orange flavors enhances the overall profile, making this drink a must-try for those seeking a bold and flavorful cocktail.

Frozen Salted Espresso Martini

The Frozen Salted Espresso Martini is a frosty version of the classic Espresso Martini. This refreshing cocktail combines the rich flavors of espresso with the smoothness of vodka and coffee liqueur, all served in a frosty glass.

The addition of flaky sea salt enhances the overall flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the drink. Blend the ingredients with ice until smooth and serve in a chilled martini glass.

The Frozen Salted Espresso Martini is perfect for hot summer days or as a unique twist on a classic favorite.

Oaxacan Coffee

Oaxacan Coffee is a unique cocktail that combines mezcal, coffee, and piloncillo syrup to create a drink with a distinct flavor profile. The use of piloncillo syrup adds a sweetness that balances the bitterness of the coffee and the herbal notes of the mezcal.

Simmer a cone of piloncillo in water until fully dissolved. Mix the syrup with mezcal and coffee, and garnish with sweetened whipped cream.

The ideal mezcal for this cocktail is Koch El Espadín de Sola de Vega, known for its quality. Oaxacan Coffee is perfect for those looking to explore new and bold flavors.

Bavarian Coffee Cocktail

The Bavarian Coffee Cocktail is a delightful blend of brewed coffee, peppermint schnapps, cream, and coffee liqueur. This sweet and minty cocktail is perfect for winter gatherings and offers a refreshing twist on traditional coffee cocktails.

Mix the liqueurs and sugar at the bottom of a heat-resistant mug before adding the brewed coffee. The result is a creamy and indulgent drink that is sure to impress guests.

The Bavarian Coffee Cocktail is a must-try for those who enjoy minty and sweet flavors in their drinks.

Nightcap Coffee

Nightcap Coffee is a sophisticated and refreshing cocktail that combines cold brew coffee with rum, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters. This drink offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal choice for a late-night treat.

Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with orange zest to enhance the aroma and visual appeal of the drink. The combination of cold brew coffee and rum creates a refreshing base, while the maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness.

Angostura bitters infuse the cocktail with aromatic spices, making Nightcap Coffee a delightful and complex drink.

Coco Café

The Coco Café cocktail is a harmonious blend of cognac, sweet vermouth, and pineapple liqueur, enhancing the flavors of cold brew coffee. This creamy and sweet cocktail is perfect for any occasion and offers a unique twist on traditional coffee drinks.

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass tea cup and garnish with coconut-washed Cognac or condensed coconut milk for added flavor.

The Coco Café has a creamy and sweet profile, making it a delightful choice for both morning and late-night enjoyment.

Shortcut Café Brûlot

Café Brûlot is a notable cocktail from New Orleans, traditionally made with:

  • flaming brandy
  • citrus
  • cinnamon
  • chicory coffee

This drink is known for its theatrical presentation, often involving pouring flaming citrus-infused brandy down a clove-studded orange peel into a punch bowl, followed by chicory coffee.

The key ingredients include orange and lemon peels, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, and either cognac or brandy. The drink is often served in a silver bowl, with a dramatic igniting process that enhances the dining experience.

Given its potency, serve Café Brûlot in small cups to control the portion size. This cocktail is perfect for those looking to add a bit of flair to their cocktail repertoire.

Summary

From the classic Espresso Martini to the exotic Oaxacan Coffee, we’ve explored a wide variety of coffee cocktails that offer something for every palate. Each of these drinks combines the robust flavors of coffee with the spirited kick of alcohol, creating unique and delightful experiences that are perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a coffee lover looking to try something new, these recipes provide the perfect starting point for your coffee cocktail journey. So, grab your cocktail shaker, experiment with these recipes, and enjoy the rich and varied world of coffee cocktails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main ingredient in an Espresso Martini?

The star of an Espresso Martini is freshly brewed espresso, making it the perfect blend of kick and cocktail! So, get ready to sip on some caffeinated sophistication!

How do you prepare Irish Coffee?

To whip up a delightful Irish Coffee, mix hot coffee with brown sugar and Irish whiskey until it sips smoothly. Then crown it with a fluffy layer of whipped cream. Cheers to your new favorite pick-me-up!

What makes the Cold Brew Negroni unique?

The Cold Brew Negroni stands out by blending cold brew coffee with the classic gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, giving your cocktail a delightful kick of complexity and caffeine. Who knew sophistication could also keep you buzzed?

What is the primary ingredient in the Affogato Martini?

The primary ingredient in the Affogato Martini is vanilla ice cream, giving it that delightful creamy texture that plays nice with the coffee. You might want to keep a spoon handy for this boozy treat!

How is Café Brûlot traditionally prepared?

Café Brûlot is a theatrical delight, prepared with flaming brandy, zesty citrus, aromatic cinnamon, and rich chicory coffee—all served up right at your table for that extra flair!