15 Popular Coffee Cocktails You Should Try

From espresso martinis to coffee-infused classics, coffee cocktails are as versatile as they are delicious. These drinks add a caffeinated twist to your favorite spirits, making them ideal for brunches, parties, or quiet evenings. Discover the recipes that will wake up your cocktail game.

Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini blends the rich flavors of coffee with the smoothness of vodka.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Brew the espresso and let it cool.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup.
3. Add ice to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled.
5. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with three coffee beans.

The key to a perfect Espresso Martini is the foam. Shake the mixture vigorously to create it.

If you don’t have an espresso machine, cold brew concentrate works too.

Espresso Martini is popular for its balance of sweetness and bitterness. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of simple syrup.

Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream. It’s a cozy drink perfect for colder months.

Ingredients

• 1 cup hot coffee
• 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Heavy cream, lightly whipped

Instructions

1. Warm your glass by filling it with hot water. Let it sit for a minute. Then discard the water.
2. Add the brown sugar to the warm glass.
3. Pour in the hot coffee and stir until the sugar dissolves.
4. Add the Irish whiskey and stir again.
5. Float the lightly whipped cream on top. Do this by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon.

Your Irish Coffee is now ready. Enjoy this warm, comforting beverage any time you need a little indulgence.

Black Russian

The Black Russian is a classic coffee cocktail. It consists of vodka and coffee liqueur. This drink was created in 1949 in Brussels. It was made for the American ambassador to Luxembourg.

Here’s how you can make a Black Russian:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add vodka and coffee liqueur.
3. Stir with a bar spoon until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass with ice.

You can garnish with a maraschino cherry if you want.

The Black Russian combines the sweet and bitter notes of coffee liqueur with the clean taste of vodka.

This drink is smooth and strong. Enjoy it slowly, sip by sip.

You can adjust the ratio to suit your taste. Some prefer a stronger coffee flavor. Others like more vodka. Experiment to find your perfect blend.

This drink has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of about 27%. It is similar to sipping a scotch on the rocks.

White Russian

The White Russian is a classic coffee cocktail. It combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream. This drink is rich and smooth.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. coffee liqueur
• 1 oz. heavy cream or half and half
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka and coffee liqueur.
3. Stir for 30 seconds to chill the mixture.
4. Float heavy cream over the top.
5. Stir gently to mix, if desired.

Use heavy cream for the best texture. You can use half and half as an alternative. Avoid using milk for this cocktail. It won’t give you the creamy texture needed.

This cocktail is a variation of the Black Russian. The Black Russian does not include cream. The White Russian has a richer flavor due to the cream.

For a different twist, add a pinch of salt. This enhances the flavor. Be careful not to add too much.

Enjoy your White Russian with friends. It’s perfect for any cocktail party.

Espresso Old Fashioned

The Espresso Old Fashioned combines the richness of coffee with the classic whiskey cocktail. This drink is both sophisticated and energizing.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz chilled espresso
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 2-3 dashes of bitters
• Ice cubes
• Coffee beans (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Combine bourbon, espresso, simple syrup, and bitters in a cocktail shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice and stir until the outside is frosty.
• Strain the mixture into a lowball glass filled with fresh ice.
• Garnish with coffee beans.

Espresso adds depth to the traditional Old Fashioned. Use freshly brewed espresso for a robust flavor.

This cocktail is great for coffee lovers looking for something new.

Cold Brew Negroni

A Cold Brew Negroni puts a modern twist on a classic cocktail. The blend of coffee and bitters provides a unique taste.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz cold-brew coffee-infused Campari
• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Ice cubes
• Orange twist for garnish

Steps:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the cold-brew coffee-infused Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir until the mixture is well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
5. Express an orange twist over the drink and drop it into the glass.

Making Cold-Brew Coffee-Infused Campari:

• Fill a Mason jar halfway with coarsely ground coffee and cold water.
• Let it steep for about 24 hours.
• Strain the mixture and use the coffee-infused Campari for your cocktail.

This cocktail combines the bitterness of coffee and Campari, balanced by the sweetness of vermouth. The orange twist adds a hint of citrus to round out the flavors.

Enjoy your Cold Brew Negroni on a relaxing evening or to impress guests at your next gathering.

Café Amaretto

Café Amaretto is a popular coffee cocktail. It combines the rich flavors of coffee and the sweet, nutty taste of amaretto. This drink is easy to make and perfect for cozy evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of hot brewed coffee
• 1.5 ounces of Amaretto liqueur
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Brew a hot cup of coffee using your preferred method.
2. Pour 1.5 ounces of Amaretto liqueur into a mug.
3. Add the brewed coffee to the mug.
4. Stir the mixture to combine.
5. Top with whipped cream, if desired.
6. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish.

Café Amaretto is versatile. You can adjust the amaretto amount to match your taste.

It’s a delightful mix of coffee and sweet almond liqueur that’s both comforting and enjoyable.

Carajillo (Espresso with Licor 43)

Carajillo combines the warmth of espresso with the rich, sweet flavors of Licor 43. This Spanish classic offers a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ to 2 ounces of Licor 43
• 1 hot espresso coffee
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice.
2. Pour Licor 43 over the ice.
3. Slowly pour hot espresso over Licor 43.
4. Use the back of a spoon to float espresso for a layered effect (optional).

Serve with a cocktail stirrer.

Enjoy your Carajillo immediately as it blends the warmth of coffee with the sweetness of the liqueur.

Mocha Martini

A Mocha Martini combines the richness of chocolate and coffee with the smoothness of vodka. This cocktail is a delightful after-dinner drink that coffee lovers will appreciate.

Ingredients

• 2 oz chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz vanilla vodka (or plain vodka)
• Freshly brewed espresso (1 oz)
• Ice

Instructions

1. Use a cocktail shaker. Add all the ingredients.
2. Fill the shaker halfway with ice.
3. Secure the lid. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
4. Strain into a martini glass.

You can enhance the presentation.

Dip the rim of the martini glass into a chocolate liqueur. Then, roll it in a sugar and chocolate mixture.

Alternatively, drizzle chocolate syrup inside the martini glass before pouring in the cocktail. This adds both flavor and visual appeal.

Serve your Mocha Martini immediately.

The cocktail should be well-chilled with a slight froth on top.

Enjoy this sophisticated fusion of coffee and chocolate.

Tiramisu Martini

A Tiramisu Martini is an elegant coffee cocktail. You’ll love its rich flavors inspired by the classic Italian dessert.

To make this delicious drink, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 oz half and half
• 2 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz RumChata
• Whipped cream
• Cocoa or cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add half and half, coffee liqueur, vodka, and RumChata into a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
4. Strain into a martini glass.
5. Top with whipped cream.
6. Sprinkle cocoa or cinnamon on top.

This cocktail balances the rich creaminess with a robust coffee flavor. You can also add chocolate shavings, ground coffee, or lady finger crumbs for an extra treat.

For a different twist, try using mascarpone cheese in the mix. Combine the mascarpone with the other ingredients in the shaker.

Serve your Tiramisu Martini in a martini glass for a sophisticated touch. Alternatively, you can use a rocks glass or brandy snifter.

Coffee Liqueur and Tonic

The Coffee Liqueur and Tonic is a simple, refreshing cocktail. It combines the rich flavor of coffee with the crisp bite of tonic water.

To make this drink, you’ll need:

• 2 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
• 4 oz tonic water
• Ice
• Lime wedge (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the coffee liqueur.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

The coffee liqueur provides a smooth, rich base. The tonic water adds bubbly refreshment and balances the sweetness.

Using quality coffee liqueur ensures a better flavor. Some popular brands include Kahlua and Tia Maria. Each has its own unique taste.

This drink is perfect for warm days. It’s easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. You can enjoy it anytime you want a mix of coffee and refreshing tonic. This cocktail is versatile and quick, ideal for casual or after-dinner drinks.

Espresso Sour

An Espresso Sour offers a unique twist on classic cocktails. The strong espresso flavor combines beautifully with the tang of lemon juice and the sweetness of sugar syrup.

Ingredients:

• 2 fl oz Galliano Espresso Coffee Liqueur
• 5/6 fl oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 1/6 fl oz Rich Sugar Syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water)
• 1/3 fl oz

Instructions:

1. Shake all ingredients with ice.
2. Strain the mixture back into the shaker.
3. Dry shake without ice.
4. Fine strain into an ice-filled glass.

Enjoy the balance of bitter, sour, and sweet. The Espresso Sour is both refreshing and stimulating.

Kentucky Coffee (Bourbon and coffee)

Kentucky Coffee combines the bold flavors of bourbon and coffee. This drink is ideal for a cozy evening.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey
• 1/2 ounce Wild Turkey American Honey Liqueur
• Hot coffee to top off
• Optional: Whipped cream

Instructions

1. Pre-heat a coffee mug.
2. Add 1 ounce of Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey.
3. Pour in 1/2 ounce Wild Turkey American Honey Liqueur.
4. Top with hot coffee.
5. Add whipped cream if desired.

Kentucky Coffee can be adjusted to taste. Use more or less bourbon. Experiment with coffee roasts to find your favorite blend.

Enjoy this rich, warming beverage.

Baileys Coffee

Baileys Coffee is a delightful coffee cocktail that adds a rich, creamy twist to your usual cup of joe. It combines the comforting warmth of coffee with the smooth, sweet flavors of Baileys Irish Cream.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 1.5 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

1. Brew your coffee. Use your favorite coffee beans for the best taste.
2. Pour the coffee into a mug. Make sure it’s heat-safe to avoid any accidents.
3. Add Baileys Irish Cream. Stir well to mix the flavors.
4. Top with whipped cream. This step is optional but recommended for an extra treat.
5. Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg. For added aroma and flavor, sprinkle a bit over the top.

Coffee Flip

The Coffee Flip is a delightful cocktail combining flavors of coffee and spirits. It’s decadent, often enjoyed in colder weather.

Ingredients

• 1⅓ ounces bourbon
• 1 ounce espresso
• ½ ounce Demerara syrup (or simple syrup)
• 1 egg yolk
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients: Pour bourbon, espresso, Demerara syrup, and egg yolk into a cocktail shaker.
2. Dry shake: Shake the mixture without ice to emulsify and froth the egg.
3. Add ice: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again to chill the drink.
4. Strain and serve: Strain into a cocktail glass. Enjoy immediately.