Coffee cocktails: creative drinks with spice and character

Coffee Cocktails

Coffee cocktails are much more than just a cup of espresso with a splash of liqueur. These creative drinks combine the best of both worlds: the deep, complex flavors of coffee with the finesse of alcoholic (and sometimes non-alcoholic) additions.

What is considered a coffee cocktail?

• Espresso Martini: an elegant classic with vodka, coffee, and coffee liqueur.
• Irish Coffee: warm filter coffee with Irish whiskey and cream.
• Cold Brew Negroni: a spicy twist on the classic Negroni with cold brew coffee.
• Amaretto Coffee: soft, nutty flavors combined with rich coffee.
• Kaffeetonic: a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail made with tonic and espresso.

A Brief History of Coffee Cocktails

The origin of coffee cocktails dates back to the 1940s, with the famous Irish Coffee in Ireland. Since then, countless variations have emerged — from the chic Espresso Martini in the 1980s to modern mixes with cold brew and infused spirits. With the rise of the specialty coffee movement, bartenders have also begun experimenting more with coffee as a full-fledged cocktail base.

Discover Our Favorite Coffee Cocktails

Curious about which delicious coffee cocktails you can make at home? Below you'll find a selection of various classics and surprising mixes, each with a link to the recipe so you can get started!

• Irish Coffee – The ultimate classic: warm coffee with Irish whiskey and a soft layer of cream. Perfect for chilly days.
  
  
• Espresso Martini – Stylish and full of energy: a cocktail with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a shot of espresso. Perfect for a late night or as an after-dinner classic.
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• French Coffee – Coffee with Grand Marnier and whipped cream: an elegant, citrusy surprise.
  
  
• Italian Coffee – Espresso with Amaretto and cream: sweet, nutty, and irresistibly Italian.
  
  
• Spanish Coffee – Strong coffee with rum and Kahlúa, topped with whipped cream. Southern flair in a glass.
  
  
• Black Russian Coffee – Coffee with vodka and coffee liqueur for a robust, bitter kick.
  
  
• White Russian Coffee – Creamy, smooth, and a little bit naughty. Vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream.
  
  
• Russian Coffee – For the strong coffee lover: coffee with vodka and whipped cream.
  
  
• Mexican Coffee – A spicy mix of coffee, tequila, and coffee liqueur. Viva la coffee!
  
  
• Calypso Coffee – Coffee with rum and Tia Maria: tropical, creamy, and sweet.
  
  
• Flaming Spanish Coffee – A fiery showstopper: caramelize your glass with fire and fill it with coffee and liqueur.
  
  
• Pumpkin Spice Latte – Fall in a cup! Coffee with pumpkin spice and creamy milk.