10 Best Alcohols to Pair with Coffee

Coffee can be transformed into an even more special drink when combined with different types of alcohol. Whether you're looking for a strong and comforting option or something smoother and sweeter, there's a perfect liqueur for every taste. Here we present the best coffee combinations and recipes so you can prepare them at home.

1. Whiskey – Irish Coffee

Whiskey, especially Irish whiskey, brings a smoky, warm depth to coffee, making it a comforting drink for any time of day.

Irish Coffee Recipe:

1 cup of freshly brewed black coffee

1 oz (30 ml) of Irish whiskey

1 teaspoon of brown sugar

2 tablespoons of liquid cream (optional)

Instructions:

Make a cup of strong black coffee.

Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.

Pour in the Irish whiskey and mix well.

If you like it with cream, whip the single cream until thick and pour it over the coffee.

2. Coffee Liqueur (Kahlúa) – Café Kahlúa

Kahlúa, a Mexican coffee liqueur, gives coffee a smoothness and sweetness that makes it perfect for a more indulgent drink. It's ideal if you like smoother, more balanced flavors.

Kahlúa Coffee Recipe:

1 cup of strong coffee (preferably espresso)

1 oz (30 ml) Kahlúa coffee liqueur

1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)

Instructions:

Make a strong cup of coffee.

Add the Kahlúa coffee liqueur and mix well.

If you prefer a sweeter touch, add a teaspoon of sugar.

3. Dark Rum – Coffee with Rum

Dark rum has a robust, spicy flavor that perfectly complements coffee with a blend of warm and sweet notes. It's an ideal choice if you enjoy complex flavors.

Rum Coffee Recipe:

1 cup of black coffee

1 oz (30 ml) dark rum

1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)

1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare black coffee.

Add the dark rum and mix well.

If you prefer it sweeter, add brown sugar to taste.

For a spicy touch, add a cinnamon stick.

4. Baileys (Irish Cream) – Baileys Coffee

Baileys, with its smooth creamy flavor and hints of chocolate and vanilla, pairs perfectly with coffee, especially in milder versions like a latte.

Baileys Coffee Recipe:

1 cup of coffee with milk or coffee with milk foam

1 oz (30 ml) of Baileys

1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare a latte or espresso with milk foam.

Add the Baileys and mix well.

If you want it sweeter, add sugar to taste.

5. Amaretto – Amaretto Coffee

Amaretto has a sweet and slightly nutty flavor, making it an ideal companion to a mild coffee, with milk or even cream.

Amaretto Coffee Recipe:

1 cup of black coffee or coffee with milk

1 oz (30 ml) of amaretto

1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare a cup of black coffee or coffee with milk, whichever you prefer.

Add the amaretto and mix well.

Add sugar if you like a touch sweeter.

6. Cointreau (Orange Liqueur) – Café Cointreau

Cointreau, an orange liqueur, offers a refreshing and citrusy combination that pairs well with strong coffee, creating a unique and sophisticated blend.

Cointreau Coffee Recipe:

1 cup of strong black coffee

1 oz (30 ml) of Cointreau

1 slice of orange (optional)

Instructions:

Make a strong cup of coffee.

Add the Cointreau and mix well.

If desired, garnish with an orange slice for a fresh touch.

7. Frangelico (Hazelnut Liqueur) – Frangelico Coffee

Frangelico is an Italian liqueur that imparts a hazelnut and vanilla flavor, making it an ideal companion to a mild coffee or latte. Its sweetness and complexity make it perfect for winter.

Frangelico Coffee Recipe:

1 cup of coffee with milk or espresso

1 oz (30 ml) of Frangelico

1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare a latte or espresso.

Add the Frangelico and mix well.

If you prefer a sweeter touch, add sugar to taste.

8. Licor 43 – Café 43

This Spanish liqueur, with notes of vanilla, herbs, and spices, provides a smooth, sweet blend that pairs well with coffee, creating a warm and comforting drink.

Coffee Recipe 43:

1 cup of black coffee or coffee with milk

1 oz (30 ml) of Licor 43

1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the coffee, either black or with milk.

Add the Licor 43 and mix well.

If desired, garnish with a cinnamon stick.

9. Tequila – Coffee with Tequila

Although tequila is best known for its use in cocktails, it has a robust flavor that can be surprising when paired with coffee. Ideal for those looking for something different and bold.

Tequila Coffee Recipe:

1 cup of strong black coffee

1 oz (30 ml) reposado tequila

1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)

Instructions:

Make a strong cup of coffee.

Add the reposado tequila and mix well.

Add sugar if you prefer a sweeter touch.

10. Vodka – Espresso Martini

Vodka is frequently used in cocktails like the Espresso Martini, where its neutral flavor allows the coffee to shine while adding a touch of smoothness and strength.

Espresso Martini Recipe:

1 cup of cold espresso

1 oz (30 ml) of vodka

1 oz (30 ml) coffee liqueur

Ice

Instructions:

Prepare a cup of espresso and let it cool.

In a cocktail shaker, add the cold espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur.

Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.

Serve in a chilled cocktail glass.

Each of these liqueurs brings something unique to your coffee , and the recipes are easy to make at home.