Coffee is already enjoyable on its own, but adding a little alcohol can definitely turn it into a different kind of experience.
You can turn your caffeine fix into your new favorite evening cocktail with any of these delicious coffee cocktail recipes. Whether you're looking for a fun new drink to try or a recipe for the next time you entertain, try these recipes.
If drinking alcohol isn't your thing, but you want to give your coffee a cosmopolitan touch, you can also check out the non-alcoholic options we'll list at the end.
Irish coffee
When you think of liqueur coffee drinks, this is probably one of the first things that comes to mind.
This drink is smooth and sweet, making it one of the best coffee cocktails, and the most popular.
The first known experience of Irish coffee was in 1943, when chef and bartender Joe Sheridan served the concoction to passengers on a flight that had to make an emergency landing in Foynes, Ireland, due to bad weather.
Nine years later, Joe started working for Buena Vista, a restaurant in San Francisco.
It was here that Joe met a journalist, Stanton Delaplace, who was responsible for promoting his drink until it was known and enjoyed throughout the world.
What you will need
- 2 sugar cubes
- 1 ½ oz of whiskey
- 6 oz of hot coffee
- Whipped cream
Preparation
- Preheat an Irish coffee glass, then add hot coffee until it is ¾ full.
- Add 2 cubes of cocktail sugar and stir.
- Add the Irish whiskey and top with cream.
Cafe Amore (French Connection)
Instead of whiskey, the French prefer cognac for its alcohol and amaretto for its flavor.
A typical French combination is equal parts cognac and Amaretto liqueur. Simply add one ounce of cognac and one ounce of Amaretto to a glass of ice and stir.
The coffee version, however, is served hot and is often known as Café Amore.
What you will need
- Hot coffee
- 1 oz of cognac
- 1 oz amaretto
- Grated almonds
- Whipped cream
Preparation
- Fill the glass with one ounce of cognac and one ounce of Amaretto, then fill the rest with hot black coffee.
- If you want to add another dimension, top with whipped cream and grated almonds.
Italian coffee
The liquor needed here is Strega, a very specific and unique ingredient.
It's a blend of herbs, golden in color due to its infusion with saffron. When mixed with hot coffee , it releases an aroma of mint, fennel, and juniper, along with more than 60 other herbal ingredients.
The recipe for this liqueur has been a secret since 1860 when it was first produced in Campania, Italy.
What you will need
- 5 oz of hot coffee
- ½ oz of Strega
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 ½ oz whipped cream
Preparation
- Pour the coffee and Strega into a hot coffee glass and add about a teaspoon of sugar. Pour a little cream on top and sprinkle with nutmeg.
Mexican coffee
What could be better than coffee , tequila, Kahlua and ice cream?
What you will need
- ¼ cup vanilla ice cream
- ½ oz of Kahlua
- 1/2 oz of tequila
- 6 oz of hot coffee
Preparation
- Simply melt vanilla ice cream in the microwave and add it to a strong, full-bodied cup of coffee.
- Add the Kahlua and Tequila and that's it!
- This is a great cocktail served warm that can also work very well if taken cold.
Espresso Martini
We all need a good martini every now and then, and what could be better than this delicious iced coffee martini that will make you feel extremely fancy?
What you will need
- 1 ½ oz of Kahlua
- 1 ounce of vodka
- 1 oz of espresso
- Ice
Preparation
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, Kahlua, vodka, and espresso. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.
Cold Brew Sour (alcohol-free)
The Cold Brew Sour is a take on the Whiskey Sour. It's crisp and refreshing, as well as bright and tangy.
The sour and bitter taste is nicely balanced by the sweetness of the coffee, creating a drink that many people can enjoy.
What you will need:
- 2 oz cold brew coffee concentrate
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 oz simple syrup