Ultimate Coffee Cocktails: 10 Must-Try Recipes Now!

Coffee and cocktails—two elements that dominate social settings, energize conversations, and relax the soul. What if you could combine these beloved drinks into one unforgettable experience?

Coffee cocktails are the latest trend for both coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts. This combination brings the best of both worlds: the rich, bold flavor of coffee fused with the craft of mixology.

In this article, FnB Coffee dive into the world of coffee cocktails, share 10 must-try recipes, and provide tips to make your coffee cocktail experience even better.

Read also: What is Powder Coffee and How to Use It

What Are Coffee Cocktails?

At their core, coffee cocktails are drinks that combine brewed coffee or coffee-based liqueurs with alcohol. These drinks can be served hot or cold, depending on the recipe, and are perfect for those who enjoy both caffeine and alcohol in one glass.

Whether you’re after a strong espresso, a creamy latte, or a rich iced coffee, there’s a coffee cocktail for every taste.

10 Must-Try Coffee Cocktail Recipes

There are some cocktail recipes that you should try, such as:

1. Classic Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is arguably the most popular coffee cocktail around. With a balanced mix of vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso, this drink is perfect for a night out. The rich flavor of espresso pairs perfectly with the smoothness of vodka, creating a drink that’s both energizing and intoxicating.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• Ice
• Coffee beans for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with coffee beans.

2. Irish Coffee

A comforting Irish Coffee blends smooth Irish whiskey, coffee, sugar, and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect warm drink to unwind with after a long day.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz Irish whiskey
• 6 oz hot brewed coffee
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• Whipped cream (to top)

Instructions:

1. Pour hot coffee into a heatproof glass and stir in brown sugar.
2. Add Irish whiskey and top with a layer of whipped cream.
3. Serve warm and enjoy the smooth richness.

3. Coffee Old Fashioned

For those who love classic cocktails, the Coffee Old Fashioned is a must-try. This drink takes the timeless Old Fashioned and gives it a coffee twist with the addition of cold brew and coffee bitters.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz cold brew coffee
• 2 dashes coffee bitters
• 1 sugar cube
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the sugar cube and coffee bitters in a glass.
2. Add bourbon and cold brew coffee.
3. Stir, add ice, and garnish with an orange peel.

4. Cold Brew Negroni

A Cold Brew Negroni is a refreshing take on the classic Negroni, made with cold brew coffee instead of gin. This drink is slightly bitter with a smooth, caffeinated finish.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz cold brew coffee
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine cold brew coffee, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass.
2. Add ice and stir well.
3. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange twist.

5. White Russian with a Coffee Twist

The White Russian is a creamy and indulgent cocktail. Adding a shot of espresso gives it a whole new dimension, making it the perfect dessert cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz espresso
• 2 oz heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Combine vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake gently and strain into a rocks glass.
3. Top with heavy cream and stir before drinking.

6. Coffee Mojito

A tropical take on the classic Mojito, the Coffee Mojito combines coffee with rum and mint for a refreshing yet energizing drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz coffee rum
• Fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz cold brew coffee
• Lime wedges
• Club soda

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint leaves and lime wedges in a glass.
2. Add coffee rum, simple syrup, and cold brew coffee.
3. Fill the glass with ice and top with club soda.
4. Stir gently and garnish with mint sprigs.

7. Spanish Coffee

This indulgent drink is perfect for those who enjoy rich, sweet coffee cocktails. Spanish Coffee combines coffee, rum, and a sugar rim, making it both a treat for your taste buds and your eyes.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz rum
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 4 oz brewed coffee
• Whipped cream
• Cinnamon sugar for the rim

Instructions:

1. Rim a glass with cinnamon sugar.
2. Combine rum, coffee liqueur, and brewed coffee in the glass.
3. Top with whipped cream and serve.

8. Coffee Sour

For a unique, citrusy twist on your coffee cocktail experience, try a Coffee Sour. This drink combines the tang of lemon juice with the richness of cold brew coffee.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cold brew coffee
• 1 oz bourbon
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Combine cold brew coffee, bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker.
2. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
3. Garnish with a lemon slice.

9. Black Russian

A Black Russian is a simple yet powerful cocktail made with vodka and coffee liqueur. It’s a great choice for those who prefer their drinks strong and simple.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur

Instructions:

1. Combine vodka and coffee liqueur in a glass filled with ice.
2. Stir gently and serve.

10. The Nutty Coffee Creamer

This indulgent cocktail is a creamy and nutty treat, combining hazelnut liqueur, coffee liqueur, and fresh brewed coffee for a cozy, dessert-like experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz hazelnut liqueur
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 3 oz brewed coffee
• Whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Combine hazelnut liqueur, coffee liqueur, and brewed coffee in a glass.
2. Stir and top with whipped cream.

Tips for Making the Perfect Coffee Cocktail

• Choosing the Right Coffee Beans: The quality of your coffee beans will directly affect the flavor of your cocktail. Opt for freshly roasted, high-quality beans for the best flavor.
• The Importance of Fresh Coffee: Always brew your coffee fresh for maximum flavor. Pre-brewed coffee tends to lose its vibrancy and depth.
• Experimenting with Coffee Liqueurs: There are many coffee liqueurs on the market, from traditional options like Kahlúa to more unique choices. Experiment to find the perfect one for your drinks.

Where to Enjoy Coffee Cocktails

Coffee cocktails are not only perfect for at-home experimentation, but many bars and coffee shops now feature them on their menus. From chic cafes to speakeasy-style cocktail bars, you can find these drinks everywhere.

Alternatively, making coffee cocktails at home can be a fun and satisfying experience, allowing you to tailor the flavors to your own preference.

Conclusion

Coffee cocktails are quickly becoming a staple in the cocktail world, and for good reason. They provide the perfect combination of rich, bold coffee flavors with the satisfying effects of alcohol.

So go ahead, mix up one of these must-try recipes, and elevate your coffee experience to a whole new level. Cheers to coffee cocktails!