Whether it’s to get the ball rolling at the start of the night, or for a little pick me up as the evening develops, coffee cocktails provide a welcomed boost to any occasion. From the classic Espresso Martini to more modern cocktail concoctions, try our delicious coffee cocktail recipes for ultimate sophisticated indulgence.
Why Coffee Makes an Excellent Cocktail Ingredient
Coffee is a super cocktail ingredient and a formidable weapon behind the bar’s frenzied walls. This is thanks to its incredibly versatile and diverse flavour profile with notes ranging from chocolate and caramel to nuts and even fruity acidity. The natural bitterness and acidities of coffee can balance sweet liqueurs, while its rich body adds depth to simple spirits, to create cocktails with unique depth and balance. While of course appreciation of a perfectly crafted Espresso Martini is an eternal love that will continue to grow, innovative bartenders and mixologists are creating exciting new ways to combine these beloved ingredients. Join us in exploring the craftsmanship that lies behind this seductive breed of cocktails. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, get ready to increase the fuel cap on your cocktail game.
How Different Coffees Work in Cocktails
The wide range of flavours available all depends on the bean variety, roast level, and brewing method. Here’s a breakdown of coffee types, their unique flavour profiles, and how they shine in cocktails:
1. Espresso
- Flavour Profile: Strong, concentrated, with rich, roasted, and slightly bitter notes. Often carries hints of chocolate, caramel, or nuts.
- Use in Cocktails: Espresso’s intensity and crema layer make it ideal for classic cocktails like the Espresso Martini, where it pairs beautifully with vodka and coffee liqueur. It also adds depth to drinks like the Coffee Negroni, cutting through the sweetness of vermouth and balancing Campari’s bitterness.
2. Cold Brew
- Flavour Profile: Smoother and less acidic than traditional coffee, with subtle sweetness and fruity undertones depending on the bean origin.
- Use in Cocktails: Cold brew’s mild yet complex profile is perfect for refreshing cocktails. Use it in a Cold Brew Martini to access a lighter, refreshing alternative to espresso, ideal for warm weather. Its lower acidity also complements gin in a Cold Brew Negroni or bourbon in a Cold Brew Old Fashioned.
3. Dark Roast Coffee
- Flavour Profile: Bold, smoky, and often with notes of chocolate, caramel, and dark fruit, can be slightly bitter.
- Use in Cocktails: It’s strength and depth make it a great base for whiskey or rum cocktails, adding a smoky, toasted quality. It enhances dark spirits in cocktails like a Coffee Old Fashioned or Rum and Coffee Flip for a bold, layered experience.
4.Medium Roast Coffee
- Flavour Profile: Balanced with a mix of sweet, fruity, and nutty notes, it’s typically less intense but offers more complexity.
- Use in Cocktails: A balanced profile makes it versatile for both spirit-forward and light cocktails, making it ideal for brunch coffee cocktails! It can do wonders with sweet spirits, pairing well with amaretto or hazelnut liqueur.
Classic Coffee Cocktail Recipes
The Espresso Martini
The undisputed star of coffee cocktails, this modern classic was created in the 1980s by London bartender Dick Bradsell when a young model allegedly asked for something that would “Wake me up and f**k me up.”
Ingredients:
- 60ml freshly brewed espresso
- 45ml vodka
- 25ml coffee liqueur
- 15ml simple syrup
- Coffee beans for garnish
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds before double straining into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with three coffee beans.
Tip: Start with a little syrup, but add to taste for a sweeter cocktail… this might be preferred if pairing with dessert or after dinner!
White Russian
A classic creamy cocktail that’s indulgent, smooth and absolutely heavenly.
Ingredients:
- 50 mL Vodka
- 25 mL Kahlúa
- 25 mL Heavy Cream
Instructions: Pour vodka and Kahlúa into a chilled rocks glass. Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon to create a smooth layer on top of the drink. Stir gently to mix or leave it layered for visual effect.
Irish Coffee
Smooth and inviting. Bold coffee flavours meet a velvety cream top, in a cheeky winter warmer that embodies the charm of the Emerald Isle!
Ingredients:
- 120ml hot brewed coffee
- 45ml Irish whiskey
- 15ml brown sugar syrup
- Lightly whipped cream
- Nutmeg for garnish
Instructions: Add whiskey and brown sugar syrup to a warm Irish coffee glass. Pour in hot coffee and stir. Gently float cream on top and dust with nutmeg.
Classic Recipes with a Coffee Cocktail Twist
Cold Brew Negroni
Ingredients:
- 30ml cold brew concentrate
- 30ml gin
- 30ml Campari
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions: Stir all ingredients with ice until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Express orange peel over drink and use as garnish.
Coffee Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 60ml bourbon
- 15ml coffee-infused demerara syrup
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Orange peel
- Coffee bean for garnish
Instructions: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled. Strain over a large ice cube. Express orange peel and garnish with coffee bean.
Modern Coffee Cocktails
Carajillo
A Mexican coffee cocktail serves as the perfect quick and easy coffee cocktail treat.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons cold brew coffee
- 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) Licor 43
- 2 teaspoons (1/3 ounce) vodka (such as Haku)
Instructions: Combine cold brew coffee, Licor 43, and vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled and then double strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Gingerbread Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
- 30 ml espresso
- 30 ml gingerbread syrup *
- 0.75 oz Coffee liqueur
- 0.75 oz vodka
- To garnish: candied ginger
Gingerbread syrup: *
- 120ml water
- 80g packed light brown sugar
- 40ml molasses
- 1/2 (1″) piece ginger:
- 3-4 whole cloves
- 2-3 allspice berries
- 1 (1.5″) cinnamon stick
Instructions:
Make the gingerbread syrup: Bring all ingredients to boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Boil until sugar dissolves, then reduce to simmer and stir occasionally until thickened. (Usually 10 –15 minutes).
Make the cocktail: Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until cold. Strain into glasses and garnish with candied ginger.
Coffee Orange G&T
While this pairing may scare away the skeptics it’s a real game changer, we promise! It goes perfectly as a brunch cocktail (for obvious reasons) – don’t knock it til you try it!
- 30ml blood orange juice
- 30ml fresh espresso
- 15ml 0z espresso liqueur (if desired)
- 45ml oz Gin
- Top tonic water
- To garnish: Blood orange slice or grated zest
Instructions: Pour the blood orange juice, espresso and espresso liqueur into a high ball glass. Add in ice and gin and top with tonic water. Stir well and garnish!
Ultimate Baileys Cocktail
Had to throw in an Irish cream number for our fellow cult members!
Ingredients:
- 150 ml freshly brewed coffee or cold brew
- 150 ml Irish cream
- 25 ml cognac
- To garnish: cinnamon stick or cinnamon
Instructions:
In a glass with ice, mix Irish cream and coffee. Add the cognac and stir to combine. Garnish with cinnamon and enjoy!
Tips for Making Perfect Coffee Cocktails at Home
Temperature Matters
- For hot cocktails, pre-warm your glasses
- For cold cocktails, chill your glasses and use fresh, quality ice
- Never use hot coffee in shaken drinks – let it cool first
Coffee Preparation
- Always use freshly brewed espresso, drip, or cold brew for the best flavour. Stale coffee can ruin the drink’s richness.
- Grind just before use
- For cold drinks, prepare cold brew concentrate in advance
Choose your Spirit Wisely
- Consider the roast level: Darker roasts stand up better to aged spirits like whiskey, brandy, or rum. However, they may overpower lighter brews. In this case, light spirits like vodka can work well. Think dark with dark!
Balance is Key
- Start with less sweetener – you can always add more
- Consider the natural sweetness of your coffee
- Think about texture when deciding your technique. Some drinks benefit from silky smoothness, others from frothy tops
Tips for Serving Coffee Cocktails
Garnishes: Coffee beans, chocolate shavings, or using DIY stencils to sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on your drinks, are simple yet impressive additions. Don’t be afraid to go bold and get creative with your cocktail garnishes – go beyond the three beans! There are are no wrong answers in this case.
Pairing Ideas: Coffee cocktails pair well with desserts like chocolate or tiramisu, and they’re great additions to brunch or after-dinner menus, as well as on arrival equally!
FAQ
Q: Can I use instant coffee for cocktails? A: While fresh coffee is preferred, quality instant espresso powder can work in a pinch, especially for cold drinks.
QQ: How long can cold brew be kept for? A: Cold brew concentrate can last between a week to a week and a half, as long as it’s kept refrigerated and not mixed with dairy. Over time however, it may develop a more acidic or bitter profile. For the best flavour, aim to use it within the first 4–5 days.
Q: How long can I store coffee-infused spirits? A: When properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, coffee-infused spirits can last up to 2 months.
