Best 7 Coffee-Based Cocktails + Recipes

Coffee-based cocktails offer a delightful blend of the rich, aromatic flavors of coffee with the diverse and exciting world of spirits. These drinks are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home. In this guide, we'll explore some of the most beloved coffee-based cocktails, their histories, and how to make them.

A Brief History of Coffee Cocktails

The origin of coffee-based cocktails dates back to the mid-20th century when bartenders began experimenting with coffee liqueurs and brewed coffee to create unique, flavorful drinks. These cocktails gained popularity for their ability to provide a caffeine kick while delivering the smooth, complex flavors of coffee, making them a staple in both classic and contemporary mixology.

1. Espresso Martini 

The Espresso Martini, a beloved modern classic, was created by British bartender Dick Bradsell in the 1980s at the Soho Brasserie in London. Legend has it that a young model walked into the bar and asked for a drink that would "wake her up and then mess her up." Bradsell, inspired by the request and the newly installed espresso machine nearby, concocted what we now know as the Espresso Martini. This cocktail quickly became a favorite due to its perfect balance of strong espresso, smooth vodka, and sweet coffee liqueur.

prep time: 7 mins

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Espresso:

   • Start by brewing a fresh shot of espresso using your espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker. For the best flavor, use high-quality coffee beans.
   • Allow the espresso to cool slightly before mixing it with the other ingredients. Hot espresso can melt the ice too quickly, diluting the drink.

2. Prepare the Cocktail Shaker:

   • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. The ice is essential for chilling and diluting the drink to the perfect consistency.

3. Add Ingredients:

   • Pour 2 oz of vodka into the shaker.
   • Add 1 oz of coffee liqueur. Kahlúa is a popular choice, but you can experiment with other coffee liqueurs to find your preferred taste.
   • Pour in the freshly brewed espresso.
   • Add 1/2 oz of simple syrup. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.

4. Shake:

   • Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. The goal is to create a frothy, well-chilled mixture. Shaking the ingredients together aerates the espresso, creating a rich, creamy foam.

5. Strain:

   • Using a strainer, pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass. Double straining (using a fine mesh strainer) can help achieve a smoother texture by removing any ice shards.

6. Garnish:

   • Garnish the Espresso Martini with three coffee beans. This traditional garnish symbolizes health, wealth, and happiness.

7. Serve:

   • Serve immediately to enjoy the cocktail at its best. The combination of the strong coffee flavor, the smoothness of vodka, and the sweetness of the liqueur creates a delightful balance that is both energizing and relaxing.

This classic Espresso Martini is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a nightcap. Its rich flavors and smooth finish make it a favorite among coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Cheers!

2. Black Russian

The Black Russian is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that dates back to 1949. It was created by Gustave Tops, a bartender at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, in honor of Perle Mesta, the then U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg. The name "Black Russian" reflects the use of vodka, a spirit traditionally associated with Russia, and the dark color of coffee liqueur. Despite its simplicity, the Black Russian has remained a timeless classic, known for its robust and rich flavors.

prep time: 5 mins

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass:

   • Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice cubes. The ice will chill the drink and dilute it slightly as it melts, balancing the strong flavors.

2. Add Ingredients:

   • Pour 2 oz of vodka over the ice.
   • Add 1 oz of coffee liqueur to the glass.

3. Stir:

   • Stir the ingredients gently to mix them together. The stirring should be done slowly to avoid diluting the drink too much while ensuring the flavors blend well.

4. Serve:

   • Serve immediately. The Black Russian is best enjoyed cold, with the ice slightly mellowing the strong flavors of vodka and coffee liqueur.

This straightforward cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate the bold flavors of vodka and coffee liqueur. Its simplicity and elegance make it suitable for any occasion.

3. White Russian 

The White Russian is a creamy, indulgent twist on the Black Russian. It became widely popular in the 1990s thanks to the cult classic film "The Big Lebowski," where it was the favorite drink of the main character, The Dude. Like its predecessor, the White Russian combines vodka and coffee liqueur but adds a layer of cream, creating a rich and smooth cocktail that appeals to a broad audience.

prep time: 7 mins

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass:

   • Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice cubes. The ice helps to chill the drink and slightly dilute the strong flavors as it melts.

2. Add Ingredients:

   • Pour 2 oz of vodka over the ice.
   • Add 1 oz of coffee liqueur to the glass.

3. Add Cream:

   • Top with 1 oz of heavy cream. You can adjust the amount of cream to taste, using more or less depending on your preference for a creamier or stronger drink.

4. Stir:

   • Stir gently to mix the ingredients. You can either stir thoroughly to blend the cream completely or give a light stir to create a layered effect.

5. Serve:

   • Serve immediately. The White Russian is best enjoyed cold, with the ice helping to maintain the creamy texture and balanced flavors.

The White Russian's rich and creamy profile makes it a favorite dessert cocktail. Its smooth blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream offers a luxurious and satisfying drinking experience.

4. Irish Coffee

 Irish Coffee is a classic cocktail that combines the robust flavors of coffee with the warmth of Irish whiskey and the richness of cream. This drink was created in the 1940s by Joe Sheridan, a chef at the Foynes Airbase in Ireland. It was intended to warm up weary travelers and quickly gained popularity for its comforting and invigorating properties. The addition of brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness, balancing the strong flavors of coffee and whiskey.

prep time: 10 mins

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Recipe

Instructions

1. Preheat the Glass:

   • Pour hot water into a heatproof glass to warm it. Once the glass is warm, pour out the water.

2. Add Whiskey and Sugar:

   • Pour 1 1/2 oz of Irish whiskey into the glass.
   • Add 1 tsp of brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved completely.

3. Pour the Coffee:

   • Add 6 oz of hot coffee to the glass, leaving some space at the top for the cream. Stir to mix the ingredients well.

4. Add the Cream:

   • Using the back of a spoon, gently pour the whipped cream over the top of the coffee mixture. The cream should float on top, creating a distinct layer.

5. Serve:

   • Serve immediately. Enjoy the Irish coffee by sipping it through the layer of cream, which adds a smooth richness to each sip.

Irish Coffee is a delightful combination of strong coffee, warming whiskey, and creamy topping, making it a perfect drink for cold evenings or special occasions.

5. Siciliano 

The Siciliano is a refreshing, slightly bitter coffee cocktail that originates from Italy. It combines the richness of cold brew coffee with sweet vermouth, simple syrup, and club soda for a fizzy, invigorating drink. This cocktail is named after Sicily, known for its strong coffee culture and robust flavors. It's a perfect drink for those who enjoy a balance of sweetness and bitterness with a touch of effervescence.

prep time: 10 mins

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass:

   • Fill a rocks glass with ice. This will chill the drink and keep it cool as you prepare it.

2. Add Coffee and Vermouth:

   • Pour 2 oz of cold brew coffee into the glass.
   • Add 1 oz of sweet vermouth.

3. Add Simple Syrup:

   • Add 1/2 oz of simple syrup. Adjust the amount to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet drink.

4. Stir:

   • Stir the mixture well to combine the ingredients thoroughly.

5. Top with Club Soda:

   • Add 1 oz of club soda to the glass. Stir gently to mix.

6. Garnish:

   • Garnish with an orange twist. The citrus aroma complements the coffee and vermouth, enhancing the overall flavor.

7. Serve:

   • Serve immediately. Enjoy the Siciliano with its refreshing and balanced flavors, perfect for a summer evening or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

The Siciliano is a delightful blend of coffee, sweet vermouth, and effervescence, offering a unique twist on traditional coffee cocktails with its Italian roots and refreshing taste.

6. Cold Brew Bourbon Cocktail

The Cold Brew Bourbon Cocktail is a contemporary twist on traditional bourbon drinks, marrying the smooth, rich flavors of cold brew coffee with the warmth and complexity of bourbon. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy the deep, roasted notes of coffee paired with the caramel and vanilla undertones of bourbon. Ideal for both summer afternoons and winter nights, this drink offers a unique balance of refreshing and warming qualities.

prep time: 8 mins

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shaker:

   • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice to chill the ingredients as you mix them.

2. Combine Ingredients:

   • Pour 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of cold brew coffee, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup into the shaker.
   • Add a dash of Angostura bitters for depth of flavor.

3. Shake:

   • Shake the mixture vigorously for about 20 seconds to ensure all ingredients are well combined and chilled.

4. Strain:

   • Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.

5. Garnish:

   • Garnish with an orange twist to add a hint of citrus aroma and a pop of color.

6. Serve:

   • Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, layered flavors of the Cold Brew Bourbon Cocktail.

The Cold Brew Bourbon Cocktail is a sophisticated drink that highlights the complementary flavors of bourbon and coffee, creating a smooth and satisfying beverage perfect for any occasion.

7. Nightcap

The Nightcap is a cozy, soothing cocktail designed to help you unwind at the end of the day. Traditionally, a nightcap is a strong alcoholic drink consumed before bed, and this coffee-based version brings a comforting warmth with its rich coffee and creamy ingredients. Ideal for late-night relaxation, the Nightcap blends the robustness of coffee with the smoothness of liqueurs, creating a perfect drink for winding down.

prep time: 10 mins

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shaker:

   • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice to chill the ingredients.

2. Combine Ingredients:

   • Pour 1 oz of coffee liqueur, 1 oz of Irish cream liqueur, 1 oz of cold brew coffee, and 1/2 oz of heavy cream into the shaker.

3. Shake:

   • Shake the mixture well for about 20 seconds to ensure it is thoroughly mixed and chilled.

4. Strain:

   • Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.

5. Garnish:

   • Lightly dust the top of the drink with cocoa powder for a touch of chocolate flavor and an elegant finish.

6. Serve:

   • Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of the Nightcap as you relax and prepare for a restful night.

The Nightcap is a luxurious, comforting drink that combines the richness of coffee liqueur and Irish cream with the depth of cold brew coffee, making it the perfect end-of-day indulgence.

Savor the Perfect Blend

Coffee-based cocktails offer a delightful fusion of robust coffee flavors and the sophistication of various spirits, making them perfect for any occasion. From the classic Espresso Martini to the comforting Nightcap, these cocktails showcase the versatility and rich taste profile that coffee brings to the world of mixology. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a party or simply enjoy a refined drink at home, incorporating coffee into your cocktails can elevate your beverage experience. Explore these recipes and discover the perfect balance of flavors in each unique Coffee-Based Cocktail. Cheers to indulging in the best of both coffee and cocktails!