Besides being a renowned morning drink, coffee is an amazing addition to plenty of cocktails. The bitter notes of this beverage can balance sweetness, acidity and creaminess in mixed drinks and give you complexity and depth in flavour. Whether you like bold and strong cocktails or a refreshing fruity booze, adding a few millilitres of coffee can elevate all kinds of drinks.
Whisky, brandy, rum and other dark liquors perfectly match coffee, but if you are craving something sweet, feel free to mix it with some Irish cream or amaretto. Coffee cocktails are extremely versatile and not limited to one season. They are a perfect addition to your holiday festivals menu, and you can also sip these cocktails for dinner at gatherings and house parties.
Espresso Martini
The espresso martini was invented in the year 1983 in London and this classic cocktail is perfect for lazy afternoons or a post-dinner drink. The bittersweet coffee, when paired with vodka and coffee liqueur gives a rich, smooth and extremely delicious drink.
Ingredients
- 45 ml vodka
- 30 ml coffee liqueur
- 30 ml espresso
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 3 coffee beans, to garnish
Method
- Place espresso in the freezer until chilled. Add the vodka, Kahlua, espresso, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill it with ice. Shake vigorously until cold.
- Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with coffee beans. Serve.
Coffee Old-Fashioned
This is a fun twist on the classic Old-fashioned. It is made by mixing coffee liqueur with bourbon, simple syrup, orange bitters and Angostura bitters. It has a slightly sweet flavour with smooth note from the bourbon.
Ingredients
- 60 ml bourbon
- 15 ml coffee liqueur
- 60 ml simple syrup
- 2 dash orange bitters
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 orange peel expressed, for garnish
- 3 coffee beans, for garnish
Method
- In a cocktail shaker add the bourbon, coffee liqueur, syrup and bitters.
- Fill it with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube. Drop the peel into the glass, garnish with coffee beans and enjoy.
Irish Coffee
Another iconic cocktail for caffeine addicts, Irish coffee is made by mixing hot coffee with Irish whisky, sugar and whipped cream. Serve this sweet and decadent drink in an Irish coffee mug for a blissful indulgence in every sip.
Ingredients
- 180 ml hot coffee
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 45 ml Irish whiskey
- Sweetened whipped cream
Method
- Add the coffee to a glass or Irish coffee mug (make sure to leave about an inch at the top for cream).
- Stir in the sugar and whiskey until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Gently float the whipped cream on top using the back of a spoon. Enjoy.
White Russian
Prepared in less than five minutes, this cocktail is a hit for every season. It is made by combining a coffee liqueur with vodka and heavy cream. White Russian has a creamy and delicious taste that makes it perfect for people who prefer dessert-y cocktails.
Ingredients
- 60 ml vodka
- 30 ml coffee liqueur
- 30 ml heavy cream
- Ice, for serving
Method
- Add the vodka and Kahlua to a low-ball glass.
- Fill it with ice.
- Top with the cream. Stir until cold. Serve immediately.
Cold Brew Negroni
This drink is made by infusing Campari with coffee grounds and its slight bitterness perfectly blends with sweet complexity of vermouth and a hint of citrus zest. Traditionally served in an Old-Fashioned glass, this cocktail is garnished with an orange twist.
Ingredients
- 30 ml cold-brew-coffee-infused Campari
- 30 ml gin
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- Garnish: orange twist
Method
- Add the Campari, gin and sweet vermouth into a mixing glass. Fill it with ice and stir until chilled.
- Strain into an Old-Fashioned glass over an ice cube.
- Drop an orange twist into the glass. Enjoy.
Miss Elena
This drink doesn’t require an espresso machine and is perfect for the last-minute addition to the menu of any party. The main components of the Miss Elena cocktail are vodka, coffee liqueur and simple syrup. You can also garnish it with wood violet or any other edible flower before serving.
Ingredients
- 40 ml vodka
- 80 ml coffee liqueur
- 20 ml simple syrup
- Garnish: wood violet flower
Method
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur and simple syrup into a shaker.
- Fill it with ice and shake vigorously.
- Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an edible flower. Enjoy.