Cocktail lovers have a straightforward relationship with gin. They either love gin or do not know about gin. Gin pairs with a number of unusual combinations that taste great. In recent years, gin and coffee have become a surprising yet popular pairing. Gin and coffee have spawned a new cocktail category for their complementary botanical flavours and rich bitterness. Cocktails made with gin and coffee are becoming increasingly popular in bars and at home parties.
Video Credit: YouTube | Jim Jardine
International Coffee Day, celebrated annually on 1st October, is the perfect occasion to try this exciting combination. Given the day's emphasis on coffee-related festivities, gin, a spirit with equal adaptability and robust flavour, would be an ideal complement. Whether enjoyed at a social gathering, a party, or in the quiet comfort of your home, gin and coffee cocktails are a delightful way to mark the occasion. These cocktails bring together two beloved beverages to create something extraordinary. Here are five gin and coffee cocktails that you must try.
5 Gin Coffee Cocktails You Must Try
1. Spiked Coffee Tonic
Image credit: Freepik
This refreshing cocktail adds a coffee twist to a classic gin and tonic. In the Spiked Coffee Tonic, gin is combined with espresso and tonic water for a sharp yet energising drink. The brown sugar syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness, balancing the bitterness of the coffee. Lemon garnish gives it a citrusy edge that complements the bitter and sweet elements of the cocktail. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a little sweetness with their gin but still want that coffee kick.
To make it, combine 30ml of gin, 45ml of espresso, 60ml of tonic water, and 15ml of brown sugar syrup in a highball glass over ice. Stir for about 15 seconds, then garnish with a slice of lemon.
2. Turbo Gin and Tonic
Image credit: Freepik
For those moments when you could use a little extra pep in your step, nothing beats a Turbo Gin and Tonic. The classic gin and tonic gets a boost from a shot of chilled espresso in this cocktail. The coffee brings out more flavour from the gin's botanicals, and the tonic water makes the drink easy to swallow and revitalising. All the flavours come together with the zesty lemon twist.
To prepare, pour 35ml of gin into an ice-filled glass, top with tonic water, and float 10ml of chilled espresso on top. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel and coffee beans, if desired. This cocktail is classy and stimulating and an excellent choice for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
3. Honeyed Coffee Gin & Tonic
Image credit: Freepik
The Honeyed Coffee Gin & Tonic combines the richness of cold-brew coffee with the sweet notes of honey syrup and gin. This cocktail is smoother than your typical coffee tonic, with the honey syrup providing a balanced sweetness that mellows the bitterness of the coffee. This combination adds a crisp finish, while the lemon peel garnish offers a touch of brightness.
To create this drink, fill a glass with ice, stir to chill the glass, and strain out the melted water. Then combine 30ml of gin, 15ml of honey syrup, and 45ml of cold-brew coffee. Stir well and top with tonic water, adding more ice as needed. Twist a lemon peel over the drink for garnish. This cocktail works well for those who enjoy a sweet and complex drink.
4. Coffee Collins
Image credit: Freepik
The Coffee Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins, with the addition of coffee liqueur for an extra kick. Lime juice adds a tartness that complements the rich coffee and gin flavours, while tonic water gives it a light and bubbly finish. An orange slice adds a touch of citrus to round out the flavours.
To make it, combine 30ml of gin and 30ml of coffee liqueur in a Collins glass filled with ice. Add 15ml of lime juice and stir well. Top up with 90ml of tonic water and garnish with an orange slice. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a tangy, citrus-forward drink with a hint of coffee.
5. Espresso Martinez
Image credit: Freepik
The Espresso Martinez is an elegant, complex cocktail perfect for coffee and gin lovers alike. This Danish signature cocktail combines the smoothness of cold-brew coffee with the rich flavours of dry gin, sweet vermouth, and Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur. The result is a smooth and strong cocktail with a complex flavour profile that delights the palate.
To prepare it, stir 30ml of dry gin, 50ml of sweet vermouth, 15ml of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, and 60ml of cold-brew coffee in a mixing glass filled with ice. Strain into a chilled coupette glass. No garnish is needed for this sophisticated drink, perfect for those looking to try something a little more refined.
Gin and coffee cocktails are becoming more popular as people explore new ways to enjoy these two beloved drinks. Whether it's for a casual gathering or a more formal event, these cocktails offer a unique and energising experience. Each cocktail offers its own distinct twist on the gin and coffee combination, making them a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts. So, why not mark International Coffee Day with one of these refreshing and bold creations?