Can’t get enough of your morning java—even into the late hours of the night? There’s nothing quite like the delicious blend of aromatic coffee and strong liquor to pair with dessert… or to start a party the right way. If you want to enjoy that delectable coffee taste all night long, it’s time to up your arsenal with coffee cocktail recipes.
We’ve gathered together the methods for 9 simple alcoholic coffee drinks that you’ll absolutely adore (if you’re over 21). It’s time to put on your barista and bartender hats on to brew up some delicious concoctions!
Tip: We recommend using decaf coffee for these recipes if you’re using them as a nightcap so the caffeine doesn’t keep you up all night (unless that’s what you’re looking for to keep the party going).
Iced Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is the classic coffee cocktail… But let’s add a little twist to it! This iced coffee cocktail uses cold brew and espresso for a smooth, rich flavor that’s perfect for an after-dinner treat. This is one of our favorite espresso cocktails, because it uses espresso infusion for an extra kick.
You’ll need:
- 2 oz Bailey’s (alternative: 2 oz whiskey + fresh cream)
- 1 tsp ground espresso
- 2 tsp sugar cane
- 2 tsp hot water
- 3 oz cold brew (learn how to make homemade cold brew here)
Combine the Bailey’s and the ground espresso in a small bowl. Let stand (in fridge) for 15 minutes. This infuses the espresso into the cream for an extra shot of deliciousness. After 15 minutes, strain the cream through a coffee filter to collect and remove the espresso grounds. Strain the Bailey’s into an iced cocktail shaker.
In a separate bowl, stir sugar and hot water together until the sugar has dissolved. Add this simple syrup to the cocktail shaker.
Mix in the cold brew with a few ice cubes. Shake it up, and serve in a glass. Top with whipped cream for an irresistible iced coffee cocktail you and your guests will fall in love with.
Like this recipe? You’ll probably love Keoke coffee too!
Coffee Old Fashioned
When we say coffee old fashioned, we’re not talking about coffee made the old fashioned way. We’re talking about the old fashioned beverage… topped off with a shot of espresso! This is one of our favorite espresso cocktails because it’s strong and tangy, but sweet and chocolaty at the same time.
Gather together the following ingredients for your spiked old fashioned:
- 1+1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 oz crème de cacao
- 1+1/2 oz water
- 1 oz espresso (chilled)
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes of orange bitters
- 1 orange peel (for garnish)
After you pull the espresso shot, let the espresso cool to room temperature. Pop it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to let your coffee chill if you’d like. Don’t add ice, as this can water down the espresso flavor.
To make your old fashioned’s simple syrup, all you need to do is combine 1 part filtered water with 1 cup white sugar in a medium saucepan. On the stove, bring the mixture to a boil until the sugar has dissolved. Let cool, and you’ve got simple syrup you can use for your spiked coffee recipes.
Once you have your ingredients prepped, combine them together in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, pour straight into an old fashioned glass, and garnish with an orange peel. Sip and enjoy!
Americano Spritzer
This drink is lightly carbonated, but it’s not the “coffee tonic” you may have heard of or tried in the past. This unusually tasty spiked drink is lively and bright, but it also has a tang of mild bitterness that will enliven your taste buds. The Americano-espresso and orange juice are a unique pairing that will surprise and delight your palate. The best part is how easy it is to make (and to enjoy)!
Ingredients:
- 5 oz seltzer water, room temperature
- 2 oz espresso
- 2 oz fresh orange juice
- 1+1/2 oz amaro (an Italian herbal liqueur)
Start by pouring room temperature seltzer water or tonic over ice. You don’t want the seltzer to be too cold, or it could “shock” your hot espresso and make it too bitter. Then, add the orange juice (it can be cool but not cold). Finish it off with amaro and stir in the glass to combine. Garnish with an orange peel for a citrusy finish.
If you want this drink to be cold, you can brew the espresso and throw it in the fridge to chill for a few minutes. This will make the drink colder and more refreshing.
Want an unspiked version of this recipe? Take out the amaro and you have a refreshing iced coffee beverage to start your day! Or if you want it a little sweeter, throw in a splash of simple syrup from the last recipe.
Cinnamon Spiked Brew
This spiked brew is one of our favorite coffee cocktail recipes, made for the ultimate coffee connoisseur. With two types of coffee, you’ll get your caffeine buzz while enjoying a scrumptious, sweet treat.
You’ll need:
- 1+1/2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz iced brewed coffee
- 1 oz espresso, cooled
- 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Ground cinnamon (for serving)
Start by brewing a cup of coffee at your preferred roast. You’ll also want to pull a shot of espresso. After brewing, put both coffee types in the fridge to cool them down.
Making cinnamon syrup is like how you make simple syrup, but you’ll add a few cinnamon sticks in as well. Learn how to make cinnamon syrup here.
Combine all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for about 30 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosted and chilled. Strain into a glass and top with whipped cream and cinnamon! Mmm, this spiked coffee recipe is so delicious—we’re craving a cup now!
Mexican Coffee
We didn’t believe that this drink was any good until we tried it… And now we can’t get enough!
You just need:
- 1/4 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 oz Kahlua
- 1/2 oz tequila
- 6 oz hot brewed coffee
Melt the vanilla ice cream in the microwave to make vanilla “soup.” Add it to your hot coffee cup, as though you were adding in milk or cream. Pour in the Kahlua and tequila for a warm, sweet beverage! This is one of our favorite party recipes for spiked coffee deliciousness.
White + Black Russians
A Black Russian is easy to make, and even easier to adore. There’s actually no coffee in it. You just mix together 1+1/2 oz vodka, 3/4 Kahlua, and ice. It’s strong but oh so delicious!
The classic White Russian is a bit creamier and does have coffee in it. Fill a glass with ice and add in 2 oz vodka, 1 oz cream or milk alternative, and 1 oz cold brew concentrate. Stir and sip!
Liqueur Coffee and Cola
There’s something really special about this liqueur coffee cocktail. It combines the smoothness of cold brew and coffee liqueur with the warmness of spiced rum and coca cola, finished with rich creaminess that is just too easy to sip on!
We’re giving you the ingredients for 8 servings, because this liqueur drink is typically a party drink to enjoy with friends and loved ones!
You’ll need:
- 1+1/2 cups cold brew coffee
- 1/2 cup coffee liqueur (learn how to DIY your own coffee liqueur here)
- 1/2 cup spiced rum
- 1 12-oz bottle Coca Cola (including Mexican cola)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Combine cold brew, liqueur, rum, and cola together in a large pitcher. When ready, pour into glasses filled with ice. Top with heavy cream. It’s that easy!
Espresso Martini
An espresso martini is our go-to when out with friends, so we recently learned how to make it at home as well. And this espresso cocktail is surprisingly easy!
Ingredients:
- 1+1/2 oz Kahlua
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz espresso
- Ice
In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients together. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted. (You definitely want your espresso martini to be frosted—it’s so delicious.) Pour into a martini glass and top with a whole coffee bean for garnish!
Coffee Cocktail Recipes
We love that coffee flavor whenever, wherever. There’s nothing quite like some simple alcoholic coffee drinks to finish off your night… What are your favorite cocktail coffee recipes? How do you like to use your Eldorado coffee for your nightcap?
Share a picture of your favorite concoctions on social media, tag Eldorado (Facebook or Instagram or Twitter), to be featured with us!