Coffee cocktails are a natural fit for the holidays. They work as an after-dinner drink, a dessert in a glass or a warm welcome on a cold night. Most of the classics need only a few ingredients: good coffee, a spirit, coffee liqueur and sometimes cream. This guide covers the best-known coffee cocktails, how to use coffee liqueur, how to batch drinks for a party, and zero-proof versions so every guest has something to enjoy.
Please drink responsibly. The alcoholic recipes below are for adults of legal drinking age (21+ in the United States). Never drink and drive, and offer plenty of non-alcoholic options.
Start with good coffee
The coffee matters as much as the spirit. Hot drinks like Irish coffee need freshly brewed, fairly strong coffee. Cold drinks like the espresso martini need either fresh espresso or cold brew concentrate, which is smooth, low in bitterness and ready in the fridge when guests arrive.
To make concentrate ahead, a cold brew maker and a coarse-ground blend such as vanilla hazelnut cold brew do the job overnight. Our cold brew at home starter guide explains the ratio and steeping time.
What is coffee liqueur?
Coffee liqueur is a sweetened spirit flavored with coffee. It is lower in alcohol than vodka or whiskey and is the base of many classic cocktails. Some bottles add vanilla or other flavorings. You can sip it over ice, pour a little into hot coffee or use it in the drinks below.
Classic coffee cocktails
Espresso martini
Shake 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1/2 to 1 oz coffee liqueur and 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (or cold brew concentrate) hard with plenty of ice. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Shaking hard creates the signature foam on top. Garnish with three coffee beans. Add a little simple syrup if you like it sweeter.
Irish coffee
Warm a heatproof glass or mug with hot water, then empty it. Add a teaspoon or two of brown sugar and hot, strong coffee, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey. Float lightly whipped cream on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon. Do not stir; the drink is sipped through the cream.
White Russian and Black Russian
For a Black Russian, pour 2 oz vodka and 1 oz coffee liqueur over ice in a rocks glass and stir. For a White Russian, add a splash of heavy cream or milk on top. Swap the cream for a little eggnog for a holiday twist.
Coffee liqueur and hot coffee
The simplest coffee cocktail is a splash of coffee liqueur stirred into a mug of hot coffee, topped with whipped cream. It is an easy after-dinner option when you do not want to measure and shake.
Cold brew and bourbon
Stir 1 1/2 oz bourbon with 1 oz cold brew concentrate, a teaspoon of maple syrup and a dash of bitters over ice, then strain into a rocks glass with one large ice cube. An orange peel adds aroma.
Zero-proof coffee drinks
Non-drinkers, designated drivers and anyone taking a break deserve something special too:
- Espresso “no-tini”: shake espresso or cold brew concentrate with a little simple syrup and a splash of milk or cream with ice, then strain into a coupe for the same foamy look.
- Cold brew tonic: pour tonic water over ice and float cold brew concentrate on top. Add an orange slice.
- Spiced iced latte: cold brew, milk and a cinnamon or gingerbread syrup over ice.
- Mocha float: a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a glass of cold brew.
Batching coffee cocktails for a party
Hosting a crowd? Prepare what you can before guests arrive:
- Make the coffee ahead. Brew cold brew concentrate a day or two in advance. For a large party, a bag-in-box like Cold Brew On Tap pours from the fridge without any brewing.
- Pre-mix cold cocktails (without ice) in a pitcher and refrigerate. Shake individual portions with ice when serving.
- Set up a coffee bar with cream, syrups, cinnamon and garnishes. Our guide on how to set up a coffee bar has layout tips.
- Label everything, especially which drinks contain alcohol and which are caffeine-free.
- Offer decaf. Late-evening coffee cocktails keep some guests awake, so make decaf versions available.
FAQ
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso in an espresso martini?
Yes. Cold brew concentrate or very strong, cooled coffee works. The foam may be a little lighter than with fresh espresso.
Does alcohol cancel out caffeine?
No. Coffee cocktails contain both, and the caffeine can make people feel more alert than they are. Pace drinks and never drive after drinking.
Can I make coffee liqueur at home?
Yes, many home cooks infuse coffee in a spirit with sugar and vanilla. Follow a tested recipe and store it as directed.
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