Coffee lovers everywhere can agree that there is no better combination than the bittersweet flavor of coffee paired with alcohol — especially during the winter. Rich, smooth and indulgent, coffee cocktails are perfect for a late afternoon pick-me-up or an after-dinner treat.
From trendy spiked coffee drinks to more unique cocktails, we’ve rounded up 8 of the best alcoholic coffee drinks to try this winter that we promise you’ll love.
- Espresso Martini
- Black and White Russian
- Irish Coffee
- Dalgona Coffee Cocktail
- Bavarian Coffee Cocktail
- Nightcap
- Revolver
- Coffee or Black Negroni
1. Espresso Martini
The full-flavored and sophisticated Espresso Martini is one of the most loved coffee liqueur cocktails — it’s described as having “taken over” America. Originating in the 1980s, this cocktail with coffee beans soared to fame instantly. A blend of coffee and vodka, the simple espresso cocktail offers a luscious mouthfeel. It’s the ultimate party drink and a particular treat during winter.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. vodka
- ½ oz. coffee liqueur
- 1 oz. espresso, freshly brewed (or cold brew concentrate)
- Coffee beans as a garnish
If you’re keen to enjoy your drink quickly and easily at home, try our premixed Espresso Martini cocktail, a smooth, indulgent classic made with Ketel One Vodka and FAIR Cafe Liqueur. This is a must-have in your home bar for pre-or post-dinner sipping.
2. Black Russian
Created in the late 1940s in Brussels, the Black Russian combines vodka and Kahlúa, a coffee liqueur made with rum, sugar and arabica coffee. This bold spiked coffee cocktail bears its mysterious name as a reference to its ingredients: Kahlúa is black, and vodka is commonly associated with Russia. The Black Russian also forms the basis of its well-known successor…
White Russian
Formulated simply by adding cream to a Black Russian, the White Russian is another famous coffee drink with alcohol that really hits the spot in winter. It’s known as a sweet dessert cocktail and is incredibly easy to make. Whip one up in no time to impress guests at a festive dinner party or even for a casual Christmas get-together with friends. Vodka, coffee liqueur and cream are all it takes to make this smooth, decadent alcoholic drink. Serve it with ice and in a lowball glass for a truly authentic White Russian.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. Kahlúa
- Add 1 splash of heavy cream (White Russian only)
3. Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee consists of Irish whiskey, hot coffee and sugar, stirred and topped with cream. First created in the winter of 1943 in Limerick (in Ireland, of course) for cold, tired passengers, this drink quickly became an airport specialty. Combining the bitterness of coffee with soothing whiskey and frothy whipped cream, there’s nothing more soul-warming than an Irish Coffee on a chilly winter’s day. It’s the perfect finale to a filling meal and will no doubt please any guests. This festive caffeinated cocktail can also be served as a morning treat around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. double cream
- 1 oz. freshly brewed black coffee
- 1 oz. Irish whiskey
- ½ - 1 tsp. brown sugar
- Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
4. Dalgona Coffee Cocktail
Dalgona is a fluffy, whipped coffee that’s a trendy topping for different delicious beverages, including alcoholic coffee drinks. And it’s effortless to make: Simply combine sugar, coffee granules and warm water. Turn your drink into a Baileys coffee cocktail by mixing Baileys and vodka, then adding a swirl of the whipped coffee mixture on top. Aesthetically pleasing to look at and wonderfully flavorful, this cocktail is the ultimate winter indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp. instant coffee
- 1/2 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 250 ml. milk (enough to fill 3/4 of a mug)
- 4 oz. vodka
- 2 oz. Baileys
5. Bavarian Coffee Cocktail
Evoking the warmth and flavors of the holiday season we all know and love, Bavarian Coffee is a delightful cozy winter treat that’s excellent for sipping by the fire. It combines brewed coffee, peppermint schnapps, cream, and coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua or Tia Maria), offering an irresistible sweet, minty, creamy coffee taste. You can also add sugar and whipped cream on top to make this coffee liqueur drink even more delectable.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- ½ oz. peppermint schnapps
- ½ oz. Kahlua or Tia Maria
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 oz. half-and-half
- Whipped cream
6. Nightcap
Not to be confused with cocktails that are perfect for a nightcap, the Nightcap is a refreshing caffeinated beverage. Blending cold brew coffee with rum and maple syrup for added kick and sweetness, it’s more of a gentle evening energizer than a wind-down drink. While maple syrup adds sweetness, the inclusion of angostura bitters lends complexity, and orange zest matches the citrus notes of the tonic it’s topped off with.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Goslings Gold Seal rum
- 2 oz. cold brew coffee
- 1/2 oz. grade A maple syrup
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- San Pellegrino tonic water, to top
- Orange peel as a garnish
7. Revolver
The Revolver, a twist on the classic Manhattan, will appeal to fans of whiskey cocktails and coffee-laced drinks. Loaded with the spiciness of rye-heavy Bulleit bourbon, coffee liqueur offers a hint of sweetness that is rounded out with a few dashes of orange bitters to brighten that dark duo. Sip after a dinner party or as a nightcap.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 1/2 oz. coffee liqueur
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Flamed orange peel as a garnish
8. Coffee/Black Negroni
A variation of the stylish Negroni, the Coffee Negroni (also called the Black Negroni for its dark hue) packs a punch as it combines strong coffee and straight liquor. The brightness of the espresso highlights the fruitiness of the Campari for a taste that’s distinctive and sure to boost your energy levels. Introduce this cocktail at brunch or an afternoon outdoor party.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz gin
- ¾ oz Campari
- ¾ oz vermouth
- ½ oz cold-brewed coffee liquor
- Orange peel as a garnish
Hungry for more cocktails with coffee? Try turning classics, like the Old Fashioned, into iced coffee cocktails. For any last-minute events or surprise celebrations, premixed cocktail boxes can offer an easy, exclusive and quality solution.
The combination of coffee and alcohol isn’t the only way to get a pick-me-up in the form of a delightful drink. Explore our favorite refreshing cocktails, next.