Coffee Cocktail Drinks

Coffee and booze belong together more than most people realize.

Bar tabs for coffee cocktails are ridiculous—$14 for an espresso martini that costs maybe $2 to make at home? Pass. Making coffee cocktails yourself isn't complicated. You don't need bartender skills or a liquor cabinet full of obscure bottles. Most of these recipes use stuff you probably already have: whiskey, vodka, maybe some Kahlúa.

Whether you're hosting friends at the cottage, want a grown-up dessert drink, or just feel like upgrading your evening coffee, these recipes deliver. They work equally well as after-dinner drinks or weekend brunch additions. Cold brew cocktails for summer patios, hot spiked coffee for winter nights—all covered.

Each recipe is straightforward enough that you won't screw it up, even after you've already had one. No fancy techniques, no expensive equipment, just good drinks that happen to have caffeine.

Ready to mix things up?

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

  • 1 tablespoon of caramel
  • 50ml of espresso (cooled)
  • 50 ml of coffee liqueur
  • 100 ml of vodka
Winter Spiced Kahlua

Winter Spiced Kahlua

  • 6 shots of Kahlua
  • ¼ cup of coffee beans
  • ½ cup of heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon of sweetened cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
  • 10 crushed cardamom pods
  • 2 teaspoons of star anise
  • 1/3 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup of brown sugar
  • ½ quart of water
Prancer's Spiked Peppermint Mocha

Prancer's Spiked Peppermint Mocha

  • 1 cup brewed espresso
  • 2oz crème de menthe
  • 2oz chocolate liquor
  • ½ cup cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed peppermint candies
Spiced Christmas Coffee

Spiced Christmas Coffee

  • ½ cup of freshly ground medium coffee
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1½ tsp. ground cardamon
  • ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
  • ¼ cup Baileys or other Irish cream (in each glass)
  • ½ tbsp. sugar
  • 3 cups water
  • Whipped cream
Affogato Crème Coffee

Affogato Crème Coffee

  • 8oz vanilla vodka
  • 4oz Kahlua
  • 4 espresso shots
  • 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream
Merry Holiday Cappuccino

Merry Holiday Cappuccino

  • 2 oz. Kahlua or Irish coffee cream
  • 2 oz. Frangelico
  • 2 oz. Praline liqueur
  • 20 oz. Steamed milk
  • 8 oz. espresso
  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed candy canes

Boozy Eggnog Latte

Boozy Eggnog Latte

  • 4 espresso shots
  • 24oz eggnog
  • 4oz rum
  • Nutmeg for topping
Bourbon Butter-Scotch Latte

Bourbon Butter-Scotch Latte

  • 8 oz. strong or extra bold coffee
  • 1 oz. bourbon
  • 1 oz. butterscotch sauce

Foam - 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, cold

Ultimate Irish Coffee

Ultimate Irish Coffee

  • 2 Oz. Irish Whiskey
  • 2 tbsp. Brown sugar
  • Double shot Espresso

Whipped Cream:

  • ½ cup Heavy Cream
  • ½ tsp. Pure Vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp. Confectioner’s Sugar
Iced Irish Coffee

Iced Irish Coffee

  • 6 oz cold brew concentrate
  • 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
  • 1 oz simple syrup or maple syrup
  • 2 oz heavy cream, lightly whipped
  • Ice
Irish Cold Brew Float

Irish Cold Brew Float

  • 8 oz cold brew coffee
  • 1 oz Irish whiskey
  • 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
  • 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Cocoa powder for dusting
Nutty Irish Coffee

Nutty Irish Coffee

  • 6 oz hot coffee
  • 1 oz Irish whiskey
  • 0.5 oz Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur)
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • Heavy cream, whipped
  • Chopped toasted hazelnuts
Maple Irish Coffee

Maple Irish Coffee

  • 6 oz hot coffee
  • 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • Heavy cream, whipped
  • Cinnamon stick for stirring
Classic Irish Coffee

Classic Irish Coffee

  • 6 oz hot coffee
  • 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 oz heavy cream, lightly whipped
Campfire Maple Coffee

Campfire Maple Coffee

  • 6 oz hot coffee
  • 1.5 oz Canadian whisky
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • Heavy cream, whipped
  • Cinnamon stick
Spanish Coffee with Flair

Spanish Coffee with Flair

  • 6 oz hot coffee
  • 1 oz Kahlúa
  • 0.5 oz rum
  • 0.5 oz orange liqueur
  • Sugar for rim
  • Whipped cream
  • Lemon wedge
The Mountain Mocha

The Mountain Mocha

  • 6 oz hot coffee
  • 1 oz brandy
  • 1 oz dark crème de cacao
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • Dark chocolate shavings
Cold Brew White Russian Cocktail

Cold Brew White Russian Cocktail

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Coffee Liqueur
  • 1 oz Whipped Cream
  • 2 oz Cold Brew Coffee
  • Ice Cubes
Coffee Carajillo

Coffee Carajillo

  • 2 oz cold brew or chilled espresso
  • 2 oz Licor 43 (Spanish vanilla liqueur)
  • Ice
  • Coffee beans for garnish
The Trail Mix (Cold Brew Bramble)

The Trail Mix (Cold Brew Bramble)

  • 4 oz cold brew coffee
  • 1.5 oz gin
  • 0.5 oz blackberry liqueur
  • 0.5 oz lemon juice
  • Fresh blackberries
  • Ice
The Revolver

The Revolver

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 0.5 oz coffee liqueur (Tia Maria preferred)
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • Orange peel for garnish
Coffee Tonic

Coffee Tonic

  • 3 oz cold brew concentrate
  • 4 oz quality tonic water
  • 1 oz gin (optional, but recommended)
  • Lime wedge
  • Ice
Bourbon Cold Brew Cocktail

Bourbon Cold Brew Cocktail

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 2 oz Cold Brew Coffee
  • Maple Syrup or Simple Syrup
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Ice Cubes
  • Aromatic Chocolate Bitters
Cold Brew Brandy Alexander Cocktail

Cold Brew Brandy Alexander Cocktail

  • 2 oz Cognac
  • 2 oz Cold Brew Coffee
  • 1 ounce Crème de Cacao
  • 1 ounce Whipped Cream
  • Ice Cubes
Hot White Russian

Hot White Russian

  • 1 ½ cups brewed coffee
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 oz Kahlua
  • 1 oz Vodka
  • Whipped cream for garnish
Iced Coffee Negroni

Iced Coffee Negroni

  • 1 oz gin
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 1 oz cold brew concentrate
  • 0.5 oz Campari
  • Orange peel
  • Ice
Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
  • 1 oz fresh espresso or cold brew concentrate
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup
  • Coffee beans for garnish
Frangelico Espresso Martini

Frangelico Espresso Martini

  • 1 oz espresso
  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1 oz Kahlua
  • 1 oz Frangelico

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 oz Godiva chocolate liqueur
  • ½ oz pasteurized egg white
  • 3 coffee beans whole, for garnish
Eggnog Espresso Martini

Eggnog Espresso Martini

  • 2 Oz. Irish Whiskey
  • 2 tbsp. Brown sugar
  • Double shot Espresso

Whipped Cream:

  • ½ cup Heavy Cream
  • ½ tsp. Pure Vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp. Confectioner’s Sugar
Tequila Espresso Martini

Tequila Espresso Martini

  • 2 oz. Tequila Cazadores Cafe Liquor
  • 2 oz. Brewed coffee or chilled espresso shot
Baileys Espresso Martini

Baileys Espresso Martini

  • 2 oz Vodka or Tequila
  • 2 oz Espresso
  • 1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
  • 1 oz Kahlua
  • Garnish (Optional): Coat martini glass rim and/or inside of martini glass with chocolate syrup. Dip rim in cocoa powder, crushed chocolate or crushed espresso beans or espresso powder
  • Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with powder sugar or cocoa powder.
Chocolate Coffee Martini

Chocolate Coffee Martini

  • 2 ounces strong coffee cold
  • 1 ounce vodka
  • 1 ounce chocolate liqueur
  • dark chocolate for garnish
Gin Espresso Martini

Gin Espresso Martini

  • 1 ounce strong espresso slightly cooled to avoid burns
  • 1 ounce Tanqueray or other dry gin
  • 1 ounce Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
  • 2 dashes of chocolate bitters suggested, but optional
  • 3 coffee beans for garnish
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

  • 1 ½ ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce espresso
  • 1 ounce coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
  • ¾ ounce pumpkin spice syrup
  • Coffee beans and/or cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Peppermint Espresso Martini

Peppermint Espresso Martini

Peppermint Simple Syrup:

  • ⅓ cup water
  • ¼ cup candy canes, crushed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Peppermint Espresso Martini:

  • 3 oz Kahlua
  • 2 oz peppermint simple syrup
  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1 oz heavy cream
  • 1 oz espresso, freshly brewed
Parmesan Espresso Martini

Parmesan Espresso Martini

  • 1 ½ ounce vodka
  • 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
  • 1 ounce brewed espresso
  • 1 tablespoon shredded parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 dash ground nutmeg (freshly grated)
Espresso Martini With Simple Syrup

Espresso Martini With Simple Syrup

  • 1½ ounces cold-brew espresso concentrate
  • 1½ ounces Kahlua brand coffee liqueur
  • 1½ ounces vodka
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • 3 whole coffee beans, optional garnish
Frozen Espresso Martini

Frozen Espresso Martini

  • ½ cup espresso freeze in ice cube tray
  • 4 oz vodka vanilla or caramel
  • 4 oz coffee liqueur
  • 2 oz baileys almande or coffee creamer
Baileys Espresso Martini With Gin

Baileys Espresso Martini With Gin

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • 1 oz espresso cooled
  • ½ oz chocolate syrup
  • ½ oz Bailey’s Irish cream
  • Dash of almond extract or vanilla
  • Optional: cinnamon, coffee beans, star anise for garnish
Dirty Chai Espresso Martini

Dirty Chai Espresso Martini

For the Chai Concentrate

  • 2 cups water
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 chai tea bags

For the Espresso Martini

  • 1½ oz vodka
  • 1½ oz chai concentrate homemade or store bought
  • 1 oz fresh brewed espresso cooled
  • ½ oz kahlúa or another coffee liqueur
  • ½ oz milk or cream use dairy-free if preferred
  • 5 ice cubes

Cuban Espresso Martini

Cuban Espresso Martini

  • 1½ oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Coffee liqueur
  • 1 oz Cuban coffee
  • 3 Whole Coffee Beans

Creamy Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

Creamy Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

  • 2 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 2 oz espresso
  • 2 oz heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon Torani caramel syrup Keto option - use sugar-free Torani syrup
  • pinch sea salt flakes

Creamy Mr Black Espresso Martini

Creamy Mr Black Espresso Martini

  • 2 oz Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur
  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1 oz espresso
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Honey Espresso Martini

Honey Espresso Martini

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • ½ oz Kahlua
  • 1 oz cold brew concentrate or cooled espresso , or cooled very strong coffee
  • ½ oz honey simple syrup, or regular simple syrup or agave syrup

Espresso Martini Shots

Espresso Martini Shots

  • 3 ounces vodka
  • 2 ½ ounces freshly brewed espresso
  • 2 ounces coffee liqueur
  • 1 ½ ounces demerara sugar syrup
  • 6 coffee beans for garnish (optional)

Creamy Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

Creamy Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

  • 1 cup (237 g) ice
  • 2 oz (57 ml) vodka - ¼ cup
  • ½ oz (14 g) coffee liqueur - 1 tablespoon
  • 1 oz (28 ml) freshly brewed espresso - cooled to room temperature
  • 1 oz (28 ml) pumpkin sauce
  • (3-4) whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice - optional; for topping

Baileys Peppermint Espresso Martini

Baileys Peppermint Espresso Martini

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
  • 0.5 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
  • 2 oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup
  • Crushed peppermint candy or candy canes (for the rim)
  • Coffee beans (for garnish)

Oat Milk Espresso Martini

Oat Milk Espresso Martini

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • 1 oz espresso or strong coffee
  • 1 oz oat milk
  • 3 coffee beans optional garnish

Cold Brew Martini

Cold Brew Martini

  • 1 oz Cold Brew Coffee
  • 1 oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Coffee Liqueur (Kahlua or Tia Maria)
  • Ice Cubes

Cold Brew Martini

Cold Brew Martini

  • 1 oz Cold Brew Coffee
  • 1 oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Coffee Liqueur (Kahlua or Tia Maria)
  • Ice Cubes

Coffee Cocktails Questions People Ask

Whiskey, rum, vodka, and coffee liqueurs (Kahlúa, Baileys) all play well with coffee. Whiskey brings warmth and complements darker roasts. Vodka disappears into the background and lets coffee shine (perfect for espresso martinis). Rum adds sweetness that works with cream-based drinks. Start with what you've got and experiment from there.

Depends on the drink. Espresso martinis need actual espresso for that concentrated flavor and proper texture. But Irish coffee, spiked cold brew, or hot toddy variations work fine with regular strong coffee. Cold brew works great in most cold cocktails—it's smooth and already concentrated. Match the coffee strength to the drink style.

For most recipes, no. Hot coffee cocktails just need a mug and a spoon. Cold cocktails benefit from shaking with ice (a mason jar with a lid works fine), but you can also just stir them well. An espresso martini needs a good shake to get that foam on top, but again, any container that seals works. Don't let missing bar tools stop you.

Yeah, non-alcoholic spirits have gotten way better lately. Brands like Lyre's and Ritual make decent non-alcoholic whiskey, rum, and amaretto that work in most of these recipes. The texture and flavor won't be identical, but they're close enough that you'll still get the vibe of the drink. For vodka-based cocktails (like espresso martinis), it's trickier since vodka is mostly about alcohol content rather than flavor—focus on getting the coffee and sweetness right. Worth trying if you want the experience without the booze.