Table of Contents
If you are here to read this, you likely enjoy starting every morning with a hot cup of coffee. However, if you are considering a way to add a kick to your caffeine consumption, there’s no better option than a coffee cocktail. As weather beings to get colder, hot spiked drinks begin to regain popularity. Apple cider cocktails and hot chocolate with liquor are common choices to warm you up on a cold winter night.
Coffee can be mixed with alcohol, as well, whether it’s the traditional hot brewed coffee or something ice cold. It’s a great option when you want the bold coffee taste with the heat and kick of a shot of alcohol. While the most commonly known cocktail that incorporates the two is Irish coffee, there are far more options out there than that one. You might find that your new favorite drink for a night out incorporates your favorite liquor and a cup of coffee.
Coffee Products On Amazon
We’ll share information about what alcohol pairs well with coffee, how to make a few coffee cocktails, and much more. By the time we’re done, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying coffee cocktails any time that you would like to.
What to Keep in Mind When Drinking Alcoholic Coffee Drinks
Beverages made with alcohol and caffeine are nearly everywhere and for good reason. If you’re headed out for a long night of dancing and partying, the caffeine can give you a boost that won’t be found in traditional alcoholic drinks. That said, there are risks when drinking either of these beverages and mixing them together can exacerbate that. You need to be cautious when introducing both into your system, but as long as you have the information you need and practice responsible drinking, the mixture can be a tasty one for a fun night out.
Coffee May Make You Feel More Sober
Alcohol is classified as a depressant while caffeine is a stimulant. Mixing the two together can cause the caffeine to mask the side effects of the alcohol. This means that when drinking both, you may feel like you are soberer than you actually are. This can be problematic when drinking heavily, so if you choose to enjoy coffee cocktails, it’s best to be moderate with your consumption. Even if you feel that you are sober at the end of the night, get a cab or Uber rather than driving while intoxicated.
Likely to Drink Longer Than Usual
As we mentioned, caffeine is a stimulant which means that it makes you more alert and attentive. In most cases, caffeine will cause you to experience these effects for about six hours. That means you may feel more awake and less impaired longer than while drinking other alcoholic drinks. When drinking only alcohol, one of the sensations that is common is drowsiness, but the caffeine can stop this from being as pronounced. As such, you may feel up to drinking for longer than you normally would. Be aware of that and pace yourself while being aware of when you need to get home.
There are things to be aware of when drinking caffeinated alcoholic drinks, but if you are drinking moderately and keep your awareness, you can avoid any major problems. If you do plan to enjoy a coffee cocktail, consider drinking water in between drinks, or switching to a drink without caffeine after you finish the initial coffee beverage. Always be responsible and take care of yourself when you choose to drink any alcoholic drink.
The Best Alcohol to Pair With Your Coffee
Are you ready to find a new drink to fall in love with? The alcohol mentioned below fits coffee well and can be used to make a new drink that is all your own. Let’s take a quick look at some of the favorites.
Vodka
Vodka is an old standby that many people enjoy. It also happens to be one of the best liquors to add to coffee. It might not sound like it would be the best combination, but you should be reassured that it is. However, you aren’t going to want to just brew a random cup of coffee and throw in a shot if you want the most delicious result. What you need is a great recipe that melds the texture and taste of the two beverages together in a refined way.
One great choice for you is the mudslide latte cocktail. It’s simple and easy. All you need are a couple of martini glasses and a shaker to make this one come out right. The ingredients for two cocktails consist of two ounces of whipped cream flavored vodka, two ounces of Bailey’s Irish Cream, four ounces of chilled brewed coffee, and four ounces of half and half. Combine all of the ingredients together and shake, then pour into your martini glasses. If you want something more festive, add some whipped cream topped with chocolate shavings.
Want to add a dose of pumpkin flavor into the mix? Try out a pumpkin spice white Russian. It’s just as easy as the recipe above. Gather up a half teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, two ounces of vodka, one ounce of heavy cream, and an ounce of coffee liqueur. First, you want to shake together the heavy cream and pumpkin pie spice. Next, fill up a rocks glass with ice and add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and the heavy cream mixture you just made. Enjoy without or without whipped cream and chocolate syrup on top.
Rum
Everyone has heard of mixing coffee with rum, but there are way more cocktails with this pairing than you could ever imagine. There are recipes for banana rum coffee, Cuban coffee cocktails, and even hot buttered rum. You can even go crazy with it and make an alcoholic milkshake with rum, coffee, and caramel for a taste sensation that you are likely never to forget. No matter which option you chose, you’ll get the warm heat and great taste of your favorite rum along with hot or iced coffee for a caffeine boost when it matters the most.
Want to pretend you’re spending time in Italy? It’s common for Italians to add a lemon slice to espresso shots and this recipe is built on that idea. It has four servings, so you can share with all your friends. First, you’ll want to cut up one lemon into slices and add it to a pitcher. Next, you’ll want to add three tablespoons of brown sugar, and some crushed ice. While you’re doing that, get the espresso on. You want about seven ounces. This will be added to the pitcher along with 20 ounces of water. After that, all you have to do is add as much rum as you like and serve the beverage over ice.
You might not think of a tropical drink as being compatible with coffee, but there are always exceptions. Once you make this recipe once, you’ll be a believer in the mixture as a fantastic beverage option. This recipe is easy as can be and requires only pina colada mix, rum, coffee, and oranges for garnish. You’ll start by blending a half cup of rum with a half can of pina colada mix and three-quarters of a cup of brewed coffee. Let it blend for about 60 seconds. Next, pour the drink into martini glasses and garnish with orange wedges. Simple yet satisfying.
Hazelnut Liqueur
If you’ve ever added hazelnut syrup to your coffee, you know how tasty the combination can be. Now think about that great flavor with a touch of alcohol added into the mix. When using this type of liqueur, remember that less is sometimes more. The hazelnut adds extra nuance to a drink and works well in tandem with other alcohol, especially aged options. While you might think of using this as a simple addition to brewed hot coffee, there are tons of other options that taste good and don’t take much time to create.
Want something with iced coffee that brings in the hazelnut flavor? What you’ll need is six ounces of strong brewed coffee, one ounce of hazelnut liqueur, an ounce of half and half, sweetener of choice, ice cubes, and chocolate shavings and whipped cream for a garnish. Assuming your coffee is brewed and cold, you’re ready to go. Grab a large glass and fill with ice cubes than pour in the coffee. At this point you can add in the sweetener, liqueur, and half and half. Stir that all up and you’re good to go. The chocolate and whipped cream can be placed on top as a garnish.
Bourbon
If you are a fan of bourbon, there are plenty of drinks to hit the spot for you, as well. One of the most popular beverages consists of bourbon, extra bold coffee, and a rich butterscotch. You can even add a butterscotch drizzle atop a latte foam to really build on the flavors and textures you love. There are also recipes that mix together your favorite bourbon and cold brew for a smooth drinking experience each time. We pulled together two popular drink recipes using both coffee and bourbon to give you a fantastic place to start with your experimentation.
Maple bourbon coffee is a must-have for those frigid mornings when you want a nice warm coffee to start your day off right. The recipe isn’t overly difficult either and most of the ingredients are probably already at your home. First, you’ll combine one cup of whipping cream with a quarter cup of maple syrup, two teaspoons of vanilla extract, and one tablespoon of brown sugar in a bowl. Next, take eight ounces of coffee and add in an ounce of your favorite bourbon. You’ll then add the maple syrup mixture to the coffee and mix it well. You can finish things off with a garnish of whipped cream and brown sugar.
Related Content:
The Best Cities Around the World for Coffee Lovers
Fantastic Ways to Incorporate Coffee into Your Thanksgiving Festivities (Video)
How to Age Paper (And More!) With Coffee (Video)
Is Drinking Coffee at a Young Age Harmful? (Video)
If you’d rather try something cold and creamy, a coffee bourbon milkshake is sure to hit the spot. All you need is vanilla ice cream and a bottle of a high-quality coffee bourbon. Get out the blender or food processor and add two cups of ice cream and about three ounces of your bourbon. Blend it all up and then stick it in the freezer to come to the right consistency. Because of the alcohol, the hardest it will get is about the consistency of soft serve ice cream. Then take it out and enjoy.
Kahlua
If you’re familiar with Kahlua, you probably expected to see it come up in this article. This liqueur has a coffee flavor which is excellent for those who want a robust coffee taste in their favorite alcoholic beverage. For those who are fans of simple cocktails, you can simply add a bit of Kahlua into your favorite brewed coffee and go with that. You can also go with an iced coffee milkshake, sweet Irish coffee, coffee granita, or a hot white Russian. This may be one of the most versatile types of alcohol to use in coffee, so it’s no surprise that there are hundreds of recipes out there to try.
With the holidays just around the corner, we wanted to showcase a recipe that is the perfect start to holiday mornings. This recipe has a buttery flavor and an infusion of spices that will refresh your palate. What you’ll need for this drink is half a quart of vanilla ice cream, half a pound of butter, half a pound of brown sugar, half a pound of powdered sugar, hot coffee, two teaspoons of cinnamon, Kahlua to taste, and whipped cream as a garnish. First, combine the ice cream, sugars, butter, and cinnamon in a large bowl and mix until soft. This will then store it in the freezer. When you want to use the mixture, you simply add two to three tablespoons into a coffee cup, an ounce of Kahlua, and fill with coffee. The mixture in the bottom will melt and add a creamy texture.
This second beverage is easier to make and is perfect for an afterwork pick me up. You’ll need to have one and a quarter cups of brewed coffee, two ounces of Kahlua, sugar to taste, coconut cream, and dark chocolate. Take out two wine glasses and add one ounce of Kahlua to each of them. Then you just need to pour in coffee until near the top of the glass. You can garnish with the whipped coconut cream and grated dark chocolate.
Whiskey
When it comes to whiskey, your first thought might not be to incorporate it into a coffee drink. However, it works quite well. You can go with Bailey’s for a combination of whiskey and cream or try a straight whiskey in a more innovative cocktail recipe. If you go for Bailey’s, you’ll get all the smoothness and taste of whiskey with a hint of cream and better blending when using other ingredients. On the other hand, traditional whiskey works well to offer more coffee and whiskey flavor when you want a higher level of intensity.
For a quick and easy drink that goes down smoothly and tastes amazing, try Vietnamese Irish coffee. All you need is espresso, Irish whiskey, and sweetened condensed milk. For one beverage, take out an espresso cup and layer an ounce of espresso with an ounce of Irish whiskey. Add in one or more layers of the sweetened condensed milk depending on how sweet you’d like your drink to be. Mix it up and enjoy!
Another fantastic option is a combination of cold brew coffee and your favorite whiskey. This recipe involves adding one and a half ounces of cold brew coffee, one ounce of heavy cream, one ounce of whiskey, half an ounce of maple syrup, and ice into a cocktail shaker. Shake everything up for about 10 seconds or until the shaker is frosty. Next, strain out the liquid into a glass and top with a dash of cinnamon. It’s tasty, easy to make, and has the advantage of using any whiskey you like.
Tequila
The mighty tequila. This is probably the least likely alcohol you expected to find on a list about coffee cocktails. Most of us think about margaritas when tequila comes up. However, this alcohol actually works quite well with cream, coffee, sugar, and cinnamon. You can make great jelly shots using Vietnamese coffee, add a kick to your favorite Mexican coffee, or even make an eggnog with the addition of coffee. If you’re a fan of this type of liquor, there’s no reason to stay away from it for your coffee cocktails in the future.
One drink that works well with tequila is called the Black Goblin. It’s a bit more complicated than some drinks but well-worth the effort. For the rim, you’ll want grated chocolate and decorating sugar. The cocktail itself requires three ounces of tequila, three ounces of Kahlua, a half ounce of vanilla syrup, and three ounces of half and half. Mix up the sugar and chocolate on a plate for the rim. On another plate, place a bit of Kahlua which you will dip the glass rim in before dipping into the sugar. The rest of the ingredients can be shaken along with ice. Make sure you shake until extremely cold and then pour into a glass with ice.
The second tequila recipe we’ll share today is the Mexican coffee tequila beverage. You’ll need a half ounce of tequila, a half ounce of Kahlua, one cup of brewed coffee, and a scoop of partially melted vanilla ice cream. You can melt the ice cream in the microwave by heating for 30 seconds. Then all you have to do is combine all the ingredients and enjoy.
Brandy
It wouldn’t be a true roundup of liquor that works well with coffee without mentioning brandy. There are great drinks that incorporate coffee, brandy, and peppermint. There are alterations on dulce de leche coffee, eggnog with brandy and coffee, and even fruity Irish coffees that use apple brandy for an additional layer of taste. It also works well to build an alcoholic milkshake or other fancy drinks for a party or entertaining event.
First, let’s look at the Irish coffee with apple accents. You’ll need a rocks glass, ice, and three-quarters of an ounce of Irish cream, one and three-quarters ounces of cold coffee, a half ounce of apple brandy, and a half ounce of Yellow Chartreuse French liqueur. The steps to replicate this recipe are easy. Once you have the ingredients, add ice to your glass and then add the other ingredients. If you want a garnish, a lemon twist works well for this beverage.
If you’re in the mood to celebrate the upcoming holidays, why not try an eggnog with a kick from the caffeine and alcohol? All you need is one and a half cups of hot coffee, a half cup of granulated sugar, a quart of eggnog, two-thirds of a cup of Irish cream liqueur, and half cup of brandy. First, you’ll want to dissolve the sugar into the coffee until fully combined. Next, pour the mixture into a pitcher before adding the brandy, eggnog, and Irish cream liqueur. Cover the pitcher and chill overnight. The next day it can be served cold or at room temperature.
What You’ll Need to Make Your Own Coffee Cocktails
There are numerous things that will make the process of creating a cocktail easier when doing so at home. While there’s no reason to purchase every item that you would find in a bar or nightclub, having a few of the right items can make things easier and quicker for making drinks for yourself or friends. We’ll share a few of our favorites so you can decide whether you need them in your own life.
Coffee Products On Amazon
An Assortment of Glasses
You don’t need a dozen different types of glasses to make a few cocktails, but a few are more versatile and useful than the others. The first glasses you want to invest in are rocks glasses. These can be used to muddle ingredients or may be used for drinks that incorporate ice cubes or balls. These glasses are best for drinks that are about six to eight ounces. Another important glass is the Collins glass. These are taller, thinner glasses that are similar to a highball glass. They are typically used for drinks that need large amounts of crushed ice. Finally, coupe glasses should be considered. These are for six to eight-ounce drinks, but typically only those served without ice. These are a great alternative to the martini glass, which is prone to spilling.
The Bar Spoon
A bar spoon is typically used mainly to stir drinks but is also sometimes used as a measurement tool for syrupy ingredients. The average bar spoon is 30 cm long for a typical mixing glass. If you go too short, you may end up with alcohol on your shirt, and if it’s overly long, it will be inconvenient to use. While you likely only need one of these, having a set can save you trouble if one is dirty or goes missing.
Mixing Glass
We didn’t mention this above with the other glasses because a mixing glass is different from a drinking glass. You want to choose a glass that is fairly thick, so your mixing spoon won’t break it while in use. The best mixing glasses will have a pour spout to make it easier to pour and serve a drink without making a mess of the space you are in.
Shaker Set
You’ll want to have a shaker set on hand for making drinks with ice. The best option is the Boston type, which is made of two parts that resemble two pint glasses made out of metal. You might be tempted to try the cobbler type shaker, which comes with a cap and built-in strainer, however it can’t provide anything extra that the Boston shaker doesn’t already give you. If aesthetics matter, cobblers can do the job with a more unique appearance, however.
Ice Molds
Provided you aren’t going all the way and chipping your own cubes, you’ll want to have ice cube trays on hand. You can use standard 1.25-inch trays to give the traditional ice for a cocktail. It’s also a great idea to have access to larger ice ball molds. These bits of ice will melt much more slowly and dilute your drink less. We recommend having at least two of each type of tray to ensure you have plenty of ice on hand.
Hawthorne Strainer
When it comes time to separate a cocktail from ice and other ingredients, you can count on the Hawthorne strainer. This particular type of strainer is recommended because it fits the rim of your glass the same way that a lid would. This means that there is less chance of making a mess while straining a drink for consumption.
Mesh Strainer
You may also sometimes need to strain out items that a Hawthorne will let slip through. A fine mesh strainer can do this job for you with ease, whether you want to remove egg or shards of fruit. You hold this device over the drinking glass and pour the ingredients into it. This isn’t a must-have and you may not use it often, but it does come in handy on occasion.
Juice Press
A hand press is a great tool that can help you get all of the juice out of a lime or lemon for a cocktail. Stay away from the presses that have a rubber grip, because juice can run down into the crevices and mold. The best bet is to choose a large press that can also squeeze oranges. You might as well get the most use out of this tool as you possibly can.
Jiggers
The jigger was originally a Japanese device, but it was discovered and quickly introduced to bartending in the United States. A jigger is a device that has two ends for measuring. Each end has different measurements with one side being larger than the other. The first jigger you will want in your arsenal is a half and three-quarters fluid ounce jigger. If you want to get your second jigger at the same time, go for a one ounce and two-ounce jigger.
Muddler
A final item to add to your home bar is the muddler. This is a tool that is used to crush certain ingredients, such as mint leaves, to bring out their essence and flavor. You want to choose a muddler that is wooden and has no coating on it. The coating can be transferred to your drinks, so it’s best to select a natural wood muddler for your home parties.
Beyond that, you’ll also want to be sure that you have access to various spirits, mixers, and cocktail books to learn new drinks and techniques to show off to your friends. You may find that more advanced tools are needed in the future, but for your first cocktails, these items will allow you to do everything you need to do.
Ordering Coffee Cocktails at Your Favorite Bar or Nightclub
While making your own cocktails is a great option for an inexpensive night of fun with friends, sometimes you might want to head out to a nightclub or bar. Most bars offer at least a few cocktails with coffee, but you can’t expect the average establishment to know every single drink that makes use of alcohol and caffeine. If you want to know which drinks are likely to present at the average bar, we can help. There are a handful of beverages that a bar can easily make and will have the ingredients on hand for.
Irish Coffee
Almost every single bar is going to know what an Irish coffee is, and your bartender will likely have plenty of experience making them. It’s the most popular coffee cocktail in the United States and it relies on simple ingredients. The biggest challenge is getting the proportions right to ensure the best tasting drink with the right ratio of alcohol. The typical Irish coffee consists of three-quarters of a cup of brewed coffee, one shot of Irish whiskey, one teaspoon of brown sugar, and cream to taste. This is an easy drink to make and any bar with a coffee maker in the back should be able to provide it for you. The process involves brewing the proper amount of coffee and then combining it with the sugar, coffee, and whiskey in a mug. The cream is added onto the top of the coffee drink. It’s quick to make and you should have no problem ordering it nearly anywhere.
Espresso Martini
Another drink you may find available at bars is a martini with espresso. This is another simple drink to make, but it looks amazing once you receive it. The ingredients needed include a shot of vodka, a quarter cup of espresso, and one and a half shots of coffee liqueur. You can also add chocolate candy as a garnish for a better aesthetic. This drink is made by brewing espresso and filling a shaker up with ice. The vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso are all added to the shaker which is shaken. Then the drink is strained into a martini glass and can be garnished with the chocolate mentioned earlier.
The Mountain Top
This is a drink that is called by its name because its appearance is similar to a mountain with snow on the peak. In most cases, this cocktail will be presented in a clear glass to allow the visual contrast to stand out. This cocktail requires a cup of coffee, a shot of hazelnut liqueur, a shot of vodka, and whipped cream for the top. After brewing the coffee, it is combined with the alcohol. Whipped cream is added to the top to give a contract between dark coffee and white cream.
Raspberry Coffee Cocktail
If you are looking for a drink after dinner or with your dessert, this is the best coffee cocktail to hit the spot. It’s rich and has a light fruity flavor which may remind you of consuming a gourmet candy. This drink is made by brewing a quarter cup of coffee while you a shot of raspberry liqueur, a shot of coffee liqueur, and half a shot of vodka in a shaker. It’s shaken and then strained into a glass before coffee is added. It’s stirred and may be topped with shavings of chocolate for garnish.
Rum Coffee
The final drink that is often found in bars or nightclubs is the rum coffee. It’s a spicy drink with a chill and a creamy texture. This drink is made by brewing a cup of coffee, which is added to a glass filled with ice. Next, a shot of spiced rum is added, along with a shot of butterscotch schnapps, and sugar to taste. At that point, the drink is stirred, and whipped cream can be added to the top for garnish.
The Wrap Up
At this point you should have a great understanding of the types of liquor that are commonly used in coffee cocktails, as well as how to make a number of those beverages on your own. We’ve also looked at many of the coffee cocktails you’ll find on the menu at restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. We also considered the precautions to take when drinking beverages that are both caffeinated and alcoholic, so you can make great choices when having a drink after work. At this point, you should be well-prepared to start making your own cocktails and perhaps even inventing some of your own. Who knows, we may be suggesting it in one of our future articles.
Coffee Products On Amazon
Bonus Questions
1. Is there alcohol in coffee?
While there is no alcohol in traditional coffee or the drinks made from it, there are coffee flavored liqueurs that include alcohol. These products typically contain coffee, alcohol, and a big dose of sugar to cut the sharpness of the alcohol.
2. Does caffeine help sober you up?
While many people believe coffee can help you sober up, it isn’t true. If you are inebriated, you will need to wait several hours for the alcohol to leave your system to become sober.
3. What is vodka and coffee called?
In most English-speaking locations, vodka combined with coffee is called Russian coffee. However, this term can also be used for the same drink with whipped cream on top, as well.
4. How do you take the bitterness out of coffee?
There are a few ways. A bit of table salt along with cream and sugar can cut the bitterness. Another way is to purchase only less bitter coffees or brewing drip coffee instead of espresso brewing.
5. Does coffee increase alcohol?
Drinking coffee has absolutely no effect on the alcohol inside your body. However, caffeine can lead to a masking of the effects of alcohol, so being aware of your tolerance level is important.
6. Can I drink coffee after beer?
Absolutely. You can drink coffee after consuming alcohol. However, this will not make you less intoxicated as you may have been told in the past.
7. Does eating lower your BAC?
Based on scientific studies, eating food when done at nearly the same time as drinking alcohol can lead to a substantial reduction in blood alcohol content. Protein is the most effective followed by carbohydrates.
8. Is Irish coffee hot or cold?
Traditionally, Irish coffee is served hot in a warm mug. However, it can also be made into a strong iced coffee drink.
9. What’s in a Black Russian?
A Black Russian drink consists of five parts vodka to two parts coffee liqueur.
10. Can you put whiskey in coffee?
Sure, when you mix coffee with whiskey, you’ll have a Gaelic coffee. If you use Irish whiskey instead, the drink is called an Irish coffee.
Related Content:
The Best Cities Around the World for Coffee Lovers
Fantastic Ways to Incorporate Coffee into Your Thanksgiving Festivities (Video)
How to Age Paper (And More!) With Coffee (Video)
Is Drinking Coffee at a Young Age Harmful? (Video)
Sources:
https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Mudslide-Latte-Cocktail-1869767#directions
https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Pumpkin-Spice-White-Russian-1338191#directions
https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Coffee_-Rum_-and-Lemon-Drink-2030825
https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Coffee-colada-356695
https://www.averiecooks.com/creamy-boozy-iced-coffee/
https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/what-happens-to-your-body-after-mixing-alcohol-and-caffeine
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Bitterness-in-Coffee
https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Maple-Bourbon-Coffee-1873194
https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Coffee-Bourbon-Milkshake-1289720#directions
https://www.majhofftakesawife.com/christmas-latte-hot-buttered-latte-with-kahlua/
https://lovingitvegan.com/kahlua-coffee/
http://iamafoodblog.com/vietnamese-irish-coffee-recipe/
http://eatdrinkfrolic.com/2017/01/cold-brew-coffee-whiskey-cocktail.html
http://www.creative-culinary.com/black-goblin-tequila-coffee-liqueur-cream/
https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Mexican-Coffee-1244147#directions
https://www.liquor.com/recipes/apple-irish-coffee/
https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Irish-Coffee-Eggnog-1744297#directions
https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/bars/g14299846/basic-bar-supplies-tools-ingredients/
Last update on 2024-09-16 at 14:49 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API