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Coffee liqueur merges two of people’s favorite drinks: coffee and alcohol, which is a perfect addition to many cocktails. The coffee liqueur is a sweet, caffeine boost with roasted chocolate and espresso flavors. Indeed, coffee cocktails are not numerous, but the recipes that feature coffee have a lot of character! From the traditional White Russian, Black Russian, and espresso martinis to more creative options like the Revolver, you’ll go caffeintastic over these yummy drinks.
Coffee liqueur had an outdated reputation, and for years, only two well-known and mass-produced companies were sharing the market: Kahlua and Tia Maria. As a result, many bartenders usually left this liqueur at the back of the shelf. Now the coffee liqueur is back, or should I say cold-brew coffee liqueur! The market for coffee liqueur has boomed; you can find several other independent distiller options.
The third wave with specialty coffee helped that a lot. The distillers would proudly claim the beans they use, from which country they sourced them, etc. Everyone is trying to get a part of the pie. Moreover, the coffee liqueur is pretty easy to make, and you can even make it yourself at home.
However, the alcohol base can differ widely; Tia Maria and Kahlua both use rum bases. Today, many coffee liqueurs on the market use neutral grain spirits, vodka, brandy, or even tequila.
However, like every trend, there are excesses. Not everything labeled “cold brew” is going to be good or even make sense. Today, the term “cold brew” seems to be overused to designate what is basically your good old boring coffee flavor; use a modern marketing hype term, and voilà it is new again! Hopefully, a few mediocre products won’t turn consumers away from the excellent ones.
Please pick up your coffee liqueur from your bar, and let’s have some fun mixing up!
Here are our top 5 best cocktails featuring coffee liqueur.
#1. The Revolver
This is a lovely variation on a Manhattan, substituting sweet vermouth for coffee liqueur. The orange bitters and the smoked orange peel provide a delicate smokey orange accent that contrasts with the coffee liqueur and highlights the whiskey. I usually enjoy a good Manhattan cocktail, and I must confess that I like this one better. It is more interesting and more complex. I would order this kind of cocktail at a nice bar or a fancy restaurant.
Ingredients:
- 2 fl oz Bourbon whiskey or rye whiskey
- ½ fl oz Coffee liqueur
- 1 dash of Simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Orange Bitters
Equipment:
Instructions:
- Pour the simple syrup, the bitters, the coffee liqueur, and the whiskey into a mixing glass filled with ice,
- Stir with a bar spoon until the glass becomes cold (typically 30 turns),
- Strain in a cocktail glass,
- Peel an orange coin and let it smoke above the glass with a lighter for a few seconds. Do not let it burn your hand. Drop it into the glass when it starts smoking (but before it catches fire).
Notes:
I would recommend using a high-proof rye whiskey. My go-to whiskey for cocktails is Rittenhouse 100, a 100 proof rye (50% ABV) that usually works great in a Manhattan or an old fashion. It is also delicious with bourbon, like Russell’s Reserve. Still, I find the rye slightly more interesting and complex, with the rye spiciness contrasting with the sweetness of the coffee liqueur.
Big thank you to Difford’s guide for sharing this fabulous recipe.
#2. The white Russian
The White Russian cocktail is among the easiest cocktail to make. A creamy, delicious, and coffee-flavored cocktail is more like a dessert cocktail (after-dinner cocktail) if you ask me.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ fl oz Coffee liqueur
- 1 ½ fl oz Vodka
- 3 fl oz Heavy whipped cream
Instructions:
- Fill 3/4 or an old-fashioned glass with ice,
- Combine the Vodka and the coffee liqueur,
- Float fresh cream on the top and admire the marbled effect as the cream slowly goes down the glass. Now you can stir.
Note:
You can use milk or half and half, and even coconut milk for a vegan option instead of the cream.
#3. The Burnt Orange Cocktail
This cocktail is like a Caribbean party: fruity, spicy, rich, and sweet. The orange touch works so well with the coffee liqueur.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ fl oz Rum
- 1 fl oz Coffee Liqueur
- 1 ½ fl oz orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
- 1 dash of orange bitters
Garnish (optional):
- 1 orange twist
Equipment:
- A shaker
- A cocktail glass
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice,
- Shake vigorously,
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass,
- Garnish with an orange twist (optional).
Note:
Did you know that pairing citrus juice with coffee is ordinary in Italy? In coffee shops, they often serve a lemon or orange peel on the side with an espresso. You can drop the peel into the cup or squeeze it to brighten the coffee’s flavor and counteract any bitterness.
#4. The Almond Cloud
This cocktail could fool you to be limited as a dessert cocktail, but don’t let the creamy, heavenly appearance mislead you. It is nicely balanced, creamy, and sweet, with just enough complexity to work beautifully on any occasion to wow your friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 fl oz Vodka
- 1 fl oz Amaretto
- ⅔ fl oz Coffee liqueur
- 1 fl oz Half and half
Equipment:
- A shaker
- A cocktail glass
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice,
- Shake vigorously,
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, using a fine mesh strainer for a better texture,
Note:
Thank you, Difford’s Guide, for the inspiration.
#5. The Black Pearl Champagne
A cocktail recipe using Champagne or sparkling wine is always an excellent idea; refreshing, festive, and so elegant. Add coffee liqueur and cognac, and you have a blast of flavor! Enjoy this dark, rich color, bubbly drink for any occasion. With only four ingredients, this cocktail is officially my new favorite. 😉
Ingredients:
- 1 fl oz Cognac
- 1 fl oz Coffee liqueur
- 3 fl oz Brut Champagne or sparkling wine
- 1 Maraschino cherry (optional)
Equipment:
Instructions:
- Place the maraschino cherry in the Champagne flute,
- Pour all ingredients (cognac and coffee liqueur) into a shaker with ice. Shake,
- Strain into the Champagne flute over the cherry,
- Top up with chilled Champagne or sparkling wine.
Notes:
You can use a dry or extra-dry sparkling wine as a substitute for Champagne.
Thank you for the inspiration at The Intoxicologist.
