Coffee feels like an essential beverage to consume on a daily basis in the morning to get ourselves ready for the day. What happens at the end of a hard day at work when you need something a little stronger, but you still are craving that amazing espresso flavor? Well, it’s time to dive into the world of coffee cocktails. Enjoying everything coffee has to offer, with a little kick. These beverages are great to enjoy after a long day at the office or when you’re out with friends. You can even make them at home when you are trying to remember what going out to a crowded bar even felt like.
In this article, we’re going to share with you several coffee cocktails that you should definitely order next time you’re out. And we’ll provide a few recipes so you can try them at home!
Alive and Kicking
Just like the name says, the coffee mixed drink will put a little pep in your step once you’ve had it. If you’re sitting at home and could use a cocktail that is going to give you some energy, then maybe you should try the Alive and Kicking. How do you make this coffee drink with liquor?
You’re going to need:
- 1 tablespoon demerara sugar
- 4 oz. strong cold-brew coffee
- 4 oz. fernet (preferably Contratto)
- 3 oz. amaro (preferably Barolo Chinato)
- 3 oz. Compass Box Whisky Co. Orangerie or Grand Marnier
- 4 orange twists (for serving)
How do you make it?
- To make your cocktail, first combine one oz of coffee with one oz or fernet, with three-fourths of amaro, three-fourths of Scotch, and one-fourth of demerara simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Then fill the shaker with ice. Shake! Shake it vigorously until the outside of the shake is frosty. This takes about thirty seconds.
- Then strain the beverage into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist and drink!
I hope that Alive and Kicking gets more visibility in the near future, as it is one of the best coffee cocktails you can have.
Spritzy Americano
You can read all about the Spritzy Americano and the great joy the creator took in making it when you visit Bon Appetit. It’s a drink I think you’re going to love for its simplicity and its fizzy fun. A Spritzy Americano comes from mixing espresso with seltzer, orange juice, and amaro. You could always drink this cocktail without the amaro and still enjoy a tasty and fun drink. But, for that extra kick at the end of a long day (or for brunch with some girlfriends), pour in some amaro to really enjoy what you’re drinking.
Irish Coffee
A list of cocktails made with coffee wouldn’t truly be a coffee cocktail list at all if we did not include Irish coffee. Irish coffee is not only [probably] the most well-known alcoholic coffee drink, but it’s perfect for this time of year. St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and everyone is Irish that day. While you are celebrating the holiday inside, you can add a little something special in your coffee and plop some whip cream on top for a truly special drink.
Don’t know how to make an Irish coffee? It’s easy and we’ll show you.
- For Irish coffee, you’re going to have to want to use hot coffee. As soon as you’re done brewing a hot pot of coffee, fill a mug three-fourths of a way.
- Then, add some brown sugar and stir until it is dissolved.
- Blend in Irish whiskey. People typically use Jameson, but you can use whatever Irish whiskey you can get your hands on.
- Top the drink off with whip cream and you then have yourself a delicious and festive Irish coffee.
We told you it was simple! And if you really want, you can add a little more whiskey in the mug, we won’t tell anyone.
Dark Moon
Just the name “Dark Moon” sounds like it’s going to be delicious. This coffee cocktail uses cold brew coffee, coffee liqueur, spiced rum, Coca-Cola, and heavy cream. It’s a delicious and satisfying drink that is perfect to make at home. And just because it’s cold doesn’t mean it isn’t perfect to warm you up on a chilly winter day. You’ll feel warm from the inside and find yourself making this for friends to really impress guests [when we’re allowed to have them over again].
Vintage Coffee Cocktail
We mentioned Irish Coffee before. If you’re wanting to get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, but you don’t feel like having something hot, then let’s go with the Vintage Coffee Cocktail, which includes Guinness – another well-known Irish stable in the alcohol department. In fact, it’s probably one of the most well-known beers around the world.
Here’s what you’re going to need:
- 9-oz. can Guinness
- 1 tablespoon malt extract (optional)
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces hot freshly drawn espresso
- 1 1/2 ounces Paddy old Irish whiskey
- 1 teaspoon mild-flavored (light) molasses, plus more to taste
- Ground nutmeg (for serving)
And here’s the steps to the Vintage Coffee Cocktail:
- In a small saucepan, combine Guinness and the malt extract. Then scrape vanilla seeds and add the pod. Bring this mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer. Stir occasionally.
- Once it’s reduced down by one-third, which takes about twelve minutes, remove the vanilla bean, and let it cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk in cream and one ½ of the Guinness reduction until it’s slightly thickened.
- Then, stir in espresso, whiskey, and molasses in an Irish coffee glass until the molasses is dissolved. Top this off with the Guinness whipped cream and some nutmeg.
Get Creative With Your Coffee
The most important thing when you’re making these delicious coffee-infused beverages is to have fun with them. You love coffee and liquor pairs well with it. Try the cocktails you see in this article and enjoy what you can make. Remember, there’s no wrong way to enjoy coffee or espresso, but the best way is with a little bit of liquor in it.