15 Best Coffee Drinks With Alcohol: Espresso, Irish Coffee And Other Alcoholic Coffee Drinks
All right, let’s admit it: although I like coffee just as much as I like language learning, sometimes we all need a little plus!
And when I talk about coffee, this plus can be a bit of sugar, a bit of sweetener, or… a bit of alcohol to make different types of coffee.
Coffee drinks with alcohol were always popular for younger generations but these coffee cocktails made their way into the coffee culture. Now, you can basically run into them in cafés, restaurants and bars all over the world.
The Educated Barfly made a comprehensive video about these coffee drinks with alcohol, so make sure to check out the coffee cocktails recommendations:
And now, let’s explore what I have to offer: here are 15 best coffee drinks with alcohol.
1. Irish Coffee – The classic of coffee drinks with alcohol
This classic cocktail is a perfect blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a dollop of whipped cream.
You’ll often find it served in pubs and restaurants, especially those with an Irish theme.
Making it at home is easy – just brew some strong coffee, stir in brown sugar and a shot of whiskey, then top with lightly whipped cream. The coffee-to-whiskey ratio is usually 4:1, so it is a relatively mild cocktail.
It’s particularly popular in Ireland (no surprise there!), the US, and the UK, especially on chilly evenings.
2. Espresso Martini
A favorite in trendy bars and upscale lounges, the Espresso Martini is a sophisticated mix of vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso.
You can easily whip one up at home with a cocktail shaker – just remember to chill your martini glass first! The typical recipe calls for 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 1 oz espresso, making it quite potent!
This drink has seen a resurgence in popularity recently, especially among the younger crowd who love its caffeinated kick and Instagram-worthy appearance, haha!
3. White Russian
The Dude’s drink of choice in “The Big Lebowski,” the White Russian is a creamy delight.
It’s typically served in bars and lounges but is also a popular choice for home mixologists.
To make one, you’ll need vodka, coffee liqueur (usually Kahlúa), and cream.
The standard recipe uses 2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and a splash of cream, so it packs quite a punch!
While it originated in Belgium, it’s now enjoyed worldwide, even in the US.
4. Carajillo
This Spanish drink is a simple yet delicious combination of espresso and brandy or rum.
You’ll find it in cafes and bars across Spain, particularly as an after-dinner drink.
Making it at home is straightforward – brew a shot of espresso and add a shot of your chosen spirit.
The ratio is usually 1:1, making it quite strong.
The alcohol can be flamed before adding the coffee.
It’s most popular in Spain and Latin American countries – so if you’re planning a travel, you can check out the best Spanish travel phrases.
5. B-52 Shot
This layered shot is a visual treat and a tasty one too!
You’ll typically find it in bars and nightclubs.
Creating the perfect B-52 at home requires a steady hand to layer Kahlúa, Baileys Irish Cream, and Grand Marnier.
Each layer is usually about 1/3 oz, resulting in a small but potent drink. While it contains coffee liqueur rather than actual coffee, it still has that beloved coffee flavor.
Honestly, I think it’s best served as a party shot!
6. Baileys Coffee
A comforting drink that’s perfect for cold nights, Baileys Coffee is simply hot coffee mixed with Baileys Irish Cream.
You’ll often find it in Irish pubs and restaurants, but it’s also a favorite for home consumption.
To make it, just brew your favorite coffee and add a shot (or two) of Baileys.
The ratio can be different based on taste, but it’s usually about 4:1 coffee to Baileys.
It’s popular in Ireland and the UK, but Baileys lovers worldwide enjoy this creamy, boozy coffee.
7. Café Royale
This elegant drink is often served as a dessert coffee in upscale restaurants.
To make it at home, you’ll need hot coffee, sugar, and your choice of brandy or cognac.
The alcohol is typically flamed with a sugar cube and then poured into the coffee.
The amount of alcohol can change, but it’s usually about 1 oz per cup of coffee.
It’s particularly popular in France and other parts of Europe.
8. Spanish Coffee
Don’t let the name fool you – this drink actually originated in Portland, Oregon!
You’ll find it in some bars and restaurants, in those specializing in unique cocktails.
Making it at home is a bit of a production – it involves lighting rum on fire in a sugar-rimmed glass, then adding Kahlúa, coffee, and topping with whipped cream.
The alcohol content is quite high, with about 2 oz of spirits per drink.
Just stay safe, and if you’re not an expert in making it, let others show it to you. After that, you can experiment yourself 🙂
9. Monk’s Coffee
This lesser-known cocktail combines coffee with Bénédictine, a herbal liqueur originally made by monks.
You might find it in cocktail bars that specialize in classic or obscure drinks.
To make it at home, simply add a shot of Bénédictine to your hot coffee and top with whipped cream if desired.
The ratio is typically about 4:1 coffee to liqueur.
10. Amaretto Coffee
A sweet and nutty delight, Amaretto Coffee is simply hot coffee with a shot of amaretto liqueur.
You’ll usually see it on dessert menus in Italian restaurants.
It’s super easy to make at home – just add about 1 oz of amaretto to your coffee and top with whipped cream if you like.
The almond flavor of the amaretto pairs beautifully with coffee.
11. Nutty Irishman
This creamy cocktail combines the flavors of Irish cream and hazelnut liqueur with coffee.
You’ll usually have it in bars and restaurants, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.
To make it at home, mix equal parts Baileys and Frangelico (about 1 oz each) with hot coffee. Top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
12. Brave Bull Shot
A variation on the classic Bull Shot, this cocktail adds coffee to the mix.
You might find it in bars that specialize in unique or retro cocktails.
To make it at home, you’ll need tequila, coffee liqueur, and beef bouillon.
Mix 1.5 oz tequila, 0.5 oz coffee liqueur, and 3 oz hot beef bouillon. It’s an acquired taste and not as common as other coffee cocktails.
13. Café Corretto
Translating to “corrected coffee,” this Italian drink is simply an espresso with a small amount of liquor, usually grappa, sambuca, or brandy.
You’ll find it in Italian cafes and restaurants, often enjoyed as a digestif. Making it at home is easy if you have an espresso machine – just add a splash (about 1/4 to 1/2 oz) of your chosen spirit to a shot of espresso.
It’s, of course, most popular in Italy, particularly as a morning eye-opener or after-dinner drink.
14. Pharisäer
This German coffee drink combines hot coffee, rum, and whipped cream.
You’ll find it in cafes and restaurants in northern Germany, in Nordfriesland where it originated.
To make it at home, brew strong coffee, add a shot of rum (about 2 oz), and top with a thick layer of whipped cream. Traditionally, it’s served without stirring, so you sip the coffee through the cream.
It’s most popular in Germany, so it’s good to know how to order coffee in German.
15. Rüdesheimer Kaffee
Another German specialty, Rüdesheimer Kaffee is a theatrical drink involving flambéed Asbach Uralt brandy.
You’ll find it in cafes and restaurants in the Rüdesheim am Rhein region where it was invented.
Making it at home requires some practice – you need to flame the brandy with sugar cubes in a special cup, add coffee, and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
It typically contains about 2 oz of brandy per serving. It’s a tourist favorite in its home region and appreciated by brandy and coffee lovers who encounter it.
