Coffee Cocktail Guide: 5 Best Coffee and Alcohol Drinks
There’s nothing quite like a good cup of Joe. Whether you’re having a morning espresso or and desert style affogato, coffee is the kind of drink we as humans just can’t get enough of. It’s no surprise then that coffee cocktails are some of the most requested, researched, and revered cocktails on bar menus. From steaming mugs to ice-cold glassware, today’s coffee alcohol drink options prove that caffeine and spirits can work beautifully together when done right.
Whether you’re searching for the best alcohol coffee drinks, curious about what a coffee cocktail is, or learning how to make a coffee cocktail at home, this guide breaks down the best coffee cocktails for every mood you’re in.
What is a Coffee Cocktail?
So, what is a coffee cocktail exactly? At its core, it’s a drink that combines coffee (hot, iced, cold brew, espresso, instant) with alcohol and other ingredients in a balanced and intentional way. These caffeinated cocktails highlight coffee’s natural bitterness and aroma while using spirits, sweeteners, or modifiers to round out to a full and flavourful drink.
Coffee cocktails can be either hot coffee cocktails designed to warm and comfort, like Irish Coffee or cold and refreshing for those hot summer days or upbeat evenings at the bar, such as an Espresso Martini or cold brew cocktail.
They can also be experimental (yes, we know that’s not a temperature) using coffee infused spirits, coffee bitters, or even amaro cocktails.
What we’re getting at is that coffee cocktails come in a wide variety of forms, from coffee-containing to simply coffee-flavoured, so even if you’re not a fan of a hot cup day-to-day, there are plenty of coffee-flavoured options that are absolutely superb and with the bitter strength of an espresso.
Best Coffee Cocktails
1. Irish Coffee
The undisputed classic, and dare we say it, the original coffee cocktail? The Irish coffee is one of the most loved and longest-serving coffee cocktails in the world.
You can read all about the history of an Irish Coffee here, but to sum it up quickly, the Irish Coffee was created in Ireland in the 1940s, it combines hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and lightly whipped cream. The cream is carefully floated on top, creating a layered experience that’s both visually striking and perfectly balanced.
Comforting without being heavy, it’s ideal as an after-dinner serve or a relaxed winter warmer, Jameson’s Irish coffee recipe is ideal for when moods take you to make cocktails at.
2. Espresso Martini
It’s hard to name a more iconic coffee drink that’s arrived on the scene and cemented its presence like the espresso martini. While an Irish coffee is the original, the espresso martini is the modern champion of a marriage of coffee and cocktails.
While traditionally made with vodka, a slight alteration using Jameson triple-distilled Irish whiskey can create a smoother, richer flavour profile, turning this solid cocktail from good to great. Fresh espresso brings intensity, a touch of sweetness balances the bitterness, and the foamy crema top even gets it the look of a barista-style coffee.
Yes, the Irish Espresso Martini is an elegant, flavour-forward, and a natural fit for stylish evenings or refined boozy brunch drinks.
3. Iced Coffee with Whiskey
Before you get ahead of yourself, we are not suggesting you pour some Jameson into your Starbucks. No, this cocktail is a little (or a lot more refined than that), but it’s also not complicated.
This style of coffee alcohol drink pairs chilled espresso with Kaluha, simple syrup, a touch of mint and of course, a measured pour of Irish whiskey, but it’s also endlessly adaptable. Swap the simple syrup for any number of off-the-shelf coffee syrups (hazelnut, caramel, vanilla, etc) add milk for a creamy texture, or keep it black and in include a wedge of orange (we know what you thinking, but trust us).
Jameson’s Iced Coffee recipe is an ideal summer serve and an easy starting point when learning how to make coffee cocktail recipes at home.
4. Stout Edition Irish Coffee
Maybe the most Irish, Irish Coffee you can find? Stout Edition Irish Coffee is Irish coffee with extra depth and character. Combining Ireland’s two famous alcoholic drinks, stout and whiskey, with the world’s most loved drink, coffee, the Stout Edition Irish coffee is a neat variation on a classic.
Using Jameson Stout Edition, this variation leans into roasted malt, cocoa, and subtle coffee notes that naturally enhance the drink. With a touch of vanilla syrup, it’s richer and more layered, without losing balance. Try the Stout Edition Irish Coffee recipe to see what we’re talking about.
5. Dalgona Iced Coffee (with Whiskey)
We don’t just talk about coffee cocktails with whiskey; we make whiskey with coffee for cocktails… which we then add to cocktails. And that’s what the Dalgona Iced Coffee is all about. A playful, fluffy, and unexpectedly sophisticated, that proves that coffee cocktails can be made with simple ingredients, found in the back of the cupboard, and still be fun and delicious.
Whipped coffee sits atop cold milk, with Jameson Cold Brew and a pinch of cinnamon. It’s visually striking, easy to make, and a great introduction to Jameson Cold Brew, which one of the best alcohol coffee drinks. Try Jameson’s Dalgona Iced Coffee recipe next time you want an easy-to-make coffee-flavoured sweet treat.
Jameson Irish Whiskey, the Perfect Coffee Cocktail Partner
When it comes to coffee and alcohol pairings, Jameson Irish Whiskey is the perfect choice. Its triple-distilled smoothness works seamlessly with espresso, hot brewed coffee, or cold brew. Whether you’re experimenting with coffee infused spirits, adding coffee bitters the world of coffee is opened with Jameson. Explore Jameson Irish Whiskey for many more amazing cocktail recipes both with and without coffee.
More on Coffee Cocktails
What is a coffee cocktail called?
Coffee cocktails have their own unique names, depending on the drink, which could be an Espresso Martini, Irish Coffee or something else. As long as it has coffee or is coffee flavoured, it’s considered a coffee cocktail.
What alcohol mixes well with coffee?
Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey is a top choice for smoothness and balance. Coffee liqueur adds sweetness, amps up the coffee flavour and gives a touch of sweetness.
What is an Irish coffee cocktail?
An Irish coffee cocktail is served hot and made in this order: hot coffee, sugar, Irish whiskey, then lightly whipped cream floated on top. Best served after dinner or on a cold winter evening.
What are some hot coffee cocktails?
Beyond Irish coffee, popular hot coffee cocktails include:
• Coffee with amaro
• Coffee with coffee liqueur and cream
• Spiced coffee with whiskey and bitters