Coffee lovers everywhere can agree that there is no better combination than the bittersweet flavours of coffee with alcohol - especially during the winter months. Rich, smooth and indulgent, coffee-based cocktails are perfect for enjoying as a late afternoon pick-me-up or an after-dinner treat.
From on-trend, coffee cocktails to more unique tipples, we’ve rounded up 9 of the best alcoholic coffee drinks to try this winter that we promise you’ll love.
- Espresso Martini
- Brown Gold
- Black and White Russian
- Irish Coffee
- Dalgona Coffee Cocktail
- Bavarian Coffee Cocktail
- Nightcap
- Revolver
- Coffee or Black Negroni
1. Espresso Martini
The full-flavoured and sophisticated Espresso Martini is one of the most loved coffee liqueur cocktails, even named as the United Kingdom’s favourite cocktail. Originating in the 1980s, this cocktail with coffee beans soared to fame instantly. A blend of coffee and vodka, this simple cocktail offers a luscious mouthfeel, and as the ultimate party drink, it’s a treat during winter.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- ½ oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz espresso, freshly brewed (or cold brew concentrate)
- Coffee beans as a garnish
If you’re keen to enjoy your drink quickly and easily at home, try our premixed Espresso Martini cocktail, a smooth, indulgent classic made with Ketel One Vodka and FAIR Cafe Liqueur. This is a must-have in your home bar for pre-or post-dinner sipping.
2. Brown Gold
A NIO Cocktail exclusive from the creativity of our master mixologist Patrick Pistolesi. The Brown Gold ready-to-drink cocktail stands out for its aromatic notes of coffee and vanilla. Both are derived from two high quality liqueurs such as Bols and Fair and combined with the most classic and enveloping taste of bourbon. This makes for a drink that is light and pungent, decisive and enveloping at the same time.
- Bulleit bourbon whiskey
- Bols vanilla liqueur
- Fair coffee liqueur
- citric acid
- Toschi sugar syrup
3. Black Russian
Created in the late 1940s in Brussels, the Black Russian combines vodka and Kahlúa, a coffee liqueur made with rum, sugar and arabica coffee. This bold coffee vodka cocktail bears Its mysterious name as a reference to its ingredients - Kahlúa is black, and vodka is commonly associated with Russia. The Black Russian also forms the basis of its well-known successor…
White Russian
Formulated simply by adding cream to the Black Russian, the White Russian is another famous classic cocktail that really hits the spot in winter. Known as a sweet dessert cocktail, A White Russian is incredibly easy to make and can be whipped up in no time to impress guests at a festive dinner party or even for a casual Christmas get-together with friends. Vodka, coffee liqueur and cream are all it takes to make this smooth, decadent alcoholic drink. Serve it with ice and in a lowball glass for a truly authentic White Russian.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Kahlúa
- Add 1 splash of heavy cream (White Russian only)
4. Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee consists of Irish whiskey, hot coffee, and sugar, stirred and topped with cream. The perfect finale to a filling meal that will no doubt please any guests. This cocktail is also considered a morning treat amongst other festive cocktails for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day holidays.
Created in the winter of 1943 in Limerick for cold, tired passengers, this drink quickly became an airport specialty. Combining the bitterness of coffee with soothing whiskey and frothy whipped cream, there’s nothing more soul-warming than an Irish Coffee on a chilly winter’s day.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp double cream
- 1oz freshly brewed black coffee
- 1oz Irish whiskey
- ½ - 1 tsp brown sugar
- Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
5. Dalgona Coffee Cocktail
Dalgona is a fluffy, whipped coffee that’s a trendy topping for any drink, including alcoholic coffee beverages. Effortless to make, simply combine sugar, coffee granules and warm water. Turn your drink into a Baileys coffee cocktail by mixing Baileys and vodka before adding a swirl of the whipped coffee mixture on top. Aesthetically pleasing to look at and wonderfully flavoursome, this cocktail is the ultimate winter indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp instant coffee
- 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 250ml milk (enough to fill 3/4 of a mug)
- 4oz vodka
- 2oz Baileys
6. Bavarian Coffee Cocktail
Bringing together the warmth and flavours of the holiday season we all know and love, the Bavarian Coffee is a delightful cosy winter treat that’s excellent for sipping by the fire. Combining brewed coffee, peppermint schnapps, cream, and coffee liqueur such as Kahlua or Tia Maria, it offers an irresistible sweet, minty, creamy coffee taste. You can also add sugar and whipped cream on top to make it even more delectable.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- ½ oz peppermint schnapps
- ½ oz Kahlua or Tia Maria
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 oz half-and-half
- Whipped cream
7. Nightcap
Not to be confused with cocktails that are perfect for a nightcap, the Nightcap is a refreshing caffeinated beverage. Blending cold brew coffee with rum and maple syrup for added kick and sweetness, it’s more of a gentle evening pick-me-up than a wind-down drink. While maple syrup adds sweetness, the inclusion of angostura bitters lends complexity, and orange zest matches the citrus notes of the tonic.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Goslings Gold Seal rum
- 2 oz cold brew coffee
- 1/2 oz grade A maple syrup
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- San Pellegrino tonic water, to top
- Orange peel as a garnish
8. Revolver
The Revolver will appeal to fans of whiskey cocktails and coffee-laced drinks with its twist on the classic Manhattan. Loaded with the spiciness of rye-heavy Bulleit bourbon, coffee liqueur brings a hint of sweetness that is rounded out with a few dashes of orange bitters to brighten that dark duo. Sip after a dinner party or as a nightcap.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Flamed orange peel as a garnish
9. Coffee/Black Negroni
A variation of the stylish Negroni, the Coffee Negroni (also called the Black Negroni for its dark hue) packs a punch as it takes strong coffee and combines straight liquor with a dash of orange peel. The brightness of the espresso highlights the fruitiness of the Campari for a taste that’s distinctive and sure to boost your energy levels. Introduce this cocktail at brunch or an afternoon outdoor party.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz gin
- ¾ oz Campari
- ¾ oz vermouth
- ½ oz cold-brewed coffee liquor
- Orange peel as a garnish
Hungry for more coffee-based cocktails? Try making iced coffee cocktails with other classics, like the Old Fashioned. For any last-minute events or surprise celebrations, premixed cocktail boxes can offer an easy, exclusive and quality solution.
Browse our premixed Christmas cocktails featuring festive flavours such as spiced apple, ginger and cinnamon that will make great stocking fillers and give you every reason to raise a glass this season.