Coffee is a staple in many households, largely due to its effectiveness as an energy enhancer, particularly during the morning hours. But, did you know there's a selection of coffee drinks out there that incorporate alcohol and might pique your taste buds? If you enjoy both coffee and alcohol, these mixed coffee-alcohol beverages offer a fusion of tastes that could enrich your coffee sipping experiences. A few superior coffee-infused alcoholic beverages worth trying include the Irish Coffee, Spanish Coffee, White and Black Russian, Espresso Martini, and Cold Brew Negroni.
In this article, we will be talking about some of the best alcoholic coffee drinks and most of these drinks have very simple ingredients that you can whip at home in no time!
Irish Coffee
The Irish Coffee is an iconic alcoholic coffee drink that was invented by Joe Sheridan during the 1940s in Ireland. 9 years later, Irish Coffee was introduced to the United States and has been enjoyed by people from all over the world since then. It has a very simple recipe and is the perfect drink in the cold winter months.
The ingredients of Irish Coffee consist of only coffee, sugar, and whiskey, and topped with cream, it has a very deep coffee flavor with a kick of alcohol. Irish Coffee can also be very sweet depending on the amount of cream and sugar used.
To make Irish Coffee, you need 1 cup of freshly brewed hot coffee, 1 1/2 ounces of Irish whiskey, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and heavy cream, slightly whipped. You can use a mug for this but if you want to have that authentic Irish coffee feel, use an Irish Coffee glass. To make Irish coffee, fill your mug with hot water so it preheats and then empty it. Pour hot coffee into the mug until 3/4 full, add the sugar, and stir. Add in the Irish Whiskey, top it off with cream, and enjoy!
Spanish Coffee (Don Quixote)
Who says you can’t have coffee and alcohol as an after-dinner dessert at the same time? This dessert drink gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling after a delicious dinner during the cold weather. But, it is not limited to a dessert drink as it is also common as an afternoon drink.
The Spanish coffee, or Carajillo, originated in Cuba when it was a Spanish province. It is said that the Spanish coffee was drank by plantation laborers for “courage and then it became a common neighborhood drink. This spiked coffee drink only has two ingredients and you can whip it up in no time!
All you need is 2 ounces of espresso and 1 ounce of rum. Although the original recipe calls for rum, you can use brandy, Kahlua, or a liquor of your choice. To prepare the Spanish coffee, pour your espresso into a heatproof glass and stir in the liquor. You can also add sugar for a little bit of sweetness but it is totally optional.
White Russian
The White Russian is already a classic alcoholic drink that combines cream, Kahlua, and vodka. Combine it with coffee and you have a smooth and creamy cocktail with the rich flavors of coffee. You can enjoy a White Russian hot or cold depending on your preference.
To make a Cold Brew White Russian, you need 1 part vodka, 1 part Kahlua, 1 part cold brew coffee, 1 part cream. Fill your glass with ice cubes, add in the liquid ingredients, and top it off with the cream. If you want a hot beverage, just substitute the cold brew coffee with a freshly brewed one.
Black Russian
If you are not a fan of sweet drinks and just like the strong flavors of coffee and alcohol, then the Black Russian is for you. The Black Russian is just the White Russian minus the cream and it is one of the easiest cocktails that you can make at home. All you need is 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, 3/4 ounces of Kahlua, and ice.
You can top it off with a slice of orange or a Maraschino cherry if you are feeling a little fancy. This simple alcoholic coffee is perfect after a nice dinner or just a simple pick-me-up if you are just craving the simple flavors of vodka and coffee.
Espresso Martini
If you like iced coffee and espresso, then look no further than an Espresso Martini. This iced coffee cocktail is the perfect refreshing drink that originated in London during the 1980s invented by Dick Bradsell.
The Espresso Martini has a slight similarity with the Black Russian in terms of ingredients but, Espresso Martini has that classy feel if you drink it in a martini glass.
However, the Espresso Martini may not be easily accessible to make at home if you don’t have an espresso machine. But, you can definitely make this if you have an AeroPress or Moka pot!
To make an Espresso Martini, you will need vodka, Kahlua, espresso, simple syrup, ice cubes, a martini glass, and a shaker. Add the vodka, Kahlua, simple syrup, and cooled-off espresso to the ice-filled shaker and shake until it is well chilled. Transfer the beverage to a martini glass and enjoy!
Cold Brew Negroni
We can’t end the best alcoholic coffee drinks without mentioning the cold brew Negroni! It is said that Count Camillo Negroni invented the drink during the 1919s in Florence, Italy when he ordered an Americano with gin instead of soda water.
If you want a combination of bitter, sweet, and smooth drinks, you can definitely try a cold brew Negroni. All you need is 1 ounce of gin, 1 ounce of Campari (An Italian alcoholic liquor), 1 1/2 ounces of cold brew coffee,1 1/2 ounces of vermouth, and ice cubes. Just mix all of these ingredients in a rock glass and you can also add in an orange peel for garnish.
Final Thoughts
Coffee cocktails definitely represent a fusion of two very different beverages – coffee and alcohol giving you the experience to remember. Whether you like the creamy White Russian or the simplicity of a Spanish coffee, you have a wide variety of alcoholic coffee to choose from that suits your tastes. Next time you are in the mood for coffee and alcohol, why not try mixing both? We have included recipes in this article so you can have a try at these delicious coffee cocktails in the comfort of your home!
