The Complete Guide to Cold Brew Coffee Cocktails

Looking for a delicious coffee cocktail recipe? Look no further! We’ve compiled a great list of 10 delicious coffee cocktails that are sure to impress.

Whether you’re looking for something sweet, bitter, or both, we have something for everyone. So grab your favourite coffee mug and get mixing!

COFFEE BREW STYLES TO USE FOR COCKTAILS

Different brewing styles produce varying qualities of coffee, all with a unique flavour and mouth feel.

Cold brew is always the go to for us, what is yours? If you have yet to discover your go to brew, feel free to experiment with the following methods to find your perfect cup of coffee.

+ Cold brew: This type of coffee is known for its smooth, refreshing taste. It is known to be less acidic with less of a bitter taste.

+ French Press: The French press method produces a rich, full-bodied coffee. The texture is slightly heavier than other coffee which makes it perfect for black coffee or for coffee with milk or cream.

+ Espresso maker: This way is fast and convenient and produces a strong deep flavoured coffee.

+ Pour Over: The paper filter that is used results in a clean mouthfeel due to the fine filtration process. This gives the coffee a more distinct flavour.

Black Russian

The Black Russian is a classic cocktail that was traditionally made with just two ingredients – vodka and Kahlúa (a sweet coffee liqueur). These days it’s usually served quite sweet, with ice and sometimes other flavoured liqueurs like amaretto. It’s not as popular as the creamy White Russian, but it’s a great option for those who want to avoid dairy as the cream is not needed.

INGREDIENTS

+ 1 shot of Vodka

+ 1 shot of Coffee Liqueur eg. Kahlua

+ 1 shot of Almond Liqueuer eg. Amaretto

+ 2 shots of Coffee fresh brewed

+ 1 tablespoon Whipped cream

+ 1 tablespoon Sugar

+ Ice cubes to serve

FOR THE FRESHLY WHIPPED CREAM

+ 1tbs icing sugar

+ ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

+ ½ tsp vanilla extract

PREPARATION TIME: 4 MINS

Servings: 1 cocktail

EQUIPMENT

+ Cocktail Jigger or measuring cup

+ Cocktail Shaker (or cup and spoon to stir)

+ Tablespoon measure

+ Electric mixer or whisk (if freshly whipping cream)

INSTRUCTIONS

+ Collect all your ingredients and equipment, setting it out on the bench ready to go. You can pre ice your glass or alternatively put ice in your cocktail shaker to help chill your Black Russian.

+ If making your own whipped cream, add cream into a bowl with icing sugar and vanilla extract. Mix with an electric mixer (or manually with a whisk) until you can lift the mixer and see peaks in the cream.

+ Combine Ice, Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, Almond Liqueur, Coffee and Sugar in your cocktail shaker.

+ Cover with the lid and shake until it is foaming and completely combined.

+ Strain into a glass (with or without ice).

+ Top with whipped cream and any garnishings you wish.

White Russian

The White Russian is a delicious and surprisingly easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Made with only 4 simple ingredients; vodka, Kahlúa, coffee and milk (cream can also be used to replace milk).

This drink originated in the 1960s when cream was stirred into the Black Russian, turning it white in colour. Despite the name, these drinks are not of Russian origin. The name is inspired by vodka which is often associated with Russia.

INGREDIENTS

+ 2 shots of vodka

+ 1 shot of Kahlúa

+ 1 shot of freshly brewed coffee

+ 2 shots of milk

+ Ice to serve

EQUIPMENT

+ Serving glass

+ Shot glass/ measuring cup

+ Stirring spoon

INSTRUCTIONS

+ Chill a glass in the refrigerator

+ Collect your ingredients and utensils

+ Add the shots of vodka, coffee and Kahlúa to the pre-chilled glass

+ Fill the glass with your desired level of ice

+ Top with 2 shots of milk and stir until all of the ingredients are fully combined. Serve and enjoy.

Espresso Martini

The espresso martini is the most popular coffee cocktail for a reason – it’s smooth, frothy, and creamy, with the perfect balance of bitter coffee and sweet vanilla. Espresso martinis are the perfect after-dinner drink for coffee addicts, and they’re sure to please any palate.

INGREDIENTS

+ 45ml Coffee For The People Cold Brew

+ 30ml Vodka

+ 30ml Coffee Liqueur

+ Ice cubes

EQUIPMENT

+ Cocktail Shaker

+ Cocktail Jigger or measuring cup

INSTRUCTIONS

+ Collect your ingredients and equipment

+ Fill the shaker with ice cubes.

+ Measure out the cold brew, vodka and liquor and pour all three ingredients into the cocktail shaker.

+ Cover with the lid and shake until the mixture is frothy and cold.

+ Strain the mixture into a martini glass.

+ Garnish with three coffee beans, or whatever toppings you prefer.

Irish coffee

According to many coffee lovers, Irish coffee is one of the best classic coffee mixed drinks because it contains the perfect combination of sweetened coffee, Irish whiskey, and whipped cream. This drink is beloved for being cozy, delicious, and easy to make all at the same time. The smoothness and sweetness of this drink makes it one of the most popular coffee cocktails around!

INGREDIENTS

+ 170-180mls coffee (any strong coffee will be suitable)

+ 1 shot whiskey

+ Maple syrup of sugar syrup (to taste)

+ Coffee liqueur such as kahlua (optional)

FOR THE FRESHLY WHIPPED CREAM

+ 1tbs icing sugar

+ ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

+ ½ tsp vanilla extract

PREPARATION TIME: 5-8 minutes if whipping own cream

EQUIPMENT

+ Glass

+ Spoon

+ Shot measure

+ Electric mixer

INSTRUCTIONS

+ Choose your favourite coffee brew and either make fresh or purchase a ready made brew (our favourite is cold brew)

+ Time to make your freshly whipped cream. If making your own whipped cream, add cream into a bowl with icing sugar and vanilla extract. Mix with an electric mixer (or manually with a whisk) until you can lift the mixer and see peaks in the cream. Set aside.

+ Add your Irish whisky to a glass

+ Pour in your sweetener of choice, both maple syrup and sugar syrup mix well and offer different flavours.

+ Use a spoon to gently stir the coffee into your glass. Be sure to leave some space at the top to place your whipped cream. (Feel free to experiment and add some khalua, triple sec or rum if you want to spice up this recipe and make it your own).

+ Place a generous dollop of whipped cream on top.

+ Serve and Enjoy!

Amaretto coffee

This cocktail uses amaretto which is a fruity, almond based liqueur. It has a sweet, nutty flavour that pairs perfectly with coffee. It’s topped with silky whipped cream and carefully dusted with cinnamon for a little spice. By combining these flavours together the cinnamon gives the drink a cozy, winter vibe and brings all of the flavours together.

INGREDIENTS

+ 180-200mls coffee

+ ½-1 shot of amaretto

+ A generous dollop of whipped cream

+ Cinnamon (for dusting)

PREPARATION TIME: 4-6 Minutes

EQUIPMENT

+ Glass

+ Shot measure

+ Spoon

+ Electric mixer or whisk for whipped cream

+ Sifter to dust cinnamon (or you can sprinkle on top)

INSTRUCTIONS

+ Gather your ingredients and equipment

+ Prepare your whipped cream (we have a recipe on our page for this)

+ Make your coffee using your preferred brew method

+ Combine the coffee and amaretto into a glass. Use a spoon to top the cocktail with whipped cream, dust with cinnamon and serve.

Siciliano

INGREDIENTS

+ 1 shot sweet vermouth

+ ½ shot Amaro

+ ½-1 shot cold- brew

+ Sugar syrup to taste

+ Club soda

+ ice

PREPARATION TIME: 3 minutes

EQUIPMENT

+ Spoon

+ Glass

+ Shot measure

INSTRUCTIONS

+ Place some ice in a glass to pre chill.

+ Pour in vermouth, amaro, coffee and syrup to taste

+ Top up the glass with club soda

+ Serve and enjoy!

Anatolia Café

An Anatolia Cafe is a cocktail with many bold flavours. It is simple to make with only 4 ingredients (coffee, cognac, cherry liqueur and cinnamon syrup). The Cognac adds a nice complexity to the drink as it is a sweeter liquor, while the cherry liquor adds a tartness and the cinnamon syrup adds a spicier flavour to the drink. If you’re looking for a drink with prominent flavours then this is the drink for you.

INGREDIENTS

+ ½ shot cognac

+ ½ shot Cherry Liqueur

+ 1-1.5 tsp of Cinnamon Syrup

+ 180mls Coffee

PREPARATION TIME: 2-3 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

+ Combine all ingredients into your glass

+ Stir gently with a spoon to mix together

+ Optional: top with whipped cream and dust with cinnamon powder

+ Serve and enjoy!

Paradise Found

This sweet cocktail is like a holiday milkshake. It is luxurious and has a nice spice to it because of the rum. A great drink to enjoy around Christmas time. It is smooth, creamy and dangerously delicious.

INGREDIENTS

+ 180mls coffee

+ ½ shot spiced rum

+ ½ shot butterscotch schnapps

+ 1-2 tbsp cream

+ Sugar syrup to taste

PREPARATION TIME: 3 Minutes

INSTRUCTIONS

+ Gather your ingredients

+ Place ice in a tall glass (tip: refrigerate glass for a nice chilled cocktail)

+ Add the coffee, rum and schnapps to your glass and stir.

+ Then add in sugar syrup and cream to taste.

+ Serve and enjoy!

Bourbon cold brew

Bourbon and coffee are a well known combination. This cocktail uses cold brew to enhance the coffee taste and the bourbon provides an almost sweet note to the drink. In this recipe we have added a splash of orange liqueur to provide a more fresh, summer feel to it.

+ Maple Syrup to taste

+ ½ shot Triple Sec

+ 180mls Cold Brew Coffee

+ Splash of orange liqueur (optional)

+ 1 shot Bourbon

+ Heavy whipping Cream

PREPARATION TIME: 5 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS

+ Pour all of your ingredients into a glass with some ice

+ Stir well with a spoon to combine

+ Serve and enjoy

Iced Coffee with a Twist

Iced coffees are a summer favourite all around the world. Adding your favourite alcohol can bring new joy to an old favourite this summer. We have gone with a creamy, sweet and nutty iced coffee recipe nut you can experiment at home to find your perfect combination.

INGREDIENTS

+ 180mls cold brew

+ Ice cubes

+ ½ shot hazelnut liqueur (can use flavoured vodka and/or kahlua as well)

+ 30mls cream or milk

+ Sugar syrup of maple syrup to taste

+ Whipped cream and chocolate syrup to top (optional)

PREPARATION TIME: 4 Minutes

INSTRUCTIONS

+ Place ice in your cup

+ Add coffee, liqueur, milk and sweetener to the glass and stir carefully to combine.

+ You can also top it with whipped cream and chocolate syrup

Coffee Tonic

Coffee tonic is a polarising drink for some as both coffee and tonic water are strong flavours with bitterness to them. Then if you add the ‘fizz’ component, some may say it’s a strange combination before they give it a try.

Coffee tonic has a unique and refreshing taste. Although coffee is bitter, it has a deep richness to it, the tonic offsets that nicely with its carbonated bitter taste.

INGREDIENTS

+ 25-30ml of coffee, this can be your standard coffee chilled or cold brew concentrate (you can either buy this or make it at home using good quality coffee beans). Check out our cold brew recipe.

+ 180ml of tonic water

+ 1-2 tablespoons of sugar syrup (can be swapped out for any other syrup)

+ Ice cubes

INSTRUCTIONS

+ Pre-refrigerate your glass.

+ Brew your coffee but don’t add it to your glass yet (preferably grinding up fresh coffee beans and brewing using your favourite method).

+ Place ice cubes in a glass.

+ Pour your desired amount of sugar syrup over the ice (if you have just made it at home, allow it to cool prior to this step).

+ Add your tonic water into the glass.

+ Pour the coffee over the top of the tonic water and watch it swirl together.

+ Mix well before enjoying your Coffee Tonic.

The Complete Guide to Cold Brew Coffee Cocktails