Top 10 Unique Coffee Cocktails For Any Time of Day

Ah yes, the sweet smell of coffee in the morning.

Or afternoon…

Or evening…

Or maybe even just before bed!

The true beauty of coffee is that its deliciousness transcends time. Coffee on its own is pretty much perfect, we agree. But there is one way to make it a bit more fun: BOOZE!

Yep, it’s the Coffee Cocktail and trust me, we’ve got more than just an Irish Coffee drink!

Morning Coffee Cocktails

1. The Irish Canadian

When most people think of combining coffee and alcohol, they probably think of the infamous Irish Coffee. That drink is basically just whiskey and coffee.

But what cocktail would occur if you combined the pride and joy of Ireland (whiskey) with the pride and joy of Canada (maple syrup)? Definitely something sweet and delicious.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1½ oz Irish Whiskey
  • 3 oz Hot Coffee (Fresh Brew, Darker Roasts Recommended)
  • 2 tbsps of Maple Syrup (Traditional, Unsweetened Recommended But Any Will Do)
  • Whipped Cream

Recipe Steps:

  1. Drop 1 tbsp of syrup into the bottom of a warmed Irish coffee mug.
  2. Add 3 oz of brewed hot coffee and 1.5 ounces of Irish whiskey.
  3. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and pour into a whiskey cocktail glass.
  4. Top the drink with cold whipped cream and drizzle with the remaining syrup to garnish. Enjoy!

2. Hot Spiced White Russian

As infamous as the Irish Coffee is the White Russian. The traditional version of this liqueur with coffee drink is made cold. So, the Hot Spiced version is a delicious twist on the typical cocktail. And you don’t need to go to the bar to get a glass of it!

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 oz Vodka
  • 2 oz Kahlua
  • 2 oz Whole Milk or Cream
  • 4 oz Brewed Coffee
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • Pinch of Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg & Ground Cinnamon

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, mix the coffee, vanilla, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Infuse for a few minutes on medium heat.
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients into the saucepan and heat until warmed. Do not let it boil!
  3. Pour the cocktail into a large glass or mug and top with a shot of whipped cream (optional).

3. Perfect Summer Morning

When we think of summer mornings, we think of sunshine, no school, reduced work hours, and endless possibilities. And maybe even having a delicious cocktail drink poolside.

This cold coffee cocktail that we’ve dubbed the Perfect Summer Morning, is a fantastic complement to warmer days.

What You’ll Need:

Drink Base:

  • 8 oz Vodka
  • 3 tbsp of Ground Coffee
  • 1 oz Irish Cream
  • ½ tbsp Simple Syrup (Or To Taste)

Whipped Topping:

  • 4 oz Kaluha
  • 1 tbsp Powdered Sugar
  • 12 oz Heavy Whipping Cream

Recipe Steps:

  1. Start by infusing the alcohol. Drop 3 tbsp of ground coffee into a French Press.
  2. Add the 8 oz shot of vodka to the French press with the coffee and let it steep for 10 minutes.
  3. While this is steeping, make the Kaluha whipped cream. Combe the whipped topping ingredients into your whipped cream maker. If you don’t own one, use a hand mixer and beat until light and fluffy.
  4. After 10 minutes, plunge the French Press and then pour into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  5. Add the Irish cream and simple syrup (to taste) into the cocktail mixer and shake.
  6. Strain into a serving glass filled with ice and top with the Kaluha cream. Enjoy!

Need a quick and easy way to make iced coffee? Check out these Keurigs that are great options for iced coffee.


4. Spiked Milk Punch

Milk Punch, aka Eggnog, is a great classic liqueur coffee cocktail. A glass of Christmas cheer and a true family favorite!

Did you know, it’s actually a really easy drink to make yourself at home? You’ll just need to get a few ingredients.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 oz Bourbon
  • 1 oz Rum (Or Whiskey)
  • Splash of Cold Brew Coffee
  • 6 x Egg Yolks
  • 4 x Egg Whites
  • 3/4 cup Sugar
  • 2 cups Milk (2% Works Best)
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 2 x Cloves (Whole)
  • 1 tsp Grated Nutmeg
  • 1½ tsp Vanilla Extract
  • Pinch of Cinnamon
  • Simple Syrup (To Taste)

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks with a little bit of the sugar while beating with an electric mixer or whisk. Slowly pour in sugar until the mixture is nice and fluffy.
  2. Next, combine the milk, cloves, and cinnamon in a cooking pot on medium heat. Warm up the mixture until it starts to steam, but isn’t boiling. You want to keep the flavor. Remove from heat.
  3. Slowly add the milk to the eggs. Whisk or beat constantly during this time. This is called tempering the eggs.
  4. Then, put the whole mixture into the saucepan. Put on medium heat and stir continuously. It’s ready when it ‘coats the back of the spoon’ or reaches 160°F. Once again, do not let it boil in order to keep the correct flavor.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat. Slowly stir in the cream.
  6. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any debris. Cool in the fridge for an hour.
  7. Finally, stir in the rest of the ingredients (vanilla extract, nutmeg, cold brew, bourbon, and rum). Chill again.
  8. While that’s chilling, beat the egg whites until they achieve soft peaks. Combine a tsp of sugar and beat until you have fluffy, stiff peaks.
  9. Fold the egg whites into the eggnog and serve in a cocktail glass over ice. Sprinkle a little more cinnamon for garnish and for a spicy kick! If it’s not sweet enough, add some of the simple syrup to make it taste just right. Make these recipes your own!

Afternoon Coffee Cocktails

5. Classic Coffee Martini

Hooray! It’s happy hour and you don’t even need to go to the bar. We’ve got lots of coffee liqueur cocktails recipes. But, since you’ve worked so hard today, we’ll start you off with an easy one.

What You’ll Need:

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • Double Shot of Espresso (or Instant Coffee, Mixed With 2 oz of Water)
  • Lemon juice
  • Sugar
  • Simple Syrup (Optional if You Prefer Sweeter Coffee)
  • Orange for Garnish

Recipe Steps:

  1. Pour sugar onto a plate. Rim the glass with lemon juice and then rub the rim onto the plate.
  2. Mix the alcohol and espresso (or coffee) together in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for about a minute.
  3. Strain and pour into the prepared glass and drink!
  4. Garnish with an orange slice, orange peel or candied orange.

6. Smooth Vanilla Coffee Martini

If you like the sound of the last drink, you’ll love this one.

You only need a couple of additional ingredients to get this deliciously creamy cup of heaven.

What You’ll Need:

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • Double Shot of Espresso (or Instant Coffee, Mixed With 2 oz of Water)
  • ½ cup of Heavy Whipping Cream
  • ½ tsp of Vanilla Extract
  • 2 tsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 scoop Vanilla Ice Cream (Optional)

Recipe Steps:

  1. Whip the cream in a bowl. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract once you see the peaks start to form. Continue to whip until there are stiff peaks. Set aside.
  2. Mix the espresso (or hot coffee) and alcohol alcohol together. Pour it into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for one minute to get some air in the mixture. Strain into the glass with ice or on its own.
  3. Top with the vanilla whipped cream. You could also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for garnish (we think this is the right choice)! If you like orange chocolate, also consider serving it with a slice of orange, orange zest or candied orange. Make these great recipes your own and enjoy!

Evening Coffee Cocktails

7. Rich Dark Chocolate Martini

Studies show that consuming the cocoa plant gives us a ton of health benefits.

So, this is like…basically a great health drink, right? We’re kidding..mostly. At least we’re at home and not at the bar.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1½ oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Creme De Cacao Dark
  • Double Shot of Espresso (or Instant Coffee, Mixed With 2 oz of Water)
  • ¼ cup Half & Half
  • 1 tsp Chocolate Shavings
  • Simple Syrup (Optional if You Prefer Sweeter Coffee)

Recipe Steps:

  1. Mix all of the above ingredients together (excluding the shavings) and shake in a shaker.
  2. Shake vigorously and after about a minute, strain into a glass.
  3. Garnish with shavings.

8. Hazelnut Chocolate Coffee Martini

If you haven’t tried hazelnut liqueurs before, you’re in for a real treat with this drink!

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 oz Hazelnut Liqueur
  • 1 oz Kahlua (Or Other Coffee Liqueur)
  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Heavy Cream
  • 2 tsp Chocolate Shavings
  • 5 Whole Coffee Beans (Optional)

Recipe Steps:

  1. Mix all of the above ingredients together (excluding the shavings) and mix them in a shaker.
  2. Shake well and after about a minute, strain into a rocks glass.
  3. Garnish with the shavings and whole coffee beans (if using) and drink. Just be careful not to drink the beans if you use them for decor!

Nightcap Decaf Coffee Cocktails

9. Decaf Pumpkin Latte Martini

Home from the bar and it’s nearly time for bed, but still craving great coffee drinks? If you enjoy food like pumpkin or other traditional fall food, you’ll love this.

What You’ll Need:

  • 2 oz RumChata
  • 1 oz Pumpkin Pie Vodka
  • 1 cup Decaf Hot Coffee
  • 1 tbsp Simple Syrup
  • Pinch of Cinnamon

Recipe Steps:

  1. Mix very hot coffee with the syrup and cinnamon and stir until dissolved.
  2. Add the alcohol and serve in nice low rimmed glass. There is also the option to dolop some whipped cream on top.

10. Decaf Peppermint Hot Chocolate

A refreshing end to your day. It makes us think of cool nights walking around in places like in New York City at Christmas time.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1½ Peppermint Schnapps Liqueur for Coffee
  • 1 cup Milk (2% Ideally)
  • 2 packets Instant Hot Chocolate
  • 3 oz Espresso (Strong Cold Brew Coffee Would Work Too)
  • Crushed Candy Cane
  • Marshmellow Cream or Lemon Juice

Recipe Steps:

  1. Start by rimming a rocks glass with the marshmallow cream (or lemon juice). Dip the rim onto a plate of a crushed candy cane and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, heat the milk until it starts to bubble. Make sure it doesn’t boil in order to keep the correct flavor.
  3. Add the powdered hot chocolate and whisk until fully mixed.
  4. Add espresso and stir.
  5. Remove from the burner and stir in the peppermint schnapps.
  6. Get the prepared cocktail glass and pour your perfect minty drink, just how you like it!

We hope you enjoyed this list! Show your friends and family new coffee flavor cocktails beyond the standard Irish coffee. So get your favorite glass. You’ve got one espresso liqueur drink coming right up!