20 best Coffee liqueur cocktails
Words by Simon Difford
Photography by Dan Malpass
From a B52 to an Espresso Martini, coffee liqueur may not feature in as many cocktails as some other liqueurs but it seems to play an essential role in a top ten cocktail every decade. Few of these 20 best coffee liqueur cocktails made the hit parade but not all great songs are hit records either.
Affogato Cocktail
With: Grappa, coffee liqueur, brown crème de cacao, espresso coffee, and vanilla ice-cream.
We say: An after-dinner cocktail based on the eponymous dessert.
Aged Grappa Espresso Martini
With: Aged grappa, espresso coffee, coffee liqueur, brown sugar syrup, and saline solution.
We say: With grappa's intense flavour, it does more than just fortify this Espresso Martini.
Alexander The Great
With: Vodka, coffee liqueur, white crème de cacao, and single cream.
We say: A vodka-laced mocha coffee.
Bahama Mama
With: Jamaican rum, overproof aged rum, coconut rum, coconut liqueur, coffee liqueur, lemon juice and pineapple juice.
We say: The holy trinity of rum, coconut and pineapple served in a well-balanced, not overly sweet Tiki-style cocktail.
Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini
With: Orange vodka, crème de cacao, coffee liqueur, espresso coffee, and saline solution.
We say: As the name suggests, an orange and chocolate flavoured Vodka Espresso.
Dominicana
With: Aged rum, coffee liqueur, and single cream.
We say: A very tasty rum-based White Russian.
Espress Ya'self
With: Aged rum, coffee liqueur, and cream.
We say: Rum-laced coffee topped by a velvety layer of cream.
Espresso Martiki
With: Pineapple rum, coffee liqueur, orgeat syrup, pineapple juice, and espresso coffee.
We say: An Espresso Martini with pineapple and almond.
Espresso Martini
With: Vodka, espresso coffee, coffee liqueur, and saline solution.
We say: One of the world's most popular cocktails – for good reason.
Flying Frenchman
With: Absinthe, coffee liqueur, and espresso coffee.
We say: An energy drink on steroids – absinthe.
Italian Chocolate Martini
With: Espresso coffee, amaro, and coffee liqueur.
We say: Chocolaty without actually having chocolate as an ingredient.
L'Indochine
With: Cognac, coffee liqueur, Lapsang Souchong tea, orange bitters, and Boston Bittahs.
We say: Reminiscent of a cognac old-fashioned with coffee and tea.
Lazarus
With: Vodka, cognac, coffee liqueur, and espresso coffee.
We say: A splash of brandy adds character to this Espresso Martini riff.
Lotus Espresso
With: Vodka, coffee liqueur, maple syrup, and espresso coffee.
We say: A maple Espresso Martini.
Midnight Over Tennessee
With: Tennessee whiskey, coffee liqueur, brown crème de cacao, green crème de menthe, and single cream.
We say: Whiskey, coffee and chocolate sipped through a layer of minty cream.
Mr Bali Hai
With: Jamaican rum, light white rum, coffee liqueur, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and sugar syrup.
We say: The signature cocktail of the Bali Hai restaurant which opened in 1955.
Pura Vida
With: Mezcal, amaro, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters.
We say: Lightly smoked earthy coffee with hints of zesty orange.
Tiramisu
With: Cognac, coffee liqueur, brown crème de cacao, cream, egg yolk, and mascarpone cheese.
We say: Chef meets bartender in the rich dessert cocktail.
Triumph of Aniseed
With: Absinthe, star anise, cognac, Bénédictine, coffee liqueur, and fino sherry.
We say: a cognac-based coffee and sherry after-dinner cocktail.
Vanilla Espresso Martini
With: Vanilla vodka, espresso coffee, coffee liqueur, vanilla syrup, and saline solution.
We say: A cocktail to appeal to those who opt for splash of favoured syrup at the coffee shop. Vanilla please.
Join the Discussion
... comment(s) for 20 best Coffee liqueur cocktails
You must log in to your account to make a comment.