10 Coffee Cocktails, From Espresso Martini to Irish Coffee

Choose coffee, coffee liqueur, or both

Coffee cocktails range from a foamy Espresso Martini to a warm Irish Coffee and a simple Black Russian. Some recipes use brewed coffee; others get their flavor entirely from coffee liqueur. Check the ingredients before deciding whether you need to brew a fresh cup.

Find your after-dinner drink

Espresso Martini combines vodka, coffee liqueur, coffee, and simple syrup. White Russian adds cream to vodka and coffee liqueur; Black Russian leaves the cream out. Toasted Almond brings amaretto, and Colorado Bulldog adds cola. Brave Bull uses tequila, while Dirty Mother uses brandy. For a small layered drink, try the B-52.

Warm or chilled?

Irish Coffee pairs hot coffee with Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and cream. Madame Coffee uses Irish cream and vanilla syrup. For chilled recipes, follow the method and use plenty of ice; for an Espresso Martini, cool the coffee before shaking so the drink stays cold.