Foodie Guide to Simple Alcoholic Coffee Drink Recipes

Quick and easy recipe guide to make simple hot or cold alcoholic coffee drinks with your favorite alcoholic spirit or liqueur.

Kick up your beverage repertoire up a notch with this easy to follow guide to make hot or cold simple alcoholic coffee drinks, using deliciously decadent alcohol, spirits and liqueurs that you might already have in your cabinet.

Adding a shot of alcohol to coffee isn’t anything new. In fact, historians say the idea of spirits and coffee have been around since 1795, thanks to the Swedes.

Coffee drinks not only warm you inside and out but they taste delish too!

RELATED: Travel with Wisconsin Homemaker: Discourse Coffee

For most of the recipes listed below, simply make your own rich espresso or dark roast coffee then add your favorite alcohol, liqueur or spirits of choice directly to your glass.

Now I’ve listed the top most popular simple coffee drink combos but I’ve also included some deliciously spirited coffee cocktails that are definitely worth a try.

And, where noted, keep in mind that a little spirits go a long way. So drink responsibly and Enjoy!

25 Simple Alcoholic Coffee Drink Recipes You Can Make at Home

Here are my favorite spirits to add to your coffee, one glass at a time:

But first you need to start with, of course, the coffee infusion before adding your favorite spirit.

Classic Coffee Drink Recipe:

• One cup of coffee to 1¼ oz./ 3,75 cl
• a little less than 1 jigger (shot) of spirits, choosen from one below

1. Grappa Caffè

This is the first of Italian-inspired coffee addition that is called Caffè corretto (coffee corrections). Usually offered in a shot glass alongside hot espresso, although you could drop the liqueur in and drink away.

How to Make Coffee Grappa – Cooking Guide

2. Sambuca Caffè

This is the second  Italian-inspired coffee addition called Caffè corretto. This spirit has a distinct heavy black licorice taste. Be careful and use one half of the amount of liquor because it can easily overtake the coffee.

3. Captain Morgan Rum Coffee

A taste of the tropics with overtones of cinnamon, caramel, and the smoothness of rum.

4. Kentucky Bourbon Cafe

Depending upon the type – “Ryed” or “Wheated” – Aged or Not – the flavor will differ. Still, you can count on a bit of sweetness laced with a touch of nuttiness.

5. Frangelico Cafe

A delightful addition with hints of almonds, dark chocolate, and vanilla.

6. Kailua Cafe

Adds a deeper coffee flavor with a touch of vanilla.

Dirty Banana – Steve the Bartender

7. Amaretto Cafe

Just as the name implies, you’ll taste the essence of almonds in every sip.

8. Grand Marnier Cafe

This is a marriage made in heaven as a sweetened orange-flavored cognac liqueur.

9. Baileys Irish Coffee

Baileys Irish Cream liqueur is a dream if you love milkshakes. It has a bit of kick thanks to the Irish Whiskey, but it softened by the deliciously smooth Irish cream.

Baileys & Coffee 4 Ways with Kicking Horse – Baileys Canada

10. Butterscotch Schnapps Cafe

Hinting on tasting like a Werther’s Candy, this heady schnapps works well with hot or cold espresso.

11. Russian Cafe

Add your favorite Russian Vodka flavor starting with whipped vanilla vodka onward and upward. (Tip: A little bit goes a long way.)

How to Make a White Russian – Howcast

12. Irish Cafe

What I love most about Irish Whiskey is it’s nutty/spicy taste. Don’t be surprised if there’s a hint of malt, too! And, don’t think you have to limit yourself to hot drinks–try chilled for an amazing caffeinated kick.

Cold Brew Irish Coffee Cocktail Recipe – Holiday Wine & Liquor

13. Crown Royal Regal Apple Cafe

A fresh apple liqueur that is perfect for autumn nights.

14. Caribbean Coconut Cafe

A mix on the island side is what you’ll taste with Malibu Caribbean Rum with Coconut Liqueur when mixed with the dark blend of coffee or espresso.

15. Chambord Cafe

A deliciously decadent French Black Raspberry Liqueur.

16. Godiva Cafe

Deep roasted flavor with chocolatey goodness comes from Godiva Chocolate Liqueur along.

17. Patron XO Tequila Cafe

Smooth south-of-the-border taste with no bitterness.

A Tequila Coffee Cocktail – Seattle Coffee Gear

18. Hennessy Coffee

The smooth oak flavor of Hennessy melds perfectly with hot coffee.

19. Black Haus Blackberry Cafe

You won’t believe how a little Black Haus Blackberry Schnapps adds a fruity twist on an old favorite.

20. Fireball Coffee

Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey offers a slight yummy cinnamon bite that works well with creamed coffees.

21. Brandy and Coffee

Called Caffè Corretto, it compliments your espresso when warmed.

Spanish Coffee – Bar Talk & Cocktails

22. Cherry Cafe

Nothing like adding a cherry atop of your favorite hot or cold chocolate coffee drink than with Baileys Chocolate Cherry Liqueur.

23. Orange Creamsicle

Oh, so dreamy is this coffee-inspired drink recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup dark brewed French Roasted Coffee, chilled (I prefer Nespresso’s Ristretto (Lunga) Coffee)
1 ounce vanilla extract or vanilla whipped vodka
1/4 cup of orange juice, strained or pulp-free
1/2 ounce Triple Sec
1/4 cup half and half
1 cup of ice, whole or crushed (optional)
Whipped Cream (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large cocktail shaker add all of your ingredients together. Shake well. Strain.
2. Serve in a tall glass with ice. Enjoy!

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24. Irish Coffee

Make this perennial favorite with this simple recipe:

Ingredients

1 shot Irish whiskey
2 tsps of brown sugar
8 ounces freshly brewed coffee
1-2 Tablespoons whipping cream, chilled

Instructions

1. To a cup of freshly brewed coffee or iced coffee, add the Irish Whiskey, brown sugar and whipped cream.
2. Stir or shake well. Serve in a tall glass. Enjoy!

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25. Eggnog Latte

Made with or without dark rum, this holiday or winter adult favorite hot coffee drink warms inside and out.

Non-Alcohol Coffee Recipe

Not keen on adding spirits to your favorite coffee drink? Try this non-alcoholic coffee recipe:

Gingerbread Latte

A deep rich cookie flavor that is enhanced with real molasses.

And, for more spirited coffee drink ideas, check out my Pinterest Board: Drink and Cocktail Recipes from Wisconsin Homemaker.