As a bartender, I have seen countless customers come in looking for a pick-me-up after a long day.
While some opt for a classic whiskey on the rocks, others seek a more adventurous drink that combines the bold flavors of whiskey with the rich taste of coffee. This is where the whiskey and coffee cocktail comes in.
There's something magical about the combination of whiskey and coffee. Perhaps it's the warmth of the whiskey that complements the bitterness of the coffee, or the way the two flavors meld together to create a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Whatever the reason, the whiskey and coffee cocktail has become a staple in bars and households around the world.
But not all whiskey and coffee cocktails are created equal. Some are too sweet, while others are too strong. As a bartender, it's my job to find the perfect balance of flavors in every drink I make.
And after years of experimenting with different recipes, I've compiled a list of the best whiskey and coffee cocktails that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
So whether you're a whiskey lover looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite drink, or a coffee aficionado searching for a way to spice up your morning routine, these whiskey and coffee cocktail recipes are sure to impress.
Let's dive in and explore the world of whiskey and coffee cocktails together.
1. Coffee Old-Fashioned Cocktail
The Coffee Old-Fashioned Cocktail is a twist on the classic whiskey cocktail, made with bourbon, coffee liqueur, and coffee bitters. It's a perfect drink for coffee lovers who enjoy a boozy kick in their morning coffee.
The coffee liqueur adds sweetness and extra booziness to the cocktail, while the coffee bitters give it a deeper coffee flavor. It's a smooth and delicious cocktail that can be enjoyed at brunch or as an after-dinner drink. If you're a fan of old-fashioned cocktails and coffee, this drink is definitely worth a try.
2. Classic Irish Coffee
Classic Irish Coffee is a warm and comforting cocktail that combines bitter coffee, buttery Irish whiskey, and frothy whipped cream. This cocktail has been around for decades and has become a popular choice for those who love a boozy coffee. The key to making the perfect Irish Coffee is to use Jameson Irish whiskey and homemade whipped cream.
The drink can be served in any glass, but it's most fun to drink it in Irish coffee mugs. This cocktail is perfect for any occasion, whether it's for brunch, after dinner, or anytime in between. If you're a fan of spiked coffee, you'll definitely want to give this classic cocktail a try.
3. Irish Coffee
If you're looking for a cozy and warming cocktail to enjoy during the colder months, look no further than the classic Irish Coffee. Made with just four simple ingredients – coffee, brown sugar, Irish whiskey, and whipped cream – this cocktail is perfect for sipping after dinner or on a chilly evening with friends.
The hot coffee and whiskey are perfectly balanced by the sweet whipped cream, making for a delicious and comforting drink. Whether you serve it in a glass mug or a regular coffee mug, the layers of coffee and cream are sure to impress. So why not try out this classic cocktail and enjoy a taste of Ireland in your own home?
4. Iced Irish Coffee Cocktail
The Iced Irish Coffee Cocktail is a sweet and creamy drink made with Kahlua, Irish Whiskey, and heavy whipping cream. It's perfect for those who love the taste of coffee but want to avoid caffeine.
The cocktail is garnished with nutmeg and chocolate-covered coffee nibs, making it a delicious treat. Overall, it's a great choice for anyone looking for a new twist on a classic cocktail.
5. The Revolver
"The Revolver" is a sophisticated and grown-up cocktail that combines the spicy and dry flavor of bourbon with the rich and smooth taste of coffee liqueur. Created by San Francisco bartender Jon Santer, this cocktail is perfect for sipping on a slow winter evening by the fire. The addition of orange bitters and oil from an orange peel brightens up the drink and adds a nice touch of complexity.
While the original recipe called for rye whiskey, bourbon is a great substitute that adds a touch of sweetness. The choice of coffee liqueur can also be varied to find the perfect match for your taste buds. If you're a fan of bourbon and crave a serious cocktail, "The Revolver" is definitely worth a try.
6. Cinnamon Whiskey Coffee Cocktail
The Cinnamon Whiskey Coffee Cocktail is a refreshing and cool drink that is perfect for hot summer days. Made with cold brew coffee, cinnamon whiskey, and milk, this cocktail is not too heavy on the alcohol side, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a drink without getting too buzzed.
The cinnamon flavor is not overwhelming, but provides a lovely hint of spice that complements the coffee perfectly. It's like an adult version of horchata, but with a unique twist. If you're looking for a delicious and refreshing coffee cocktail to enjoy during those quiet moments at home, the Cinnamon Whiskey Coffee Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
7. Winter Warm-Up
The Winter Warm-Up cocktail is a perfect way to warm up on a cold day. It's a whiskey and coffee drink with a bold and full-bodied coffee base, and Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey.
The cinnamon whipped cream adds a touch of sweetness and spice, while the cinnamon stick used to stir the drink adds a subtle hint of cinnamon to the liquid. Give it a try and let it chase away the chill.
8. Cuban Old Fashioned
The Cuban Old Fashioned is a unique twist on the classic old fashioned cocktail, with a caffeine kick from Cuban coffee. This cocktail is perfect for bourbon and coffee lovers alike, with the bold yet smooth taste of Old Forester 86 Proof Bourbon paired with an espresso simple syrup.
The result is a strong, nutty, slightly spicy and sweet cocktail that is sure to impress. While the recipe calls for Cuban coffee, any strong brewed espresso or even cold brew coffee can be used. If you're looking for a cocktail that combines the best of both worlds, the Cuban Old Fashioned is definitely worth trying.
9. Bourbon Salted Caramel Coffee
Looking for a decadent after-dinner drink that will impress your guests? Look no further than the Bourbon Salted Caramel Coffee cocktail. This cocktail combines the rich, smoky flavor of bourbon with the sweet and salty notes of salted caramel syrup, all mixed with a strong cup of coffee.
Topped with a generous dollop of bourbon whipped cream and a cinnamon stick, this cocktail is a dessert in a cup. The presentation is beautiful, with layers of caramel and whipped cream visible through the double-walled Joyjolt insulated glass. Whether you're entertaining guests or just looking for a cozy nightcap, the Bourbon Salted Caramel Coffee cocktail is sure to impress.
10. Jameson Irish Coffee
Jameson Irish Coffee is a classic and traditional cocktail that originated in Ireland. It is made with Jameson Irish whiskey, hot coffee, sugar, and whipped cream. The warmth of the coffee and the smoothness of the whiskey blend together perfectly to create a comforting and delicious drink that is perfect for a chilly evening.
The whipped cream adds a creamy texture to the drink and balances the bitterness of the coffee. While there are many variations of Irish coffee, using Jameson Irish whiskey is a must for an authentic taste. This cocktail is a must-try for whiskey and coffee lovers who want to experience a classic Irish drink.
11. Kahlua Midnight Coffee Cocktail
The Kahlua Midnight Coffee Cocktail is a delicious blend of coffee, Kahlua Midnight Liqueur, and whiskey. The cocktail is perfect for coffee lovers who want to add a little bit of alcohol to their morning cup of joe.
The Kahlua Midnight Liqueur is a mix of rum and black coffee, which makes it lighter in color and less sweet than the original Kahlua Liqueur. The addition of whiskey gives it a nice kick, making it perfect for sipping on while relaxing or watching a movie.
12. Salted Caramel Iced Coffee Cocktail
The Salted Caramel Iced Coffee Cocktail is a perfect blend of caffeine and whiskey, making it an ideal drink for any occasion. It's a festive cocktail that's perfect for New Year's Eve celebrations, but it can also be enjoyed any time of the year. The cocktail features Jackson Morgan's Salted Caramel whiskey cream, which adds a rich and creamy texture to the drink.
The combination of caramel, coffee, and whiskey creates a unique flavor that's both sweet and savory. The cocktail is easy to make and is perfect for those who love a good whiskey and coffee combination. If you're looking for a delicious and unique cocktail to try, the Salted Caramel Iced Coffee Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
13. Espresso Negroni
The Espresso Negroni is a must-try cocktail for coffee and whiskey lovers. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Negroni, with the addition of a shot of espresso. The combination of the bitterness from the coffee and the sweetness from the vermouth and Campari creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
The option to use either caffeinated or decaffeinated espresso allows for flexibility in enjoying this cocktail at any time of day. Whether you're looking for a pick-me-up or a nightcap, the Espresso Negroni is a sophisticated and delicious choice.
14. Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan Cocktail is a classic drink made with rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It has a strong and bold flavor profile that is perfect for whiskey lovers.
The addition of bitters balances out the sweetness of the vermouth, creating a complex and rich taste. It's a timeless drink that has stood the test of time and is a must-try for any whiskey enthusiast.
