5 Coffee-Based Cocktails Trending Now

Coffee-based cocktails are all the rage and are expected to remain in the spotlight all year.  Bartenders are experimenting with new flavors for both hot and cold coffee-based cocktails, as well as updating classic favorites.  It’s catching on in all the hottest spots to grab a drink.  These drinks have a “Je ne sais pas” that Jager-bombs can’t quite pull off.  You won’t feel tired and sluggish after drinking these like you might after a few beers.  These trendy mixed drinks are the perfect way to upgrade your coffee and your cocktail hour.  Whatever the occasion, these caffeinated concoctions are the perfect compliment you will return to time and time again.

These cocktails are bold, distinguished, and classy.  The brilliant combination of caffeine and alcohol satisfies your two favorite vices while showing off your sophisticated taste.  These modern drink combinations will make you the star of the bar. Hip yet simple, these drinks bring out your inner radiance without going overboard. Appropriate for brunch and after dinner drinks, these are great choices to add some class to your glass.  Replace your mimosas and Bloody Marys with one of these easy to make drinks. They aren’t only great for a night out or over quiche.  These are perfect to share on a first date or to cozy up with a great book on a Sunday evening. Create an unforgettable night with friends with one of these recipes as the signature drink. Make a refined statement at your next gathering or night out by trying one of these coffee-based cocktails.

1. Colorado Bulldog

This cocktail is a modern twist on the classic White Russian, a staple for all of you Big Lebowski fans.  What makes this coffee-based cocktail stand apart is the splash of soda.  This bubbly beverage is refreshing and delivers a powerful kick.  This unique combination of vodka, Kahlua, cream, and soda will quickly become your most ordered drink. Everyone will be asking what you’re drinking.  But be careful, since this cocktail is so delicious it goes down smooth and easy.   Don’t get too carried away and forget about the alcohol content.  This one is definitely a party favorite and wins respect from the bartender.

Ingredients

1 ounce Kahlua

1 ounce vodka

1 ounce cream

Top with cola

Method

Shake the alcohol and the cream with ice.  Strain into a short glass filled with ice, leaving room to top with cola.  Sip, smile, and enjoy!

2. Affogato Martini

This coffee-based cocktail combines all of your guilty pleasures in one! Caffeine, alcohol, and ice cream make this the perfect after-dinner treat.  It combines the childlike nostalgia of ice cream with the grown-up feeling of drinking a martini.  This is the new go-to drink for a romantic dinner date that will surely have you both feeling butterflies.  Grab your sweetie and make new memories over this satisfying cocktail.

Ingredients

2 ounces vanilla vodka

1/2 ounce cream de cocoa

1 ounce Kahlua

1 scoop vanilla ice cream

Method

Add vanilla vodka, cream, and Kahlua into a shaker.  Drop in 3 ice cubes and shake.  Pour into a martini glass and top with vanilla ice cream.  Serve with a spoon.  Indulge like its nobody’s business.

3. Coffee Old Fashioned

This timeless cofee-based cocktail is one of America’s original mixed drinks.  This flavorful concoction is sure to make it’s way to the top of your favorites list.  This one is ideal to order at a sport’s bar when you aren’t feeling beer and want something elegant and respected.  The Coffee Old Fashioned is also the perfect fireside beverage to sip on while spending time with friends or your significant other.  Surprise your dad on Father’s Day and impress him with this classic. You simply can’t go wrong with this one!

Ingredients

1 double shot espresso (2 ounces, room temperature)

1 ounce bourbon or rye whiskey

.25 ounce simple syrup

Dash of Peychaud’s bitters

1 (1 inch) piece lemon peel

Method

Combine espresso, bourbon, syrup, and bitters in a shaker filled with ice.  Stir 30-seconds and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.  Twist the lemon peel over drink and rub around the rim of the glass.  Garnish with lemon peel if desired.  Drink up and feel fancy!

4. Siciliano

This refreshing cold brew coffee-based cocktail is light and sweet, making it an instant hit.  Classy and cool, this is the perfect pick for catching up with the ladies or entertaining guests.  The taste of coffee and alcohol is very subtle as it leans more towards a cherry tartness.  Its quick and easy to make, rendering this one a favorite for cocktail hour.  Call the girls and start a new night out tradition based on this royal recipe.

Ingredients

2 ounces sweet vermouth

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1.5 ounces amaro

1.5 ounces strong cold-brew coffee

1 ounce simple syrup

Club soda

Orange wheel

Method

Mix the vermouth, amaro, coffee, and simple syrup in a tumbler.  Add ice to fill and top with club soda.  Garnish with an orange wheel.  Take pictures for a killer Instagram post.

5. Mexican Coffee

This coffee-based cocktail packs a serious punch thanks to the addition of tequila. Try this one when you mean business!  This is a perfect choice to top off a meal of your favorite Mexican food.  The sweetness of the ice cream and the semi-spicy flavor of tequila create the perfectly balanced cocktail everyone will rave about. Skip the fried ice cream and chose this decadent cocktail for dessert instead.

Ingredients

1/4 cup vanilla ice cream, melted

1/2 ounce Kahlua

1/2 ounce tequila

6 ounces hot coffee

Method

Melt the vanilla ice cream in the microwave and add it to a cup of your favorite coffee.  Add Kahlua and tequila.  Enjoy hot or cold.  Top with whipped cream and a stick of cinnamon if desired.  Throw a cherry on top for the hell of it.

What do you think of these coffee-based cocktails? Will you offer them at your next gathering?  Share your thoughts and with us below.

Featured photo: Pinterest