The Ultimate Guide to Coffee Liqueurs

Coffee Liqueurs Mixed Drinks & Cocktail Guide

If you find yourself craving the perfect blend of coffee’s rich aroma and the delightful kick of a spirited libation, then this blog is your gateway to a world of coffee-infused indulgence. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a mixologist, or simply someone in search of a unique and delectable experience, we’ve got you covered. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the diverse array of flavors available, uncover exciting cocktail recipes, and even delve into the art of crafting your own homemade coffee liqueurs.

What do you drink coffee liqueur with?

Coffee liqueur is versatile and can be used in so many ways. Here are a few ways to incorporate coffee liqueur:

Cocktails: Coffee liqueur is used in so many popular cocktails, such as the classic “White Russian” or the “Black Russian” (coffee liqueur and vodka). You can also mix it with other liqueurs, spirits, and mixers to create other coffee-flavored cocktails.

Neat/On the Rocks: You can enjoy coffee liqueur by itself, either neat or iced. This allows you to really focus on the rich coffee flavor and the sweetness of the liqueur.

Desserts: Coffee liqueur can be used as an ingredient in desserts. It pairs well with chocolate-based desserts, like Tiramisu or chocolate mousse, adding a delightful coffee flavor to the sweetness.

Coffee: Add a splash of coffee liqueur to your regular cup of coffee for an extra kick and a touch of sweetness. It’s a simple way to elevate your after-dinner coffee.

Hot Drinks: Incorporate coffee liqueur into hot drinks like hot chocolate, mochas, or Irish coffee for a comforting and flavorful treat. 

Shots: Some people enjoy coffee liqueur as a shot, typically served chilled, straight up, or with a dash of cream.

What is the difference between a Black Russian and a White Russian?

Both the Black Russian and White Russian are classic cocktails made with coffee liqueur, but they have some differences in their ingredients and flavors:

Black Russian

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur

Serving: Typically served over ice in an old-fashioned glass.

The Black Russian is an easy-to-make, straightforward cocktail that combines vodka and coffee liqueur. It has a rich coffee flavor with a slightly sweet and smooth taste from the liqueur.

White Russian

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz (30ml) heavy cream or milk (some variations use half-and-half)

Serving: Usually served over ice in an old-fashioned glass.

The White Russian is a variation of the Black Russian that adds a cream component, making it creamier and sweeter. The cream softens the strong coffee taste and adds a smooth, velvety texture to the drink.

What are other notable cocktails that can be made with coffee liqueurs?

White Russians may be the first cocktail you think of when you think of using coffee liqueurs, but there are so many delicious cocktails that use coffee liqueur. Coffee liqueur can be used to enhance the creamy texture of the cocktail, the flavor of coffee, or both. Here are a few other recipes you could consider if wanting to explore the wide usage of coffee liqueur:

Espresso Martini

A sophisticated cocktail that combines the richness of coffee liqueur with the boldness of freshly brewed espresso and vodka. It’s a perfect pick-me-up for any evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• Coffee beans or espresso beans (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brew a shot of espresso and let it cool down to room temperature. You can also use chilled espresso from the refrigerator.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
3. Pour the vodka, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso, and simple syrup into the shaker.
4. Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This will create a nice froth on top of the cocktail.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass using a cocktail strainer.
6. Garnish with a few coffee beans or espresso beans on top of the froth.
7. Serve and enjoy your Espresso Martini!

Mexican Coffee

A warm and comforting cocktail made by combining coffee liqueur with tequila, hot coffee, and topped with whipped cream. Perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz  tequila (silver or reposado)
• ¾ oz coffee liqueur
• 5 oz hot brewed coffee
• Whipped cream
• Cinnamon or cocoa powder (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brew a cup of hot coffee using your preferred method. You can use a drip coffee maker, French press, or any other brewing method you prefer.
2. While the coffee is brewing, preheat your glass by filling it with hot water, then emptying it before pouring in the cocktail.
3. In your preheated glass, combine the tequila and coffee liqueur.
4. Once the coffee is ready, pour it into the glass and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
5. Top the cocktail with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
6. Garnish the whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for an extra touch of flavor and aroma.
7. Serve the Mexican Coffee while it’s still hot, and enjoy the comforting and enticing flavors.

Coffee Old Fashioned

A modern take on the classic Old Fashioned, using coffee liqueur in place of sugar or simple syrup, and bourbon or whiskey as the base spirit.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 sugar cube or ½ oz simple syrup
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In an Old Fashioned glass, place the sugar cube (or use simple syrup if you prefer) and add the dashes of Angostura bitters on top.
2. Muddle the sugar cube with the bitters using a muddler or the back of a spoon until it’s partially dissolved.
3. Add the coffee liqueur to the glass.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
5. Pour the bourbon or rye whiskey over the ice.
6. Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients and chill the cocktail.
7. Take a piece of orange peel and gently squeeze it over the drink to release the oils. 8. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass and then drop it into the cocktail as a garnish.
8. Optionally, you can add a coffee bean as an extra garnish to enhance the coffee aroma.
9. Enjoy your Coffee Old Fashioned, savoring the harmonious blend of coffee, whiskey, and bitters.

Should You Refrigerate Coffee Liqueur?

Whether you should refrigerate coffee liqueur mostly depends on its ingredients. Generally, most commercially produced coffee liqueurs like Kahlúa do not require refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature. These liqueurs have a high sugar content and alcohol content, which act as preservatives.

However, some specialty or homemade coffee liqueurs may have different ingredients or lower alcohol content, which could affect their shelf life.

Here are some general guidelines for storing coffee liqueur:

Commercial Coffee Liqueurs: Store them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A kitchen cabinet or a pantry is usually suitable.

Homemade Coffee Liqueurs: If you’ve made your own coffee liqueur or have one that doesn’t have preservatives like commercial brands, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator.

Refrigeration can help extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of the liqueur.

How Can I Make Coffee Liqueur at Home?

Coffee Liqueur Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans
• 2 cups vodka
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean (optional)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions:

Infusing the Coffee

1. In a clean glass container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the coarsely ground coffee beans and vodka. Optionally, you can add a split vanilla bean and a cinnamon stick to add some additional flavors to the liqueur.
2. Seal the container tightly and give it a good shake to ensure everything is well-mixed.
3. Place the container in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard or pantry, for at least 24 to 48 hours. The longer you let it sit, the stronger the coffee flavor will be.

Preparing the Syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.
3. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.

Combining the Coffee and Syrup:

1. After the coffee has finished infusing for your desired time, strain out the coffee grounds and any additional flavorings (vanilla bean and cinnamon stick) using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
2. Combine the infused vodka with the cooled sugar syrup. Stir well to make sure they are fully mixed.

Bottling and Storing

1. Carefully pour the coffee liqueur into clean, airtight bottles for storage.
2. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place, like your liquor cabinet or pantry.

The coffee liqueur should be ready to drink immediately, but it can improve with age as the flavors meld together.

Enjoy your homemade coffee liqueur in cocktails, over ice, or in dessert recipes. Remember to drink responsibly, as this liqueur is alcoholic.

Copyright 2023 Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.