Ever find yourself craving something a bit more exciting than your standard espresso martini or plain iced coffee? Coffee cocktails are one of the hottest drink trends right now, popping up on brunch menus, at rooftop parties, and in home bars everywhere.
But here’s the kicker—most people only know about the espresso martini. That means you’re missing out on a whole caffeinated world of flavor! Whether you’re looking for the best coffee cocktails for summer parties, keto-friendly coffee drinks, or easy coffee cocktail ideas for your next get-together, this list will open up your home mixology game.
So grab your favorite mug or cocktail glass, we’re about to shake up your routine. Plus, don’t miss the tips at the end to help you pour like a barista and avoid those annoying layers of foam!
1. Carajillo: The New Coffee Cocktail Sensation
The Carajillo is ready to steal the spotlight! According to The Spirits Business, Google’s top trending searches of 2024 revealed that the Carajillo cocktail experienced significant spikes in interest throughout the year, ranking seventh overall, while the Espresso Martini didn’t appear on the list.
Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with Carajillo? The Carajillo is a simple, two-ingredient drink made with equal parts fresh espresso and the Spanish vanilla-citrus liqueur Licor 43. It’s easy to make, lower in alcohol than an espresso martini, and brings bold, aromatic flavor with a sweet, spicy kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz hot espresso
- 1 oz Licor 43 (for keto, use brandy with a few drops of vanilla and orange extract plus keto-friendly sweetener)
- Ice cubes
How To:
Shake espresso and Licor 43 with ice, then strain into a small cocktail glass. For a nightcap, try it warm or with decaf coffee.
2. Iced Irish Coffee: The Summer-Ready Classic
Who says Irish Coffee is just for winter? Meet the Iced Irish Coffee, the rich flavors of robust coffee and smooth Irish whiskey, poured over crystal-clear ice, and crowned with a silky layer of lightly whipped cream. It’s indulgent, cooling, and ideal for warm afternoons or brunches on the patio.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 4 oz hot coffee, cooled or cold brew coffee
- 1 tsp brown sugar or keto-friendly sweetener
- Lightly whipped cream or unsweetened whipped cream for keto
- Large ice cubes
How To:
Fill a stemmed glass with large ice cubes. Pour in cold brew coffee and whiskey, add sugar or sweetener to taste, and stir to chill. Gently float the cream on top using the back of a spoon. Sip through the cream for the ultimate summer treat.
3. Coffee Negroni: A Gin Lover’s Best-Kept Secret
If you love the Negroni and you’re searching for unique gin cocktails, this one’s for you. The rich flavors of cold brew coffee blend with gin’s botanicals and the bittersweet notes of Campari for a sophisticated sip that’s perfect for summer evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz sweet vermouth or dry vermouth for keto (add a dash of keto-friendly sweetener if desired)
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz cold brew coffee
How To:
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass. Add an orange twist for a burst of aroma.
4. Coffee & Coke Highball: The Ultimate Party Starter
Yes, you read that right, coffee and Coke! This fizzy, caffeinated highball is the summer drink you didn’t know you needed. It’s low-calorie, keto-friendly if you use diet cola, and brings a playful twist to any party. Did you know that in Spain, “Café con Coca-Cola” is a legit bar order?
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur or sugar free coffee liqueur for keto
- 2 oz cold brew coffee
- 3 oz Coca-Cola or Coke Zero/Diet Coke for keto
- Lime wedge
How To:
Fill a tall glass with ice, add liqueur and cold brew, top with Coke, and give it a gentle stir. Add a lime wedge for zing.
5. Mocha Old Fashioned: The Dessert Cocktail You’ll Crave
Craving a chocolate coffee cocktail that’s not overly sweet? The Mocha Old Fashioned is rich, smooth, and perfect for date nights. Plus, it’s easy to make low-calorie by using sugar-free chocolate syrup!
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur or sugar free coffee liqueur for keto
- 1/4 oz chocolate syrup or sugar-free chocolate syrup for keto
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Orange peel
How To:
Stir everything with ice, strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with an orange peel.
Coffee Foam (Mousse) Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or keto-friendly sweetener for low-carb)
- 1/4 cup warm water
How To Make Coffee Foam:
- Add the instant espresso powder, sugar (or sweetener), and warm water to a mixing glass or bowl.
- Vigorously whisk by hand or use a milk frother until a thick, creamy froth forms (about 1–2 minutes).
- Spoon the coffee foam gently over your prepared Mocha Old Fashioned.
Tips: How to Avoid Too Much Foam in Coffee Cocktails
Ever end up with a mountain of foam instead of a sleek, Instagram-worthy drink? Here’s how to keep it smooth:
- Pour Slowly: Pour coffee and carbonated mixers (like Coke) gently down the side of the glass to reduce agitation.
- Chill Everything: Cold coffee produces less foam than hot. Pre-chill your coffee, spirits, and glassware.
- Skip the Shake (Sometimes): If your recipe includes soda or tonic, always stir, never shake, after adding bubbles.
- Perfect the Cream Float: For Irish Coffee, use the back of a spoon to gently float the cream—no swirling or stirring!
Ready to impress your friends (and your taste buds) with these trending coffee cocktails? Try them at your next brunch, barbecue, or cozy night in. If you’re looking for more coffee cocktail recipes, low-calorie drink ideas, or keto-friendly cocktails, be sure to check out our other posts and subscribe for updates!
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