Holiday Coffee Cocktails for Adults

For adults of legal drinking age only (21+ in the US). Please enjoy responsibly and never drink and drive.

The best coffee cocktails for the holidays are simple classics: the Black Russian, the White Russian, the Spanish-style Carajillo and a coffee twist on the Old Fashioned. Each needs only two to four ingredients, works with coffee you already brew at home, and is easy to batch for a party. Below you will find recipes in US and metric measures, plus a quick homemade coffee liqueur so you can make every drink from scratch.

Looking for the famous ones? We have already told the stories of the Espresso Martini and Irish Coffee, and the flaming New Orleans classic in our Café Brûlot article. This guide covers the rest of the holiday lineup.

Classic Coffee Cocktails at a Glance

Start Here: Easy Homemade Coffee Liqueur

Store-bought coffee liqueur works fine, but a homemade version lets you choose the beans and the sweetness. This makes about 3 cups (700 ml).

• 1 cup (240 ml) cold brew concentrate
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar (white, or half brown for a deeper flavor)
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• 1 cup (240 ml) dark rum or vodka
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Heat the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves completely. Let the syrup cool.
2. Stir in the cold brew concentrate, spirit and vanilla.
3. Bottle, refrigerate and let it rest at least a day so the flavors blend.

Need concentrate? Our guide on how to make cold brew shows you how, or start with our Cold Brew Coffee, a blend made for the job.

The Black Russian and White Russian

Black Russian

The Black Russian is generally credited to Belgian bartender Gustave Tops, who is said to have created it in 1949 at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels in honor of Perle Mesta, then the US ambassador to Luxembourg. The name pairs vodka with the dark color of coffee liqueur. The International Bartenders Association recipe uses 50 ml vodka and 20 ml coffee liqueur.

• 1⅔ oz (50 ml) vodka
• ⅔ oz (20 ml) coffee liqueur
• Ice

1. Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and coffee liqueur.
3. Stir gently for about 10 seconds and serve.

White Russian

Add cream and you get the White Russian, a richer, dessert-like drink that feels right at home next to a holiday cookie plate.

• 1⅔ oz (50 ml) vodka
• ⅔ oz (20 ml) coffee liqueur
• 1 oz (30 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half

1. Build the vodka and coffee liqueur over ice in an old-fashioned glass.
2. Float the cream on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon.
3. Stir just before drinking, or leave the layers for a pretty presentation.

Holiday twist: swap the cream for eggnog and finish with grated nutmeg.

The Carajillo: Spain’s Coffee Cocktail

In Spain, a carajillo is simply espresso with a splash of spirit, traditionally brandy or rum. In Mexico, a popular modern version shakes espresso with Licor 43, a sweet Spanish liqueur with vanilla and citrus notes, and serves it over ice. Here are both.

Hot Spanish-style carajillo

• 1 shot (1 oz / 30 ml) hot espresso
• ½–1 oz (15–30 ml) brandy or aged rum
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)

1. Pull the espresso into a small heatproof glass.
2. Stir in the sugar, if using, then add the brandy or rum.

Iced carajillo

• 1½ oz (45 ml) Licor 43
• 1½ oz (45 ml) freshly brewed espresso
• Ice

1. Shake the liqueur and espresso hard with ice for about 15 seconds.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. A good shake gives a foamy top.

A rich, dark espresso blend such as our 6 Bean Blend holds up well here. New to pulling shots? See how to make espresso at home.

Modern Holiday Coffee Cocktails

Coffee Old Fashioned

This modern riff adds a splash of cold brew concentrate to the classic mix of bourbon, sugar and bitters. Our Whiskey Barrel Aged coffee, a Guatemala coffee rested in a bourbon barrel (it contains no alcohol), is a natural match.

• 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
• ½ oz (15 ml) cold brew concentrate
• ¼ oz (7 ml) maple syrup or simple syrup
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• Orange peel

1. Stir the bourbon, concentrate, syrup and bitters with ice for 20 seconds.
2. Strain over one large ice cube.
3. Express the orange peel over the glass and drop it in.

Spiked Holiday Mocha

• 6 oz (180 ml) hot brewed Peppermint Mocha coffee
• 1 oz (30 ml) dark rum or bourbon
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) chocolate syrup
• Whipped cream and shaved chocolate

1. Stir the chocolate syrup into the hot coffee.
2. Add the spirit and stir again.
3. Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.

Tips for Serving Coffee Cocktails at a Party

• Batch smart. Pre-mix Black Russians in a bottle (spirits only) and keep it in the fridge; pour over ice to order.
• Brew fresh. Make espresso and hot coffee as close to serving as you can for the best aroma.
• Offer alcohol-free versions. Swap the spirit for extra coffee, a splash of vanilla or a little more cream so every guest has something festive.
• Mind the caffeine. Coffee cocktails contain caffeine as well as alcohol. Offer decaf versions late in the evening; our Decaf Espresso works in every recipe.

Coffee Cocktails FAQ

What is the most popular coffee cocktail?

The Espresso Martini and Irish Coffee are probably the best known, followed by the White Russian and Black Russian. The Carajillo has also become very popular in recent years.

What alcohol goes best with coffee?

Dark rum, bourbon, brandy, vodka and coffee or cream liqueurs all pair well. Aged spirits bring caramel and vanilla notes that suit dark roasts especially.

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, though the drink will be lighter. Brew it stronger than usual, about twice your normal dose of grounds, so the coffee flavor still comes through.

Is a coffee cocktail safe to drink late at night?

Because these drinks combine alcohol and caffeine, it is best to drink them in moderation. Choosing decaf in the evening helps protect your sleep, and you should never drive after drinking.

Cheers to the Holidays

From a two-ingredient Black Russian to a shaken Carajillo, these coffee cocktails bring something special to holiday gatherings for adults 21 and over. Start with good, fresh coffee and keep the recipes simple.

For your bar cart, pick up Whiskey Barrel Aged coffee or a rich espresso blend from our blends collection. Every Feel Espresso coffee order is roasted 1 to 5 days before delivery.