What Are The Best Coffee Cocktails? | Neighbourhood Coffee

Espresso Martini

Probably the most famous of all the cocktails with coffee, the Espresso Martini was invented at the Soho Brasserie in 1983. It was called the Vodka Espresso at the time, but spent a while being called the rather dodgy-sounding Pharmaceutical Stimulant, before finally settling into its now famous title.

The secret to an Espresso Martini is, unsurprisingly, the coffee. Additionally, it must be hot (you need the foamy crema to create the texture you’re after) and it must be good. Fortunately, we do really good coffee and our award-winning Espresso Yourself is perfect for an Espresso Martini. So, here goes…

You’ll need:

• Vodka
• Coffee liqueur
• Fresh, warm espresso
• Sugar syrup (caster sugar and half the amount of water – boil and cool)
• Ice

How to make an Espresso Martini:

1. Get yourself a cocktail shaker (or a jar with a screw-top lid) and put your martini glasses or coupes in the fridge
2. Add 40ml of good vodka, 20ml of coffee liqueur and 20ml of freshly brewed coffee (ideally, warm espresso) to a cocktail shaker
3. Make up tp to 5ml of sugar syrup using caster sugar and half the amount of water (boiled and cooled) and add this to the shaker
4. Add ice and shake – shake really well. Pour into your glass and garnish this classic coffee cocktail with three coffee beans

Dark and Stormy Coffee

Dark and Stormy coffee is a delicious and unique coffee drink combining the bold flavours of coffee with the spicy kick of ginger beer. Originating from Bermuda, it is named after the famous Dark and Stormy cocktail. It has a bold and spicy flavour that’s perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a little kick to their drink. Dark and Stormy coffee is the perfect dessert cocktail for a cold and rainy day.

You’ll need:

• Coffee beans
• Ginger beer
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Whipped cream (optional)

How to make a Dark and Stormy coffee: 

1. Brew a strong pot of coffee using your favourite coffee beans
2. Heat the ginger beer in a saucepan and add a tablespoon of brown sugar and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the cinnamon has infused the ginger beer.
3. Pour the ginger beer mixture into your mug, filling it about a third of the way, and fill the rest of the mug with your brewed coffee
4. Stir the drink well to mix the coffee and ginger beer together. Top with whipped cream if desired
5. Enjoy your delicious Dark and Stormy coffee!

White Russian

This one one is very environmentally friendly as it makes the most of your used coffee grounds. A White Russian coffee cocktail typically has a creamy, sweet, and slightly boozy flavour profile. The coffee flavoured liqueur gives the drink a rich, coffee flavour, while the cream adds a smooth and silky texture and the vodka gives a slight alcoholic kick. The White Russian coffee cocktail is a delicious and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed as a dessert or after-dinner drink.

You’ll need:

• Dark rum
• Coffee grounds
• Maple syrup
• Vanilla pod
• Vodka 

How to make a White Russian:

1. Pour 50ml of dark rum over a spoon or two of used coffee grounds. Leave it to steep for 24 hours and then strain out the coffee-infused rum through kitchen towel
2. Add a tiny dash of maple syrup and pour over ice in a glass
3. Stir in 25ml of coffee liqueur
4. Take some seeds from a vanilla pod and mix into double cream (add a splash of vodka if you like)
5. Pour into the glass over the back of a spoon so it floats on top
6. Sprinkle vanilla seeds over the top

Black Russian

Black Russian Coffee is a classic cocktail-inspired coffee drink that originated in Belgium. This coffee drink is known for its bold flavour profile and rich, dark colour. Black Russian Coffee has a rich, dark flavour with a hint of sweetness from the coffee liqueur. It’s the perfect drink for coffee lovers who enjoy a bold, intense flavour. This coffee drink is a great after-dinner treat.

You’ll need:

• Espresso or strongly brewed coffee
• Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
• Sugar (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional)

How to make a Black Russian:

1. Brew 1 shot of espresso or ½ a cup of strongly brewed coffee
2. In a separate glass or mug, add 1 oz of Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
3. Add sugar to taste, if desired
4. Pour the freshly brewed espresso or coffee into the glass with the liqueur and stir well
5. Top with whipped cream, if desired

Coffee Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned coffee cocktail is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, with the addition of coffee for a delicious and unique flavour. It’s a great drink to have at brunch or as an after-dinner drink and has a bold, complex flavour with a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a good cocktail with a twist of coffee.

You’ll need:

• Bourbon or rye whiskey
• Cold brew coffee
• Simple syrup
• Angostura bitters
• Orange peel

How to make a coffee Old Fashioned:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey 
2. Pour in 1 oz of cold brew coffee and add 1/2 oz of simple syrup and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
3. Stir the mixture well with a bar spoon for 15-20 seconds and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice
4. Use a vegetable peeler to peel a strip of orange peel and express the oils from the peel over the drink by twisting it over the glass
5. Use the orange peel as a garnish and enjoy your delicious Old Fashioned coffee cocktail!

Coffee cocktails offer a delicious and sophisticated way to enjoy coffee as a boozy drink. The combination of coffee, spirits, and other ingredients creates a unique and complex flavour profile that is perfect for those who enjoy an alcoholic coffee taste. Whether it’s a decadent Espresso Martini, a creamy White Russian or a caffeinated twist on an Old Fashioned, each drink has its own distinct flavour and character

If you are a coffee lover who enjoys trying new things, coffee cocktails are definitely worth exploring. With their bold flavours and creative twists, they are sure to add some excitement to your coffee-drinking experience. Obviously, drink in moderation. Unless it’s our awesome coffee – well, don’t overdo that either.