Coffee cocktails: Definitely more than a plain cup of joe

Just because coffee starts your day doesn’t mean it can’t be part of your whole day. Coffee cocktails will change how you drink that classic beverage.

Sometimes drinking coffee isn’t just about about a morning caffeine fix. Coffee cocktails can be the perfect pick me up. Whether craving that coffee flavor or looking for vibrant flavor a coffee forward cocktail can be the perfect sip.

Coffee can blend with all types of spirits. From a sweet liqueur to a smooth vodka, the classic morning beverage can easily be transformed into a variety of cocktails. With a few simple tweaks, that classic coffee can become an elevated cocktail perfect for any occasion.

Looking at coffee cocktails, the key to any good cocktail is the balance of flavors. Often a coffee cocktail is slowly sipped at the end of an evening. While not necessarily only an after dinner drink, these cocktails can be a lovely way to end the evening.

One of the most popular coffee cocktails is an espresso martini. The Grey Goose Espresso Martini is simple and contains a few ingredients. The key to this cocktail is the tasty vodka and a high quality coffee. Since the coffee comes through in each sip, don’t skip on coffee, especially when you’re using Grey Goose.

Here’s how to make a Grey Goose Espresso Martini.

"Grey Goose MartiniRecipe:1 1/2 oz Grey Goose vodka1 oz single origin finest quality espresso3/4 oz premium coffee liqueur1 pinch of saltGarnish: salted dark chocolate powderPreparation:Shake all ingredients and strain into a martini glass."

Not all coffee cocktails need to be just coffee and liquor. This cocktail, The Coffee’s Cherry, using a popular beverage that you might sip anytime of the day.

Combining the Sparkling Ice with cold brew coffee and coconut milk makes for a slightly sweet drink, but something quite delightful.

Here’s how to make The Coffee’s Cherry.

"The Coffee’s CherryIngredients:2 Cups Cold Brew Coffee1/2 Sparkling Ice Black Cherry½ cup Coconut MilkToasted MarshmallowDirectionsCombine cold brew coffee and and pour into two ice cube trays. Place into freezer until frozen.Fill a Collins glass with cubes and top with coconut milk, garnish with toasted marshmallow"

Everglades coffee cocktail, photo provided by Santa Teresa 1796 premium-rum

Vodka isn’t the only spirit that can be combined with coffee. A lovely aged rum can be the robust flavor to pair with a smooth cold brew coffee.

This coffee cocktail blends sweet and savory into a single sip. The rosemary syrup adds a lovely herbaceous note. It is subtle, yet a total game changer.

Here’s how to make The Everglades.

"The EvergladesRecipe:1 oz Santa Teresa 1796,1.5 oz Cold Brew Coffee1 oz Rosemary syrup0.5 oz fresh lime juicePreparation:Method: Add all ingredients into mixing tin. Add ice and shake for 15 seconds. Strain into Hurricane glass. Add ice and garnish with dehydrated lime slice and rosemary."

Even a classic cocktail can get a coffee twist. This coffee cocktail adds some depth to a classic Old Fashion. It could be your new after dinner drink.

"Starward Cold FashionedIngredients:2 oz Starward Australian Whisky2 oz Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur1 dash Orange BittersMethod:Combine all in a mixing glass with ice and stir until very cold. Serve in a rocks glass over 1 large rock with orange zest."

Oat Milk N’ Honey coffee cocktail, photo provided by Grey Goose

Oat milk is a huge food trend. Now, oat milk is joining the cocktail scene. This cocktail does have a slightly sweet taste. In a way, without the Grey Goose, it could be your favorite morning pick me up.

Wild Oats

"Recipe:Grey Goose, Oat Milk, Cold brew, Cinnamon honey syrupPreparation:Served on the rocks and garnished with fresh oats and a cinnamon stick"

Do you have a favorite coffee cocktail? Is it a favorite after dinner drink?