Coffee Liqueur

Coffee Liqueur is a rich and indulgent beverage that combines the bold flavors of freshly brewed coffee with a smooth, sweet liqueur base.

  • 5 min
  • Easy
  • Collins Glass
  • 5 ingredients
Hero bottle: Vodka →

Coffee Liqueur

Ingredients

1
  • Coffee10 tblsp instant
  • Vanilla extract4 tblsp
  • Sugar2½ cups
  • Vodka1 qt
  • Water2½ cups

Method

  1. Combine coffee, sugar and water.
  2. Simmer 1 hour and let cool.
  3. Add vanilla and vodka.
  4. Age in sealed jar 2 to 3 weeks.
Pin it

What you need

Nothing fancy. Here is what to look for. We earn a small cut if you buy through these links, at no cost to you.

Highball glasses

Tall and straight, 10 to 12 oz, with a heavy base.

See on Amazon ↗

A double jigger

Marked in oz and ml, with lines inside for the small measures.

See on Amazon ↗

The hero bottle

Vodka stands as the ultimate blank canvas in the spirits world, offering mixologists and home bartenders unparalleled versatility. Unlike whiskey's oak complexity or gin's botanical symphony, vodka's neutral character allows other ingredients to shine while providing a clean, smooth alcoholic backbone.

See 113 Vodka drinks

Where it comes from

The Coffee Liqueur cocktail celebrates the intersection of coffee culture and spirits, emerging from European coffee houses and bars during the 19th century. This drink represents the sophistication of coffee appreciation combined with mixology excellence. It became particularly popular in countries with strong coffee traditions and espresso bar culture.

Tips from the bar

  • Use quality coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa or homemade versions for authentic flavor
  • Serve slightly warmed or at room temperature to enhance coffee aromatics
  • Pair with fresh, aromatic coffee beans as garnish or preparation component

Twists worth trying

Coffee Liqueur with Cream
Adds heavy cream or Irish cream for richness and smoothness
Espresso-Forward Version
Uses fresh espresso shots for more intense coffee flavor and presence
Coffee Liqueur Shot
Simplifies to a straight spirit serve as a digestif

What to eat with it

  • Espresso cake
  • Tiramisu
  • Chocolate mousse
  • Biscotti
  • Coffee-flavored desserts

The finished drink

Coffee Liqueur

Questions

What is in a Coffee Liqueur?

A Coffee Liqueur is made with coffee, vanilla extract, sugar, vodka, water.

What glass do you use for a Coffee Liqueur?

Serve a Coffee Liqueur in a collins glass.

What does a Coffee Liqueur taste like?

Expect rich, sweet, coffee.

What can I make with Vodka?

We have 113 drinks built around Vodka. See them all on the Vodka page.

More with Vodka

Every Vodka drink →

One good drink, every Friday.

A recipe, a trick and the bottle worth buying next. No spam, and the unsubscribe link actually works.