Food

Which Alcohol Goes Best With Coffee? 8 Ways To Kick Your Coffee Up A Notch

A winning combination.

by Kat Kuehl and Syeda Khaula Saad
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Professional barista preparing coffee using chemex pour over coffee maker and drip kettle. Alternati...
Shutterstock

You can't live without your hot mug of coffee in the morning. But, if you're thinking of enjoying your caffeine boost with a little kick, you might be trying to figure out which alcohol goes best with coffee, especially during the cold, brutal winter. Give me all of the boozy hot chocolate. Bring on the apple cider cocktails. These hot beverages are not only perfect for a cozy night in, but they're also sure to warm you up when tailgating at outdoor sporting events, or even participating in a winter sport like skiing or snowboarding. Although, if you're hitting the slopes, I recommend alcohol in moderation. Safety first, people.

Even if you don't plan to use hot coffee in your cocktails in favor of using a refreshing iced version, the bold flavor of coffee makes the perfect addition to tons of different beverages. That's right, combining cocktails and booze goes way beyond that standard Irish coffee. There are plenty of innovative and delicious recipes that are sure to have you falling in love with that cup of joe all over again.

Check out these ideas, and prepare to find your new favorite drink. Because you really don't need me to tell you that coffee and booze is a winning combination.

1. Vodka

Greatist/Yummly

If you're anything like me, the idea of mixing vodka and coffee immediately makes you pull a face. But, hear me out. With this simple syrup, coconut milk, coffee, and vodka Spiked Coco Coffee is rich, robust, and delicious.

2. Rum

A Farm Girl's Dabbles/Yummly

I'm sure you've already heard of mixing rum and coffee. This recipe adds spices like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves for a more complex flavor profile that will warm you up this season.

3. Hazelnut Liqueur

Sara B / FOAP/foap/Getty Images

Coffee and hazelnut are a perfect pair. And if you add in some alcohol, you're set. So, it's really no surprise that this creamy boozy iced coffee from Averie Cooks looks nothing short of delicious. Topped with some whipped cream and chocolate shavings, this drink is positively decadent.

4. Bourbon

Busy Being Jennifer/Yummly

This kicked-up latte from Busy Being Jennifer has extra bold coffee, maple syrup, vanilla, and — of course — bourbon. With whipped cream and a sprinkling of brown sugar, coffee cocktails don't get much better than this.

5. Kahlúa

Loving It Vegan/Yummly

You had to know that this coffee-flavored liqueur would appear somewhere on the list. After all, what could be better than mixing coffee with more coffee? This iced beverage from Loving It Vegan which features Kahlúa, is sure to give you that kick you need.

6. Whiskey

52 Kitchen Adventures/Yummly

Of course, you could always opt for the standard Baileys, with its combination of cream and whiskey. But, if you're craving a little something extra, give this recipe from 52 Kitchen Adventures a try.

7. Tequila

Creative Culinary/Yummly

Tequila is one booze you might not have thought of mixing with coffee. It seems more well-suited for margaritas. But, with coffee, cream, and cinnamon sugar, there's no denying that this drink from Creative Culinary sounds absolutely delicious.

8. Brandy

REDA&CO/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

This spiked coffee recipe from Williams Sonoma includes brandy for an added punch. Even if you don’t typically reach for brandy, the creaminess and coffee main notes are sure to please.

This article was originally published on