Coffee and cocktails are a match made in heaven, offering a well-balanced blend of full-bodied flavour plus spirited spice to power you through any season. Perfect for a caffeine kick to keep you going at the beginning of a big night out, these flavourful coffee cocktail recipes are sure to impress.

Whether you’re a coffee fanatic or you simply fancy adding a splash of excitement to your coffee drinking routine, these coffee cocktails will delight your taste buds and keep the buzz alive all evening long. And if you’re sensitive to caffeine, just swap to decaf coffee – it’s equally as delicious (especially Pennington’s Swiss Water Decaffeinated ground coffee).

From coffee liqueur cocktails to coffee cocktails that use freshly brewed espresso coffee, we’ve put together a list of our favourite cocktails with coffee that are sure to keep the party going. Read on for some delicious inspiration and try your hand at cocktail-making from home!

Espresso Martini

If you’re a coffee lover you’ve got to try this classic Espresso Martini recipe.

An Espresso Martini is a delicious and energising chilled coffee cocktail that combines the rich flavours of freshly brewed espresso and the smoothness of vodka. It offers the perfect blend of sweetness, bitterness and a kick of caffeine.

Using our best Espresso Martini recipe, first brew a shot of espresso and let it cool (this can be done using an espresso coffee machine or stovetop espresso maker). Then in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 50ml vodka, 35ml coffee liqueur, 25ml freshly brewed espresso and 15ml simple syrup (a liquid sweetener made by dissolving one part sugar in one part water). Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, holding the lid of the shaker to make sure it is secure. Next, pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with coffee beans for an extra touch of elegance.

Top tip: the key to getting the creamy top on your Espresso Martini is using freshly brewed espresso coffee (Pennington’s coffee blends are the best) and shaking the cocktail for a full 15 seconds. Then shake the cocktail shaker as you’re pouring out your martini to get all the delicious foam out.

Espresso Martini Recipe (serves 1):

• 50ml vodka
• 35ml coffee liqueur
• 25ml freshly brewed espresso coffee
• 15ml simple syrup
• Ice
• Coffee beans to garnish (optional)

Espresso Martini with Baileys

A luxurious twist on the classic Espresso Martini, prepare to be wowed by this Baileys Espresso Martini recipe.

As you might’ve guessed by its name, a Baileys Espresso Martini is an adaptation of the classic Espresso Martini. And, oh boy, it doesn’t disappoint. Imagine the rich flavours of freshly brewed espresso coffee, the smoothness of vodka and the creamy sweetness of Baileys Original Irish Cream all combined in one indulgent drink.

That being said, if you haven’t got a sweet tooth… this coffee cocktail might not be for you. But if you’re anything like us, this delicious Espresso Martini recipe with Baileys is right up your street.

To make an Espresso Martini with Baileys, first brew a shot of espresso and let it cool. Then in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 50ml Baileys Original Irish Cream, 25ml freshly brewed espresso coffee and 25ml vodka and shake until the container becomes frosty. Finally, pour the velvety cocktail mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with whole coffee beans. Ta-da!

Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe (serves 1):

• 50ml Baileys Original Irish Cream
• 25ml freshly brewed espresso coffee
• 25ml vodka
• Ice
• Coffee beans to garnish (optional)

White Russian

For those who enjoy a smooth and indulgent cocktail, try this creamy White Russian cocktail recipe.

The White Russian is a decadent 3-ingredient cocktail, combining vodka, coffee liqueur and single cream. When combined, these ingredients make a creamy, dessert-like drink that can only be described as delicious. If you like sweet coffee-flavoured foods and coffee desserts, you will like this White Russian cocktail recipe.

To make a White Russian cocktail, simply add 60ml vodka, 30ml coffee liqueur to a short glass filled with ice. Top with 30ml single cream and stir well before serving.

Top tip: if possible, use quality ice in this White Russian cocktail recipe that melts slowly. That could mean large or dense pieces of ice rather than shard-like bits from a standard freezer’s ice maker as they melt quickly and will dilute the drink.

White Russian Recipe:

• 60ml vodka
• 30ml coffee liqueur
• 30ml single cream
• Ice
• Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

Black Russian

If you’re craving that unmistakable coffee flavour but without the addition of overly sweet ingredients, try this Black Russian drink recipe.

The Black Russian is a delicious cocktail with coffee liqueur which follows the same base as the widely popular White Russian but without cream. Though seemingly basic, this two-ingredient coffee cocktail offers a perfectly balanced flavour palate, combining the smoothness of vodka and unmistakeable aromatic taste of coffee liqueur. It’s a perfect after dinner dessert cocktail, especially when garnished with an orange slice or maraschino cherry.

To make a Black Russian cocktail, add 60ml vodka and 30ml coffee liqueur into a short glass with ice then stir and serve… that’s it.

Black Russian Recipe:

• 60ml vodka
• 30ml coffee liqueur
• Ice

Irish Coffee

A totally iconic coffee cocktail, the Irish Coffee combines smooth Irish whiskey with rich black coffee that’s sweetened and topped with cream. Irish Coffee is typically enjoyed as a mid-morning or afternoon drink. It warms you up and creates a wonderful feeling of cosiness.

To make this classic Irish Coffee recipe, begin by vigorously whisking 2tbsp double cream until it is light and fluffy and put to the side. Add 1tsp brown sugar into a warm Irish coffee glass, mug, or other heatproof glass. Add 150ml freshly brewed black Penningtons coffee and 50ml Irish whiskey. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Float the lightly whipped doubled cream on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon.

Top tip: don’t stir! Irish coffee is best drunk through the cream.

Irish Coffee Recipe:

• 150ml freshly brewed black coffee
• 50ml Irish whiskey
• 2tbsp double cream
• 1tsp brown sugar
• Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

That brings us to the end of our coffee cocktail-spiration. So, if coffee and cocktails are your thing we hope you give these tasty recipes a go at home. All the recipes listed above serve 1 so feel free to multiply the measurements depending on the number of guests you are serving. And remember, Penington’s flavourful roasted coffee is the perfect partner for all these coffee cocktail recipes.