10 Fantastic Iced Coffee Cocktail Recipes

From Espresso Martinis to Spiked Lattes, and Beyond

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/21/21

When you want a boozy drink with a caffeine kick, mix up an ice-cold coffee cocktail. Espresso martinis and alcoholic iced coffee recipes are filled with delicious flavors, from chocolate (for that irresistible mocha touch) to the sweet taste of vanilla and cream. They're fun, delicious, and easy to make, and these cold drinks are sure to keep you refreshed and awake through any party.

These recipes focus on freshly brewed, chilled coffee rather than coffee-flavored liquors. Many use a shot of espresso, while others require a strongly brewed coffee. A variety of alcohol goes very well with coffee, and you'll find recipes with vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey, so there's something for everyone's taste.

Featured Video
  • 01 of 10

    Espresso Martini

    Espresso Martini

    The Spruce 

    From simple to rather elaborate, there are many espresso martini recipes. This deliciously satisfying cocktail is one of the easiest, and it can quickly become your go-to favorite. Vodka goes very well with coffee, and all you need for this recipe is your favorite vodka, coffee liqueur, and crème de cacao. Shake those with an ounce of cold espresso, and a fantastic martini is yours to enjoy.

  • 02 of 10

    Bacchus Espresso Martini

    Espresso Martini
    Monty Rakusen / Getty Images

    If you prefer rum over vodka, this is the recipe for you. The Bacchus espresso martini requires just three ingredients: vanilla rum, Kahlúa (or the coffee liqueur of your choice), and a shot of strong coffee. The trio comes together spectacularly, and you'll fall for this one after the first sip.

    Tip

    Skip the drip brewer for cocktails. You'll get a richer, more flavorful coffee with other methods, like a pour-over brewer or French press. Cold-brew coffee works very well, too. If you don't want to invest in an espresso machine, use a stovetop option like a moka pot.

  • 03 of 10

    Chocolate Coffee Martini

    Chocotini
    sandoclr / Getty Images

    For a decadent take on the espresso martini, the chocolate coffee martini is an excellent choice. It's a little different but rivals all others in taste and satisfaction. The key ingredients are Irish cream, a lush chocolate liqueur, and a short shot of vodka (so it's a little lighter than most). The alcohol is topped with a healthy dose of cold-brew coffee and chocolate ice cream for a dreamy layered drink.

  • 04 of 10

    Coffee Old-Fashioned

    Coffee Old-Fashioned Cocktail

    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

    Try out a new twist on the timeless old-fashioned. A good bourbon whiskey is the foundation for this slow-sipping coffee old-fashioned. You'll then add a chocolate liqueur, a splash of simple syrup and water, and a shot of espresso. It's finished with orange bitters for a tantalizing contrast.

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Vanilla Latte

    Spiked Vanilla Latte
    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

    Lattes are fabulous and it's incredibly easy to transform that coffee house favorite into a happy hour delight. This iced vanilla latte recipe will require the best cup of coffee you can brew. You also don't need flavored syrup or milk for this latte. Instead, it uses vanilla vodka and a cream liqueur like RumChata or Irish cream.

  • 06 of 10

    Dorda Café

    Dorda Cafe - Dorda Double Chocolate Liqueur and Espresso Cocktail

    Dorda

    The Dorda café might be the ultimate indulgence among cold espresso cocktails, and the secret is to find a particular chocolate liqueur. Dorda Double Chocolate Liqueur is made with Chopin Vodka and real chocolate from a famous Polish chocolatier. Mix that yummy-as-it-sounds ingredient with amaretto and espresso, and be sure to top it with a heap of whipped cream or foamed milk. It's also excellent when served warm.

  • 07 of 10

    Baileys Irish Ice

    Baileys Irish Ice with Guinness Gelato

    Tom Pfeiffer / VolcanoDiscovery / Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Images

    While we're tempting all your deepest cravings, let's talk about the Baileys Irish ice recipe. On the alcohol side, this one's a lightweight because Baileys is the only liquor. The recipe is more about decadence as it blends iced coffee and gelato with the famous Irish cream. It's a soda fountain-inspired cocktail, and it's delicious.

    Fun Fact

    There's a classic recipe from the late 1800s called the coffee cocktail. While it's a stunning cognac and ruby port drink, it includes no coffee. Instead, it's designed to mimic coffee's taste and it's certainly an interesting experience you have to try at least once.

  • 08 of 10

    Wake the Dead

    Patron Tequila's Wake the Dead Shooter

    Patron Spirits

    If you experience the simultaneous desire for a shot of espresso and a shot of tequila, the wake the dead recipe is ideal. Drink it down in one gulp or enjoy it slowly on the rocks. Either way, it's a fun and simple drink of espresso and Patrón XO Cafe, a tequila-based coffee liqueur that is quite impressive. Shake those with a shot of silver tequila, and the party is ready to begin!

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Golden Cappuccino Martini

    Golden Cappuccino Martini

    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

    Expand the selection of iced coffee cocktails with recipes that use coffee-flavored liquors. As long as you retain the balance of flavors, brewed coffee can be an excellent substitute for coffee liqueur or espresso vodka. The drink will have a lighter alcohol content, but more caffeine.

    For instance, in a sweet cocktail like the golden cappuccino martini, replace the espresso vodka with unflavored vodka and add an ounce of cold-brew coffee. It's a great pairing for the recipe's original Galliano and cream.

  • 10 of 10

    Thai Iced Coffee

    Thai Iced Coffee

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    You can also spike a great coffee recipe, such as Thai iced coffee. The nonalcoholic version pairs strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk for a sweet, luscious drink. To give it a boozy kick, follow the approach of the spiked Thai iced tea recipe and replace a portion of the evaporated milk with 1 1/2 ounces of Irish cream and one ounce of aged rum or whiskey.