Recipe
Spiced coffee cocktails for your next dinner party
Spiced coffee cocktails combine the bitterness of a good espresso with warm spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and chilli. They're perfect as a digestif after a dinner party: surprising, festive, and just that bit different from the classic coffee-with-a-chocolate. Below you'll find 3 recipes you can put straight on the table.
Why spiced coffee cocktails are perfect for a dinner party
Coffee and spices bring out the best in each other: the bitterness of espresso balances the sweetness of syrup or liqueur, while cinnamon, cardamom or chilli add a warm depth. Served after dessert, they replace both the coffee and the closing drink in one go, perfect for a dinner party where you want to surprise your guests without extra effort.
3 spiced coffee cocktails to serve
1. Spiced Espresso Martini
A classic with a spiced twist.
You'll need (per glass):
- 50 ml vodka
- 25 ml coffee liqueur
- 1 shot fresh espresso (try our Mentally Oflline), cooled
- A pinch of ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
- Ice cubes
Method: Shake all the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker until well chilled and frothy. Strain into a chilled martini glass and finish with a pinch of cinnamon or three coffee beans.
2. Mexican coffee with cinnamon and chilli
For anyone who likes a fiery finish.
You'll need (per glass):
- 40 ml tequila or mezcal
- 100 ml hot espresso or strong coffee (try our Somewhere Soft)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or agave syrup
- A pinch of chilli powder
- 1 cinnamon stick
Method: Dissolve the sugar in the hot coffee, add the tequila and chilli powder, and stir well. Serve in a glass mug with the cinnamon stick as a stirrer.
3. Cardamom Irish coffee
A winter classic with a spiced accent.
You'll need (per glass):
- 40 ml Irish whiskey
- 100 ml hot, strong coffee
- 1 teaspoon cane sugar
- 2 crushed cardamom pods
- Lightly whipped cream
Method: Let the cardamom pods steep in the hot coffee for 5 minutes. Add the whiskey and sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Pour into a glass and top with a layer of lightly whipped cream, so it floats on top of the coffee.
Tips from Not Now Coffee
- Always use freshly brewed, strong coffee or espresso: the fuller the flavour, the better it stands up to the spices and alcohol.
- Play around with the amount of spice: start cautiously with chilli or cinnamon and taste as you go.
- Serve in pre-warmed or chilled glasses (depending on the recipe) for the best result.
FAQ about coffee cocktails
Which coffee is best for a coffee cocktail? A full-bodied, slightly spiced coffee such as a medium to dark roast works best, as it holds up well against the flavours of alcohol and spice without getting lost.
Can I make coffee cocktails alcohol-free? Yes, simply swap the alcohol for a non-alcoholic liqueur or extra syrup, keeping the spices and espresso for the same flavour profile.
Which spices pair well with coffee? Cinnamon, cardamom, chilli, nutmeg and cloves are classic combinations that bring out coffee's natural chocolate and nutty notes.
Fancy experimenting yourself? Discover our coffees for cocktails and surprise your guests at your next dinner party.
