Amber Dias brews up some cocktails with a kick – of the caffeinated variety.

Coffee and spirits, a pairing that you either love or don’t, but if trends are anything to go by, people certainly seem to be leaning towards the former. Coffee cocktails continue to rise in popularity, melding the bold flavours of rich, aromatic coffee with the complexity of alcohol. Whether it’s a warming Espresso Martini or a refreshing cold brew cocktail, these concoctions offer a unique drinking experience.

Where It All Began

The concept of mixing coffee with spirits isn’t new, it has been a common occurrence across various cultures long before becoming a mainstream trend. The earliest mention of a coffee cocktail, however, is the Irish Coffee, reportedly created in the 1940s by Joe Sheridan, a chef in Ireland. As the story goes, Sheridan served it to help warm passengers, at the airbase he worked at, on a cold winter night, combining hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and cream. The drink’s popularity grew exponentially after being introduced to the US.

Despite its early iterations, the coffee cocktail remained relatively niche until the 1980s when the Espresso Martini burst onto the scene. It was crafted by British bartender Dick Bradsell in London after a patron requested a drink that would “wake me up and mess me up.” He combined vodka, freshly brewed espresso, coffee liqueur, and a touch of sugar, resulting in a smooth yet energising cocktail that soon became a staple at bars worldwide.

Mixin’ It Up

While the Irish Coffee and Espresso Martini remain staples, today’s coffee cocktail scene offers a staggering variety of creative interpretations, thanks to the blending of global flavours and techniques. Coffee cocktails range from indulgent dessert-like drinks to sophisticated concoctions with complex layers of flavour. Some popular variations include:

Cold Brew Negroni

This variation on the classic Negroni replaces the gin with cold brew coffee. The result is a balanced and bittersweet cocktail, the deep, earthy flavours of the coffee perfectly complementing the bitterness of the Campari.

Coffee Old Fashioned

Adding coffee to the timeless Old Fashioned gives it an interesting edge. Bourbon or rye whiskey is mixed with coffee liqueur or espresso, sugar, and bitters. This cocktail tends to be rich and more robust, adding layers of warmth to the classic drink.

Carajillo

This traditional Spanish drink, typically made with espresso and Licor 43, is a prime example of the global coffee cocktail trend. It is simple, flavourful, and typically served over ice.

Popular Coffee Liqueurs

Baileys Irish Cream

Kahlua Original Coffee Liqueur

Mr Black Cold Brew Liqueur

Mozart Chocolate Coffee Liqueur

Jameson Cold Brew Whiskey

Licor43 Bistro

The Coffee Craze

Why are coffee cocktails so popular? The first reason is that the coffee culture has grown massively in the last few decades and there doesn’t seem to be any dip in people showing their love for a cup o’ joy. Its growing popularity clicked with bartenders as a potential ingredient to experiment with. Now that’s a move that paid off. With the rise of cold brew, nitro coffee, and single-origin beans, coffee is no longer just a morning staple — it’s become a drink that connoisseurs want to experience at any time of day, including in the evening at cocktail hour. Coffee cocktails allow bartenders to showcase their creativity and skill, aligning with the increasing demand for unique, artisanal drinks.

Secondly, parallel to the evolution of coffee, there’s been a revolution in the craft cocktail scene. Coffee’s complex flavour profile — from its bitterness and acidity to its potential for sweetness and richness — offers endless opportunities for mixologists to create innovative, multi-dimensional drinks. These cocktails appeal to those who enjoy a layered taste experience, blending the energy-boosting qualities of coffee with the relaxing effects

of alcohol.

Another potential reason is the increasing consumer focus on functionality in beverages. Coffee, with its natural caffeine content, adds an extra boost of energy to cocktails, making it an appealing option for people who want to stay energised while they enjoy a drink.

Must-Try Coffee Cocktails

Espresso Martini

White Russian

Affogato Martini

Alpine Brew

Bushwacker

Mudslide

Cold Brew Sangria

Dalgona Martini

Brew Rules

Here’s a few things to remember when mixing up some coffee cocktails.

• Start with good quality coffee that has a rich flavour. If you’re working with powerful flavours or combining heavier chocolate, caramel or vanilla flavours, then choose a much darker roast.
• Choose the right spirit to pair with your coffee – be it whiskey, vodka or even

a liqueur.

• Mix with precision. Avoid using more alcohol than coffee. Find the right balance so that one doesn’t overpower the other.
• Cream, sugar, and spices work beautifully with these cocktails. Just be sure to be precise when introducing add-ons.

Coffeelicious

Coffee cocktails have successfully carved out a niche in both the coffee and cocktail worlds, offering a harmonious blend of flavour, creativity, and versatility. From their historical roots in classics like Irish Coffee to the modern-day Espresso Martini craze, these drinks continue to evolve. Their adaptability across seasons, combined with their aesthetic appeal and functional caffeine boost, makes them a favourite among both casual drinkers and connoisseurs. So, have you jumped on the coffee express yet?!