How to Make Coffee Cocktails at Home: 5 Easy Recipes for Coffee Lovers

Coffee and cocktails are a match made in heaven. The bold, complex flavors of specialty coffee can elevate classic cocktails, adding depth, bitterness, and a touch of sophistication. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking to unwind after a long day, coffee cocktails are a delightful way to enjoy your favorite brew in a new form.

In this guide, we'll walk you through five easy coffee cocktail recipes that you can whip up at home using ingredients you probably already have. We'll also share tips on choosing the right coffee, from our House Roast, Original Blend for a balanced espresso to our Gajah Mountain, Sumatra for a bold, earthy cold brew. Let's shake things up.

1. The Classic Espresso Martini

The espresso martini is the undisputed king of coffee cocktails. It's creamy, caffeinated, and surprisingly simple to make. You'll need freshly brewed espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa), and a touch of simple syrup. Shake everything with ice until frosty, then strain into a chilled martini glass.

For the best results, use a freshly pulled double shot of espresso from our House Roast, Original Blend. Its balanced medium roast provides a smooth, chocolatey base that complements the spirits perfectly. Garnish with three coffee beans for a classic presentation.

• Tip: Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep your martini cold longer.

2. Cold Brew Old Fashioned

This twist on the classic Old Fashioned swaps out water for cold brew concentrate, adding a rich, smooth coffee flavor. Muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters, add ice, a shot of bourbon or rye whiskey, and top with cold brew concentrate. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel.

Our Gajah Mountain, Sumatra is an excellent choice for cold brew due to its low acidity and full body. The earthy, herbal notes of this single origin complement the whiskey's vanilla and oak tones beautifully. Brew it cold for 12–16 hours for a concentrate that's not too bitter.

• Tip: Use a large ice cube to slow dilution and keep your drink strong.

3. Espresso Negroni

The Negroni gets a caffeinated upgrade with the addition of a shot of espresso. Combine equal parts gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and a double shot of espresso in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.

The bitterness of the Campari and the coffee from our Timana, Colombia create a complex, layered cocktail. This single origin's bright acidity and fruity notes cut through the herbal flavors, making for a surprisingly balanced drink. It's perfect for adventurous palates.

• Tip: If you prefer a sweeter Negroni, add a bar spoon of simple syrup.

4. Iced Coffee with Baileys and Whiskey

For a cozy yet refreshing treat, try this Irish coffee-inspired cocktail. Fill a glass with ice, add a shot of Irish whiskey, a generous pour of Baileys Irish Cream, and top with cold brew or strong iced coffee. Stir gently and finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.

Our Decaf, Blend works wonderfully here if you want the flavor without the caffeine jitters late at night. It's a rich, chocolatey decaf that holds its own against the creamy liqueur. Alternatively, use our House Roast, Original Blend for a full-caffeine version.

• Tip: For a dairy-free version, use oat milk-based cream liqueur and coconut whipped cream.

5. Coffee Sour with Egg White

A coffee sour is a sophisticated, silky cocktail that showcases the versatility of espresso. Combine a double shot of espresso, 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz of simple syrup, and one egg white in a shaker. Dry shake (without ice) for 10 seconds, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a few drops of Angostura bitters swirled through the foam.

The bright acidity of our Community, Blend works beautifully here, as its well-rounded profile balances the tart lemon and sweet syrup. The egg white creates a luxurious foam that makes every sip feel indulgent. This recipe is sure to impress at your next gathering.

• Tip: Use fresh, pasteurized egg whites to ensure safety and the best foam.

Coffee cocktails are a fantastic way to explore the depth of specialty coffee while enjoying a fun, social drink. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of an espresso martini or the boldness of a cold brew old fashioned, the key is starting with quality coffee. For your next coffee cocktail adventure, grab a bag of our House Roast, Original Blend—it's the perfect all-rounder for both espresso and cold brew-based drinks.