Vodka And Coffee Cocktails - Covering The Classics, Some New Twists, And More

o coffee and vodka make a good pair?

You decide…

Coffee is a stimulant, whereas vodka is alcohol, making it a depressant.

Some folks advise against mixing the two as the stimulating effects of coffee can counteract the effects of alcohol. However, when drinking responsibly, this combo is fabulous - for a few good reasons:

• Vodka is a neutral ingredient, so mixing it with coffee will not alter the taste or smell of the drink (other than the taste of alcohol in and of itself).

• Because vodka is neutral, other flavors can easily be added to this liquor, some of which pair perfectly with coffee, such as vanilla, cream, spices, chocolate, caramel, hazelnut, etc.

• You can add vodka to cold or hot coffee and the taste is equally wonderful.

• Coffee liqueurs are commonly added to vodka; even some of the most famous coffee cocktails are made with vodka and coffee liqueur, which allows for the effortless addition of an extra dose of java.

• Even though some dark liquors, like whiskey, rum, and brandy are most commonly paired with coffee, vodka and coffee cocktails (such as an espresso martini) are uniquely some of the most elegant cocktails, often served at prestigious gatherings, boasting this combination as a highly palatable pairing.

So, what do you think?

Have you ever tried a vodka coffee cocktail?

Maybe an Espresso Martini, a Black Russian, White Russian, or Colorado Bulldog?

Whether this combination is familiar or brand new to you, today you’re in for a treat!

We’ll be looking at some classic cocktails as well as a few twists on these traditions.

Then, we’ll throw in some extras for fun, flavor, and flare!

Before we’re finished today, you’ll have 15 vodka and coffee cocktails to try, sip, and share.

So, get your cocktail shakers out, grab some vodka and your favorite Lifeboost coffee, and let’s get mixing…

Simple Tricks For Putting Tasty Twists On Classic Vodka-Coffee Cocktails

We’ve got a lot of fun, tasty, boozy vodka and coffee cocktails for you to try today!

First we’ll go over the classics, listing recipes for some traditional, time-honored vodka coffee cocktails.

Then, below each recipe we’ll show you how to incorporate a few simple changes for added flare and flavor.

But that’s not all!

Be sure to stick around for a few more treats as we’ll move past the classics to some fun and incredibly delicious vodka infused coffee cocktails that are sure to wow your tastebuds…and party guests, because if you ask me, coffee cocktails are best enjoyed with friends!

1- Espresso Martini

An espresso martini is a coffee cocktail classic - timeless, elegant, and delicious.

Soooo…don’t mess with it, right?

I guess if you’re a purist, you can stick to tradition, but if you’re looking to mix things up a bit, there are a few simple twists you can incorporate to better suit your palate.

Let’s start with a recipe for a traditional, espresso martini…

• 1-ounce (or 1 pulled shot) Lifeboost Espresso Coffee, cooled slightly
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur
• 2 ounces vodka
• 3 whole coffee beans (for garnish)
• Ice

- Add ice, espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka to a cocktail shaker.

- Cover and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. You’ll want to shake until you see frost begin to cover the outside of the shaker. (This will ensure you get a nice layer of foam on top of your cocktail.)

- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass, garnish with coffee beans, and enjoy!

Now for the upgrades…

Here’s a few tricks to slightly change the flavor of your espresso martini based on your preference or desire for some seasonal flare:

Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini

Follow the above recipe measurements and instructions exactly, but

• Use an orange flavored vodka in place of the regular vodka
• Use ½ ounce creme de cocoa and ½ ounce coffee liqueur instead of 1 full ounce of coffee liqueur
• If you’d like, you can also opt to add some extra flavor by garnishing with some shaved chocolate and orange peel.

Hazelnut Espresso Martini

Follow the original espresso martini measurements and instructions exactly, but

• Instead of using 2 ounces of vodka, use 1 ounce vodka and 1 ounce Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur

Creamy Vanilla Espresso Martini

Follow the original espresso martini measurements and instructions exactly, but

• Use Bailey’s in place of the coffee liqueur
• Instead of using 2 ounces of regular vodka, use 1-ounce regular vodka and 1-ounce vanilla vodka

2- Black Russian

Don’t let the name fool you, this classic cocktail actually has no ties to Russia, except for the use of vodka in its making.

Instead, this coffee infused drink was first made by a bartender in Belgium, crafted specifically for the ambassador to Luxembourg, a man known for hosting extravagant parties.

And this origin speaks to the wonder of this simple concoction - though the cocktail is made with only 2-3 ingredients, it pleased not only the ambassador, but his party guests and all who’ve sampled the drink for nearly 75 years since its first making.
Of course, as with the espresso martini above, we’re going to provide you with some simple exchanges to take this classic to the next level.

After all, you may be familiar with such a twist many already incorporate here…ever heard of a White Russian? This is simply a creamy take on a Black Russian.

See, change can be a good - and tasty - thing!

So, let’s get started with a recipe for a traditional Black Russian…

• 1-ounce cold brewed Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee
• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur
• Ice

- Add ice to a cocktail glass.

- Pour cold brew, vodka, and coffee liqueur over ice, stir gently to combine, and enjoy!

Now for a few twists…

White Russian

Follow the instructions and measurements for the above traditional Black Russian cocktail, but

• After you make your Black Russian cocktail, top the drink with 1-2 ounces of heavy whipping cream. You can gently pour this over the back of a spoon to top the drink, allowing for a layered look, or you can simply add the cream and gently swirl it into your cocktail.

Spiced Russian

Follow the instructions and measurements for a traditional Black Russian, but

• Substitute Spiced Vodka for regular vodka
• Use Lifeboost Pumpkin Spice Coffee instead of Dark Roast Coffee
• Add 1-2 ounces of heavy whipping cream (you can stir this in or let it incorporate as you enjoy your cocktail)

Russian Amaretto

Follow the instructions and measurements for a traditional Black Russian, but

• Use Lifeboost Amaretto Coffee instead of Dark Roast Coffee
• Use 1 ounce Amaretto in place of the coffee liqueur

3- Colorado Bulldog

The Colorado Bulldog is another cocktail that combines vodka and coffee, though this one has an extra twist with the addition of cream and cola.

Typically, the coffee component of this classic comes from coffee liqueur, though some folks add a bit of coffee to the drink as well to accentuate the java flavors. Okay, it’s us, we’re “some folks.”

With the addition of cola in this cocktail, coming up with a few tasty twists may seem a bit complicated, unless you’re a fan of flavored colas, that is!

So, stick around for a velvety twist on this cocktail classic after we list out the following details for making an original Colorado Bulldog…

• 1-ounce cold brewed Lifeboost Medium Roast Coffee
• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce Kahlua
• 1-ounce heavy cream
• 1 small splash of cola
• Ice

- Add ice to a cocktail glass and top with cold brew, vodka, and Kahlua.

- Stir gently to combine ingredients, then add heavy cream.

- Top with a splash of cola and enjoy!

Now to incorporate a velvety upgrade…

Vanilla Colorado Bulldog

Follow the instructions and measurements for a classic Colorado Bulldog, but

• Use Lifeboost French Vanilla Coffee instead of Medium Roast Coffee
• Opt for vanilla vodka in place of regular vodka
• If desired, swap regular cola for vanilla cola

Chef’s Kiss - 5 Creative Vodka-Coffee Cocktails

1- Hold Up HoCho!

Forget your traditional hot chocolate.

Forget any attempts at adding a little bit of coffee to your traditional hot chocolate.

And, forget any attempts to add a little booze to this winter-time concoction as well.

Why?

Because this drink is where it’s at! (Complete with two turntables and a microphone!)

This marvelous mug-filler combines vanilla vodka, mocha infused coffee, chocolate infused liqueur, coffee infused liqueur…then add a little whipped cream on top and you’ve got a sinfully divine mixture of all the best flavors in one decadent drink!

*Note: You can use your own hot chocolate recipe or check out the included homemade hot chocolate recipe listed directly under the cocktail instructions.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces freshly brewed Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee or Lifeboost Double Dark Mocha Coffee
• 6 ounces hot chocolate
• 1 ounce Kahlua Mocha
• 1-ounce vanilla vodka
• Whipped cream, for garnish
• Shaved chocolate, for garnish

Instructions

• Add freshly brewed coffee, hot chocolate, Kahlua, and vanilla vodka to a large mug, stirring to combine.
• Top with whipped cream. Add shaved chocolate for garnish and enjoy!

Homemade Hot Chocolate

• 4 cups milk
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Add milk, cocoa powder, and sugar to a medium saucepan and heat over medium to medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until warmed through.

Add chocolate chips and whisk continually until the chocolate chips melt and distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

Whisk in vanilla extract and serve immediately.

2- Hoosier Horse

You’ve heard of a Moscow Mule, right?

Well, this classic vodka infused cocktail doesn’t contain coffee, so we decided to come up with our own cocktail. And, let me just say…YUM!

A traditional moscow mule contains vodka, ginger beer, and lime.

We decided to keep the vodka, but we added coffee (of course) in place of the ginger beer and topped it with a touch of whipped cream and caramel for a touch of sweetness and a hint of fall/winter.

So, without further ado, let me introduce you to the Hoosier Horse!

Ingredients

• 2 ounces caramel vodka
• 2 ounces cold brewed Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee or Lifeboost Caramel Macchiato Coffee
• Ice
• Whipped cream, for garnish
• Caramel sauce, for garnish

Instructions

• Add ice to a glass and top with caramel vodka and cold brew, stir gently to combine.
• Top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce, enjoy!

3- PSLVCC

No, that’s not a futuristic Super Bowl numeric abbreviation…it’s just a PSL turned VCC.

In other words - a pumpkin spice latte vodka coffee cocktail.

So, put on your favorite fall or Halloween movie and cozy up with this incredibly delicious boozy PSL for some serious autumn vibes!

Ingredients

• 2 ounces cold brewed Lifeboost Pumpkin Spice Coffee
• 1 ½ ounces vodka
• 1 ounce Kahlua
• 2 ounces pumpkin spice creamer (see homemade recipe below)
• Cinnamon, optional for dusting
• Ice

Instructions

• Add ice to a tall glass, then pour in cold brew, vodka, and kahlua, stirring to combine.
• Add pumpkin spice creamer to a separate glass, and froth with a handheld frother.
• Pour frothed pumpkin spice creamer over the cocktail, dust with ground cinnamon, and enjoy!

*If you’d prefer a warm and cozy cocktail, you can make this hot as well. Simply omit the ice, then use freshly brewed Lifeboost Pumpkin Spice Coffee.

When it comes time to add the pumpkin spice creamer, you can either add this directly to the cocktail and stir it in, or you can add it to an electric frother, then froth on the warm setting. Top your warm cocktail with the frothed creamer, dust with cinnamon, and enjoy!

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer

• 1 ½ cups half and half (or heavy cream for a thick and rich creamer)
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree
• 2-4 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

Combine all ingredients, except for the vanilla, in a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil over medium heat and whisk frequently to avoid scorching.

Once the mixture begins to boil, cook for one minute (whisking frequently).

Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding vanilla.

Stir to combine, then use immediately in hot coffee, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

4- Cinful Sentiments

Sinful isn’t always a bad thing, especially when you’re talking about combining cinnamon and coffee…or cinnamon and vodka…or cinnamon and coffee and vodka!

Perfect for fall, winter, or any breakfast or brunch where you’d like to wow your guests (and your own taste buds) with these warm and spicy flavors.

*Note: You’ll notice the coffee component lists 2-4 ounces. If you like a very strong, boozy drink, opt for less coffee. But, if you prefer more java flavor, go for the full 4 ounces.

Ingredients

• 2-4 ounces freshly brewed Lifeboost Cinnamon Cappuccino Coffee or Lifeboost Frosted Cinnamon Roll Coffee
• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur
• 1-ounce cinnamon schnapps
• Whipped cream, for garnish
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions

• Pour freshly brewed coffee into your favorite mug.
• Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and cinnamon schnapps to the coffee, and stir to combine.
• Top with whipped cream, add a cinnamon stick for garnish, and enjoy!

5- Not Your Momma’s Dirty Chai

A dirty chai combines chai tea, espresso, and steamed milk, here the coffee component making this spiced classic dirty.

But this drink is no ordinary dirty chai, elevated by the addition of vodka and both coffee and vanilla liqueurs for a boozy take on this tasty drink.

Ingredients

• 1-ounce (or one pulled shot) Lifeboost Espresso Coffee
• 1 ounce chai tea concentrate (see recipe below for homemade option)
• 2 ounces vodka
• ½ ounce vanilla liqueur
• ½ ounce coffee liqueur
• ½ ounce heavy cream
• Cinnamon stick, or star anise, for garnish
• Ice

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, combine ice, vodka, vanilla liqueur, coffee liqueur, espresso, cream, and chai concentrate.
• Shake vigorously, then strain the mixture into a martini glass.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise and enjoy!

Homemade Chai Concentrate

• 4 cups filtered water
• 13 bags chai black tea
• ¼ cup organic cane sugar

Prepare tea bags by removing any tags, then tie the strings together (this will make it easier when steeping).

Heat water and tea bags in a medium saucepan over high heat, bringing to a boil.

Once the water begins to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and discard tea bags.
Add sugar and stir until fully dissolved.

Allow the mixture to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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* Bonus *

Many of the recipes we included here today called for coffee liqueur or Kahlua.

While store bought versions of this boozy add-in are great, if you’re looking to make your own coffee liqueur, this recipe is super simple and delicious, making it a great homemade option for all your coffee cocktail needs!

Homemade Coffee Liqueur

• 2 ½ cups strongly brewed Lifeboost Medium Roast Coffee
• 4 cups organic cane sugar
• 2 ¼ cups aged rum
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Stir sugar and hot coffee together until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Allow the mixture to cool completely, then add rum and vanilla.

Store in an airtight container.

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Espresso.

References:

https://www.foodandwine.com/espresso-martini-6826944

https://www.themixer.com/en-us/learn/espresso-martini-variations/#

https://foodieandwine.com/espresso-martini/

https://www.liquor.com/recipes/black-russian/

https://www.inspiredtaste.net/8075/white-russian-recipe/

https://bevvy.co/cocktail/colorado-bulldog/cor

https://intoxicologist.net/2012/02/snowcap/

https://celebratingsweets.com/homemade-hot-chocolate/#recipe

https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Iced-caramel-coffee-354399

https://felenevodka.com/top-10-fall-vodka-cocktail-recipes-savor-autumn-with-these-flavorful-mixes/#

https://casualfoodist.com/homemade-pumpkin-spice-coffee-creamer/

https://lovemischka.com/how-to-make-chai-concentrate-from-tea-bags/

https://veganinthefreezer.com/homemade-kahlua/