20 BEST LIQUORS FOR COFFEE

Here you’ll find a list of the 20 best liquors for coffee. Nothing warms you up quite like a shot of something boozy in your coffee cup. Coffee and liquor are a match made in heaven. No matter the roast, blend, or specialty brew, there’s a liquor out there that’s the ideal mate.

However, every mixologist will tell you certain mixes work much better than others. For instance, dark liquors will do well for a quick spiked coffee. But when you throw in fancy liqueurs, or even sugar and cream, there’s a bit more to achieve a winning combination.

From basic mixes to fancy libations, there’s a coffee and liquor pairing here for everyone to enjoy.  So, you wonder, What alcohol goes with hot coffee?  Read on.
 

1. KAHLUA 

From Irish coffees to white Russians, you can’t go wrong with a splash of Kahlua in your drink. Coffee and Kahlua were ideally made for one another.  This Mexican coffee-flavored liqueur features a sweet blend of rum and arabica beans that pairs phenomenally with medium to dark roasts.

Some may think the addition of this liqueur will create an overpoweringly coffee-flavored concoction, but it’s not the case. Kahlua adds a creamy body and rich sweet vanilla taste that seamlessly enhances the flavor of the coffee.
 

2. WHISKEY : BEST WHISKEY TO PUT IN COFFEE (JAMESON)

Whether you prefer your whiskey with an “e” or without, either is a fine choice for a strong drip coffee. Whiskey has a range of flavors, from caramel to oak. All of which complement coffee in their own way.

Just note, if you’re making an Irish coffee, you better stick with the “e” and opt for a brand like Jameson or Tullamore D.E.W… Smooth and versatile, these Irish whiskeys make for a fine coffee drink.
 

3. BOURBON

Ah bourbon, my good old friend. This liquor has many uses and one of which is a stiff coffee drink. You can also use it to create a Kentucky coffee which is like the American version of Irish coffee.

Many get confused when it comes to the bourbon and whiskey world. To put it simply, bourbon is a type of whiskey, not the other way around. What distinguishes it among others is that it’s an American whiskey required by law to be made with at least 51 percent corn mash.

Take a ride on the Kentucky bourbon trail, and you’ll find many coffee-worthy brands. However, Bulleit is the best in my humble opinion, but to each their own.
 

4. BRANDY: BEST BRANDY FOR COFFEE (CHRISTIAN BROTHERS)

Another fine liquor to pair with your coffee is brandy. Brandy is a popular digestif that makes for a superb after-dinner sipper. So you can imagine how smashing a shot will taste in your coffee.

Brandy is sweeter than whiskey and tends to have notes of citrus and dried fruit. Obviously, this will vary from brand to brand. But regardless, the sweeter intensity makes it far less likely that you’ll want to add in sugar. However, a little cream will certainly do.

If you’re in the mood for something fancy, you can doctor up your coffee brandy Alexander style by adding in creme de cocoa, cream, and brandy.
 

5. BAILEY’S IRISH CREAM: (BEST CREAM LIQUEUR FOR COFFEE)

Bailey’s is another treat made for coffee. Add a splash, and you won’t even need sugar and cream. This Irish liqueur is already super creamy and tasty to boot. Bailey’s is made from a blend of cream, cocoa, and Irish whiskey, all of the best ingredients to pour into a coffee. This stuff is so divine you could probably drink it on the rocks.

But keep in mind it’s very rich, which makes it an excellent boozy choice for cutting through the bitterness of any coffee blend.
 

6. AMARETTO

Nutty and sweet, amaretto pairs particularly well with a light coffee roast. This almond-flavored Italian liqueur is lower in A.B.V. than hard liquors like whiskey. It’s also noticeably sweeter, making it fit for dessert.

Whether you like your coffee with cream, milk, or plain, amaretto pairs well with it all. With this liqueur, you don’t need much to make a tasty coffee cocktail.

One easy way to turn this luscious liqueur into a delicious dessert is to pour it in hot coffee and top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.  It also pairs impeccably with creamy specialty coffee drinks like breves and lattes.
 

7. FRANGELICO

Are you a hazelnut latte fan? Next time you want a hard coffee, try this spirit in your drink. Frangelico is an Italian hazelnut liqueur that’s similar to amaretto in terms of being nutty and sweet.

It goes excellent with lattes, but the list of coffee uses doesn’t stop there. From light to dark, you can pair this liqueur with any roast. It’s terrific for sweetening up an Irish coffee and an excellent addition to rich mochas.
 

8. CHAMBORD

Chambord is a unique French liqueur that’s made with raspberries. The flavor is vibrant and fruity with notes of vanilla and citrus. It’s commonly used in a wide range of cocktails, including martinis and brambles.

Cognac-based, Chambord isn’t your styrofoam cup kind of coffee mixer. This premium liquor is elegant and refined, making it a better match for fancy glasses of small-batch roasts that cost top dollar.
 

9. Rum

Then there’s rum. From inexpensive to pricey, rum is suitable for any coffee cup. Spiked rum coffee is a delightful treat that doesn’t take more than a splash or two.

But I’d be lying if I said it’s hard not to go heavy-handed with this stuff. You can pour it in a plain cup of coffee or whip up a specialty coffee cocktail.

One of my favorite ways to pair rum with coffee is to mix up the flavors. Spiced rum like Captain Morgan and coconut rum like Malibu add their own unique twist to a cup of coffee.

Sticking with an island theme, choose an arabica roast from Jamaica or Cuba for a taste of the Caribbean. Brands like Jamaica Blue Mountain and Mayorga Organico Cubano offer an authentic quality with the finest Caribbean rums.
 

10. GRAND MARNIER

In the triple sec world, it doesn’t get any better than Grand Marnier. It will add a bright, bold hint of sweet orange to any drink. There are also some bitter and vanilla notes mixed in.

From plain coffee to cocktails, Grand Marnier can be used in just about any coffee drink. If you want to make it a stiff one, pair it with some bourbon or whiskey as well.

But be forewarned; unlike some other liqueurs, this stuff is strong. I recommend pouring slowly until you find the ratios that suit you. This one is an after-dinner sipper indeed.
 

11. GODIVA CHOCOLATE LIQUOR

Godiva chocolate liquor is right at home swimming in coffee. Velvety smooth and rich in cocoa, Godiva is the epitome of decadence.

It’s great for mixing up a dessert coffee and pairs well with brunch. I like to keep a bottle on hand for the holidays for an extra special treat.

For the diehard Godiva fans, you can pair this with any of their coffee varieties. Try chocolate truffle for something decadent or hazelnut for a nutty kick. Of course, this also blends harmoniously with their caramel roast.

Speaking of variety, this spirit comes in three flavors: white chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate.

Whether you’re the type who likes sweet mochas or mere chocolate notes, every chocolate lover can appreciate a shot of this in their coffee.
 

12. KAPALI COFFEE LIQUEUR

Kapali is another tantalizing coffee liqueur. This cordial harkens from Mexico and ranks among the best-selling in the U.S.A. It’s made from coffee beans and vanilla that’s all grown in Mexico.

The sweet taste of chocolate and coffee is a no-brainer for a coffee accompaniment. What may not be so apparent is how perfectly it pairs with a White Russian.

Take your favorite cold brew and mix in two parts vodka, one part Kapali, and about half an ounce of heavy cream. If you’re not keen on dairy, coconut milk makes an acceptable substitute for this rendition.
 

13. JAGERMEISTER

Love it or hate it, Jager complements a cup of joe. It’s considered to be a digestif that’s ideally consumed right after a heavy meal. So it’s a natural fit for coffee.

Infused with a blend of over 50 herbs and spices, the strongest note many drinkers detect is the flavor of licorice. The licorice taste that’s loved by many, and right of passage for college kids, enhances dark roasts and is entirely vegan – despite the myths of deer blood.

German for “master hunter,” Jagermeister also is a fine choice for a cold brew. Pour some in with a hint of cream and give it a good stir.

Jagermeister even comes in a cold brew flavor if you’re up for the challenge. But please, whatever you do, don’t try this in hot coffee as a Jager bomb.
 

14. VODKA

While the Dude may prefer his vodka and coffee in white Russian form, you can pair coffee and vodka in whatever form you like. Vodka is hailed for being a more neutral-tasting liquor. So it can pair well with pretty much any coffee drink.

The thing to remember with vodka, and coffee, is quality is key. Go with the cheap stuff, and your gut will be feeling it. Vodka can range in flavor from burning nail polish to smooth and creamy, so be mindful of your pick. Then there are flavored vodkas which are a whole other world.

If you’re a fan of flavors, try birthday cake vodka or vanilla vodka for a special treat. You could even use potato vodka in an Irish coffee for a more earthy, nutty take.
 

15. SCHNAPPS

Schnapps is one of those cocktail mixers that has a reputation for filling flasks and spiking coffee in the dead of winter. It’s often looked down upon and not just because it’s bottom-shelf liquor. Schnapps has a reputation for being cloyingly sweet and cheap, but the top-shelf brands are another story.

Artisanal schnapps is more on the dry side, much less sweet. This is typically the stuff that comes from Europe, while American schnapps lean on the sweeter side.

However you like your schnapps, it’s perfect with coffee. Flavors like butterscotch and peppermint make for a festive holiday drink. Meanwhile, orange and chocolate can be enjoyed year-round.

If you’re wondering about pouring heavy cream into your coffee and schnapps, I say go for it. This will make for an indulgent drink that will satisfy your tastebuds and warm you up in no time.
 

16. SAMBUCA

Have you ever tried a sambuca mocha? If not, you’re truly missing out. This Italian liqueur has a strong star anise flavor that pairs well with coffee that has earthy or sweet notes.

And in a mocha? It’s purely divine. I like to make mine with a strong coffee brew, sambuca, chocolate syrup, and heavy cream. You can also leave out the chocolate and add in Kahlua for a rich and creamy libation.

If you want to enjoy it the Italian way, pour an ounce of sambuca into a cocktail glass and toss in three coffee beans. I prefer this one chilled, but you can also serve it at room temperature.
 

17. MEZCAL

Another coffee cocktail you’ve got to try is Oaxacan coffee. You’ll use about a one to three ratio of mezcal and hot brewed coffee, then add in a dash of simple syrup to sweeten. The result is a wonderful balance of sweet, bitter, and smoky.

Suppose you’re wondering about the smokiness that comes from the mezcal. This distilled spirit is made from agave, which entails roasting it in the process. This gives it a deep smoky quality setting it apart from tequila.

In case you’re not familiar, tequila is a type of mezcal, but not the other way around. Tequila can only be made from blue agave in some areas of Mexico. Mezcal, on the other hand, is made from a variety of agave species.
 

18. TEQUILA

Speaking of tequila, this is another excellent choice for coffee. It may seem like a bad idea to spike your morning coffee with this hard liquor, but it’s five o’clock somewhere.

Made from fermented Weber Azul (blue agave), tequila has been around for centuries. Still, it wasn’t until the 1970s that it became the intellectual property of Mexico. It can only be made in five authorized Mexican states, most of which come from Jalisco.

One of the best ways to enjoy tequila in coffee is with spiked Mexican coffee. This involves mixing hot coffee with a shot of tequila, coffee liqueur, and cinnamon. Whipped cream is optional, but it does make it more luxurious.
 

19. PATRON XO CAFE DARK COCOA

I know I just talked about tequila, but Patron XO Cafe Dark Cocoa deserves its spot on the list. This spirit is a mix of coffee and Patron Silver Tequila that can be enjoyed straight-up or doctored up your way. It’s strong on chocolate with a little bit of agave and pepper notes matched by a dry finish.

Add an ounce to your coffee for an afternoon pick me up or try it in a mocha for a super chocolatey drink. At 30 percent A.B.V., it’s just a touch less boozy than unflavored tequila.

20. MR. BLACK COLD BREW COFFEE LIQUEUR

There’s one more coffee liqueur I have to mention, and that’s Mr. Black. This liqueur is the stuff legends are made of.

It’s commercially produced in Australia with 100 percent arabica beans. It’s also gluten-free and kosher, just in case you were wondering.

Part cold brew, part vodka, Mr. Black is made with cane sugar to balance out the bitterness of the coffee beans. It’s rich and smooth, which is precisely what you want when mixing it with coffee.

While this may be the best choice for cold brew, it has other applications too. It’s big on flavor so that you can mix it with a variety of your favorite drinks.

Lattes, cappuccinos, and drip coffee are all the better with a little splash. You can also use it in any cocktail that calls for coffee liqueur.
 

CONCLUSION

When pairing coffee and liquor, you can make it as simple or involved as you like. The key is to find the right flavors to pair with your roast or specialty beverage of choice.

Dark hard alcohol like whiskey and rum work well for a quick spike. At the same time, cordials like amaretto taste phenomenal with milk. Mix and match a few to see what inspires you. I bet you’ll find more than enough combinations that will become your new favorite drink of choice.