If you keep some coffee liqueurs on hand, that can save you the time of having to brew up some coffee for a quick cocktail but it will depend on the recipe. Some liqueurs for your coffee cocktails are Kahlua, Tia Maria, Copa de Oro and even Starbucks brand liqueur. A few liqueurs that are known to go well with coffee include Amaretto, Irish Cream, and Frangelico. Without any doubt, the most popular coffee cocktail would be the simple Irish Coffee. All it calls for is a cup of hot coffee and a shot (or two) of Irish whiskey. An Irish cream like Baileys is ideal for a good Irish coffee. That's all there is to it. For a different flavor, you can try a Spanish coffee. Again, start with a cup of hot coffee and add 1/2 ounce of Tia Maria and a 1/2 ounce of dark rum. The liqueurs compliment each other very nicely, along with the hot coffee. Some coffee cocktails have a bit more punch to them, like the Night in Florida. In one cup of coffee, add 1 ounce each of Kahlua, Frangelico, Grand Marnier and Irish Cream. Top with a dollop of whipped cream for the final touch. Not all popular coffee cocktails have to be variations on a hot cup of coffee either. Iced coffees with spirits are another option, and excellent for enjoying outside on the summer patio.
A Muddy River has no actual coffee in it, and is a creamy drink served over ice. You'll need about 3 ounces of half-n-half cream and 2 ounces of Kahlua. Pour them over 4 ounces of crushed ice and give it a good shake. A new coffee cocktail has gotten popular, namely because it's a spin-off from the classic martini. It's usually made with espresso but you could use the recipe with regular coffee if you wanted. 1 1/2 ounces vodka, 1 1/2 ounces Kahlua or Tia Maria, 1 ounce white creme de cacao and an ounce of espresso or coffee. Shake with ice, and strain into a martini glass. Some serve espresso martini's with a roasted coffee bean instead of an olive. These are just a few examples of popular coffee cocktails, and by no means a complete list. The creative use of coffee or coffee liqueurs can lead to a long list of great drinks that you can use to relax at home or impress your guests with.
