International Coffee Day 2025: The ultimate guide to coffee cocktails

Far surpassing the simple Irish Coffee todays cocktail scene is witnessing a creative revolution where the coffee bean takes centre stage moving from a supporting flavour to the primary ingredient in complex sophisticated drinks In celebration of International Coffee Day these expert recipes showcase how coffee is moving into the spotlight in the cocktail worldThese curated recipes use everything from bold espresso to specialised regional beans and a wide range of spirits from bourbon to vodka Whether you want a creamy warming drink for a cosy night or a vibrant chilled one with a kick these recipes offer a sophisticated way to enjoy your caffeinePrepare your shaker and your palate its time to fuel your festive season with these caffeineinfused creationsCaffeine AffairldquoCaffeine Affair is crafted for those who love the boldness of coffee blended with the smooth sophistication of a wellbalanced cocktailrdquo claims Nibaran Mandal senior food and beverage supervisor and bartender Deltin Suites Goa For those seeking a rich and warm cocktail with depth this is a must try ahead of this festive seasonIngredientsJim Beam bourbon whiskey 45 mlKahluacutea 30 mlChilled espresso 10 mlFresh cream 20 mlIce cubesCoffee beans for garnishMethod1 Fill a cocktail shaker with ice2 Add bourbon Kahluacutea cream and chilled espresso3 Shake well until smooth and chilled4 Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice5 For garnish float 1ndash3 coffee beans on topCoorgi CoolerThe Coorgi Cooler highlights a growing trend of highconcept cocktails rooted in hyperlocal sourcing and elevated flavour profiles ldquoBy combining the rich aroma of Coorg coffee with the warmth of dark rum and a hint of allspice wersquove created a drink thatrsquos both comforting and adventurousmdashperfect for those looking to experience something truly uniquerdquo poses Apurav Bhatia restaurant and beverage manager at The Westin Koregaon Park PuneIngredientsFor allspice syrupWater 1 cupSugar 1 cupCrushed allspice berries 1 tbsp optional 1 cinnamon stick 2 to 3 clovesCoorgoriginated coffee 45 mlAllspice syrup 15 mlCoffee liqueur 15 mlDark rum 45 mlMethod1 Simmer water sugar crushed allspice berries for 10 minutes2 Steep let it rest off the heat for an additional 15 minutes3 Strain the mixture and store the strained liquid in the fridge it will keep for up to 2 weeks4 Add the Coorg coffee allspice syrup coffee liqueur and dark rum into a cocktail shaker filled with ice5 Shake well until the mixture is nicely chilled6 Strain and pour into a chilled Tom Collins glass7 Finish with a dusting of freshly roasted nutmeg powderMadras CafeThe Madras Cafe is all about capturing the essence of Chennai in a glass ldquoBy blending coffee tropical fruits and fresh curry leaves wersquove created a drink thatrsquos both vibrant and aromatic offering a unique experience that celebrates the cityrsquos bold and bustling cafeacute culturerdquo shares Prathamesh Harish Kotian mixologist at The Orchid Hotel MumbaiIngredientsVodka 60 mlCoffee with passion fruit syrup 20 mlPineapple juice 30 mlFresh curry leaves 2 to 4 nosMethod1 Add vodka coffee with passion fruit syrup pineapple juice and curry leaves into a cocktail shaker with ice2 Shake well until the mixture is chilled and infused3 Double strain into a coupe glass filled with ice4 Garnish with fresh curry leaves and a light dusting of coffee powderEspresso MartiniThe Espresso Martini is loved across the globe by patrons who enjoy fuelling their nights with some caffeine ldquoA contemporary classic that bridges the worlds of coffee and cocktails mdash bold smooth and energising ours stays true to the original while adding a signature twistrdquo explains Razwan Zamfirescu beverage head All In HospitalityIngredientsVodka 60 mlKahlua 30 mlFresh espresso 30 mlChocolate bittersThree classic coffee beans for garnishChocolate bar for garnishMethod1 Chill the glass Pop your cocktail glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while you mix2 Brew espresso Brew a fresh shot of espresso 30 ml Arabica Bean Let it sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute to cool slightly mdash too hot and itrsquoll melt the ice too fast when shaking3 Build the cocktail in a shaker Add vodka Kahluacutea fresh espresso and 4 dashes of chocolate bitters in the shaker Optional Add a tiny pinch of sea salt to enhance chocolate and coffee flavours4 Add ice and shake hard Fill your shaker with plenty of ice Seal it and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds5 Aim to chill the drink and create some crema from the espresso6 Dry shake for better foam Open the shaker strain out the ice you can use the lid or strainer Reseal and dry shake without ice for another 10ndash15 secondsThis builds up a thick creamy foam on top mdash almost like a baristastyle cremaOptional trick Toss in a spring from a hawthorne strainer or a small whisk ball during dry shake to help emulsify and foam6 Strain and serve Double strain into your chilled cocktail glass This gives you a smooth finish and preserves the rich crema layer on top7 Garnish Serve with some coffee beans or a piece of the chocolate on the side or on the rim if yoursquore feeling fancy