Java lovers may enjoy coffee flavor with a kick by sampling some of the best coffee liqueurs. The top coffee liqueur is a combination of bitter, sweet, and robust coffee flavor.
The Best Coffee Liqueur
Whether you're looking for a java flavored liqueur for sipping or you want to make a popular cocktail such as the White Russian, coffee-flavored liqueur serves as the primary flavoring ingredient.
1. Kahlúa
Kahlúa is probably the best-known coffee liqueur on the market, and there's a reason for that. It's the preferred coffee liqueur in a number of cocktails, and it's sweet and viscous with a pleasing coffee flavor. It's also affordable and widely available. More than 13,000 reviewers on Influenster rated it 4.6 out of five stars. It's a Mexican blend of coffee and rum, and you'll only pay about $15 for a 750 mL bottle. Sip the 20% alcohol by volume (ABV) liqueur by itself, add a splash of cream, or mix it in your favorite cocktail or cup of coffee.
2. Moonlight Expresso Coffee Liqueur
Marble Distilling Co's Moonlight Expresso Coffee Liqueur received accolades from Wine Enthusiast as well as a 92-point rating. It's distilled in Colorado and has a 32% ABV. It's a viscous, sweet coffee liqueur blended from vanilla, vodka, and Guatemalan coffee that's sustainably distilled and bottled. You'll pay about $40 for a 750 mL bottle.
3. Tia Maria
Tia Maria from Italy is almost as well-known as Kahlúa as a coffee liqueur. It isn't as sweet as its slightly more well-known counterpart, which makes it delicious in an espresso martini, but it also is tasty over ice cream, in a cup of coffee, or in any classic coffee-flavored cocktails. It's made with Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee and cane spirit (rum) and has a subtle vanilla and coffee flavor. It's about $30 for a 750 mL bottle. Tia Maria is 20% ABV (40 proof).
4. Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur sits atop many of the lists of best coffee liqueurs, including in Distiller.com's number one spot. It's from Australia and consists of a blend of Arabica coffee with Australian vodka. Enjoy the 25% ABV liqueur alone or in a delicious cocktail. It's not overly sweet, and it has a deep and satisfying coffee flavor and aroma. You'll pay about $40 for a 750 mL bottle.
5. Galliano Ristretto
Wine Enthusiast rated Galliano Ristretto espresso liqueur 90 out of 100 points, making this a flavorful choice. It's a liqueur made from several types of coffee beans, and it has a 42.3% ABV. Expect to pay around $25 for a 750 mL bottle for a very espresso-like liqueur.
6. Patrón XO Cafe
Tequila lovers who also enjoy coffee will love Patrón XO Cafe, a 35% ABV liqueur that combines coffee and tequila. Reviewers on Drizly rated it 4.6 out of 5 stars. It's a dry liqueur, and it's equally delicious in cocktails or sipped straight. You'll pay about $25 for a 750 mL bottle.
7. Rieger's Caffè Amaro
Caffè Amaro made Wine Enthusiast's list of the Top Spirits of 2017, receiving a 95 out of 100-point rating. It's a 31% ABV bittersweet and complex coffee liqueur that blends Sumatra coffee and botanicals. You'll pay around $35 for a 750 mL bottle.
8. Somrus Coffee Cream Liqueur
Receiving a 93-point rating from Wine Enthusiast and landing on their Top 100 Spirits of 2020 list, Somrus Coffee Cream Liqueur is a rum-based cream liqueur with notes of coffee, chicory, and cocoa. It's only 13.5% ABV, and it's smooth and flavorful. You'll pay about $24 for a 750 mL bottle.
9. Cafe Granita Coffee Liqueur
The Beverage Tasting Institute rated Cafe Granita coffee liqueur 90 out of 100 points, calling it a best buy. The coffee liqueur also won a silver medal at the San Francisco Spirits Competition. It's lightly sweet (bittersweet) and 21% ABV, and this highly rated coffee liqueur will cost only $12 for a 750 mL bottle, making it a great deal.
10. Vapor Distillery Arrosta Coffee Liqueur
Tastings rated the Arrosta coffee liqueur from Vapor Distillary 94 out of 100 points, awarding it a gold medal. It's lightly sweet with a rich coffee flavor, and it has 30% ABV. You'll pay about $30 for a 750 mL bottle.
11. Lyre's Coffee Originale
This one is truly unique: it's a coffee liqueur without any liquor (the liqueur is 100% non-alcoholic), but tasters love it. The liqueur receives 4.8 out of 5 stars from reviewers, at it won a silver medal at the World Spirits Competition. While it is non alcoholic, it substitutes beautifully for an alcoholic coffee liqueur in mixed drinks. It's a game changer for people who want mocktails that taste like the original. You'll pay about $36 for 23 30 mL servings of Lyre's Coffee Originale.
Coffee Liqueur for Java Flavored Cocktails
Whether you add them to traditional cocktails or mix them with a cup of coffee, these coffee liqueurs are rich and flavorful for delicious mixed drinks.
