Vodka and coffee might seem like an unusual pairing, especially since most people choose to spike their coffee with cream liqueurs rather than hard liquors, but that doesn't mean the combination can't work deliciously for you. Take a look at these different vodka and coffee cocktails - they just might make you feel excited to get out of bed every morning.
Do Coffee and Vodka Go Together?
Admittedly, vodka isn't most people's go-to booze to add to their coffee. Yet, they're a ton of coffee liqueur cocktails out there to prove that the flavors do pair well together. Of course, if you're working with black coffee instead of a flavored brew, you'll want to add a cream or a syrup to the mixture to dampen some of the vodka's strength.
Similarly, keep in mind that you get what you pay for with this pairing. Juliette Pope, the beverage director of Gramercy Tavern, puts it best: "Cheap versions of either espresso or spirit will take away from the whole." Simply, don't waste good vodka on cheap coffee, and vice versa.
Coffee and Vodka
Adding vodka to coffee isn't exactly a precise science; so much of the ratio of coffee to vodka will depend on your personal taste. Thankfully, you can add it to both cold brew and hot coffee, and the type of brew is all up to you. For just a slight kick in your morning cup, use this recipe, but feel free to adjust it to better suit your personal preferences.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces freshly brewed coffee
- 1½ ounces vodka or coffee-infused vodka
- Ice
Instructions
- In a rocks glass filled with ice, pour the coffee.
- Add the vodka and stir.
Hazelnut Black Russian
For a slight deviation from your regular black Russian recipe, add some hazelnut liqueur. This will soften the popular drink's sharp edges.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces coffee liqueur
- ½ ounce hazelnut liqueur
- 1½ ounces vodka
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the coffee liqueur, hazelnut liqueur, and vodka.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Caramel Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is a really popular drink, and this caramel version combines coffee, caramel sauce, Irish Whiskey, and a splash of heavy cream for a delicious morning cocktail.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces freshly brewed coffee
- 1 ounce caramel sauce
- 1½ ounces Irish Whiskey
- ½ ounce salted caramel vodka
- Splash heavy cream
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the coffee, caramel sauce, Irish Whiskey, salted caramel vodka, and heavy cream.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled stemless wine glass.
Give Me Some Sugar Cocktail
If you'd like to sweeten your morning cup of coffee but aren't a fan of syrups and creamers, try adding a little bit of vanilla vodka to the mix.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces freshly brewed coffee
- 1½ ounces vanilla vodka
Instructions
- In a mug, pour the freshly brewed coffee.
- Add the vanilla vodka. Stir.
Knight Rider Cocktail
As dark as the pop culture automobile icon it was named after, this coffee and vodka drink is for adventurous drinkers only since it adds grapefruit vodka to your regular coffee mix.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Kahlua
- ½ ounce espresso
- 1 ounce grapefruit vodka
- Ice
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine the Kahlua, espresso, and grapefruit vodka.
- Add ice and stir together.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Garnet Girls Cocktail
This cocktail is impressive looking and has a real depth that makes it perfect for enjoying outside of your morning routine.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces espresso
- ½ ounce cherry liqueur
- ½ ounce vodka
- Ice
- Heavy cream
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the espresso, cherry liqueur, and vodka.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass.
- Carefully top with heavy cream, trying to keep the layers separated.
Ways to Garnish Coffee and Vodka Cocktails
Generally, coffee isn't a beverage that has a lot of decoration; rather, people just enjoy a simple cup of it in a mug or glass. However, if you're feeling like dressing up your coffee cocktail, try out some of these fun garnishes:
- A few espresso beans put on top of your finished drink adds a little sophistication.
- A dollop of whipped cream can do wonders for adding some sweetness.
- Add some texture to your drink by sprinkling some cocoa powder or ground cinnamon onto the top of your drink.
- If you don't want to dilute your coffee with sugary garnishes, a reusable straw with a fun pattern or color can brighten up your morning ritual.
That's One Way to Wake Up
People have been spiking their morning cups of coffee for decades now, but if you want to try something different from adding a splash of Irish Cream into your drink, then try out one of these coffee and vodka cocktails, and see which ones wake you up the quickest.
