This article was reviewed by Sander Raav
and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA
. Sander Raav is a Mixologist based in Seattle, Washington. He is the founder of Seattle Bartending Company, which offers Cocktail Workshops and Classes. He has over 15 years of experience bartending in multiple high-end restaurants, including 8 years as Bar Manager at The Tin Table. He has held positions as a bartender, bar manager, and as treasurer for the Seattle chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild. Sander has created and organized many bartending events, fundraisers, cocktail classes, and presentations. He has participated in many cocktail competitions and has garnered over a dozen wins and placements in the top 3 of national and local competitions. Thanks to his extensive competition and cocktail knowledge, he has also judged many competitions as well. In 2020, he founded Shake, Stir & Savor, a mixology education program, and has been offering live and virtual cocktail classes since. In his classes, Sander teaches his students to think like bartenders, while making concepts simple, easy to grasp, and replicable.
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There’s nothing like a fresh cup of coffee in the morning or a smooth cocktail to wind down in the evening—and some days you need both! You can get two drinks in one with any of the caffeinated and boozy beverages in the list below. From fruity and refreshing to creamy and decadent, explore our list of coffee drinks with alcohol and follow the simple recipes to become your own barista and bartender!
Note:
Unless otherwise noted, all recipes below make 1 serving—multiply the ingredient measurements by the number of guests to prepare more drinks!
Coffee Cocktails
- Carajillo: Pour a 1:1 ratio of espresso and Licor 43 over ice.
- Irish Coffee: Mix hot coffee with brown sugar and Irish whiskey.
- Mudslide Cocktail: Blend together ice, vodka, Kahlua, and Bailey’s.
- Cold Brew Sangria: Combine red wine, cold brew, brandy, and sliced fruits.
- Espresso Martini: Shake together espresso, simple syrup, Kahlua, and vodka.
Steps
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A classic Irish coffee is sure to warm you up from the inside out! Preheat a mug by filling it with hot water then pouring the water out. Brew 1 cup (240 mL) hot coffee and pour it into your warmed glass until the cup is about ¾ full. Add 1 tablespoon (15g) brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Stir in 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) Irish whiskey and top with whipped cream. [1] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Freshly brewed hot coffee, brown sugar, Irish whiskey, whipped cream.
- Variations: Swap out brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor, or let the drink cool then toss it in a blender with ice for a frozen Irish coffee!
- Pairs well with: Dark chocolate truffles or a molten chocolate cake. [2] X Research source
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This Mexican spin on an Irish Coffee is just as tasty but with a bit more kick! Stir together 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) coffee-flavored liqueur and 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) tequila in a mug. Pour in 5 fluid ounces (150 mL) hot coffee and top the beverage with whipped cream. [3] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Coffee-flavored liqueur (i.e. Kahlua), tequila, hot coffee, whipped cream.
- Variations: Garnish your beverage with a dash of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or cayenne pepper for an extra touch of sweetness or spice.
- Pairs well with: Sweet and subtly-flavored desserts like vanilla ice cream or a banana cream pie. [4] X Research source
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Let this Grand French coffee cocktail keep you chaud on a cold wintry night. Pour 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) Grand Marnier orange liqueur into a cup or glass. Add 2–4 fluid ounces (59–118 mL) hot, freshly-brewed coffee into the cup. Let the drink cool for 1-2 minutes before adding fresh whipped cream on top. [5] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Grand Marnier, hot coffee, fresh whipped cream.
- Variations: Add 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) cognac or brandy to turn your Grand French into a Parisian Coffee Cocktail.
- Pairs well with: Fellow French-inspired treats like a warm butter or chocolate croissant.
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A Spanish coffee combines rum and coffee for a delicious dessert cocktail. Pour 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) Tía María coffee liqueur into a mug with 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) rum. Add 6 fluid ounces (180 mL) hot coffee, then top it all off with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry! [6] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Tía María coffee liqueur, rum, hot coffee, whipped cream, maraschino cherries.
- Variations: Swap out rum for brandy to achieve a fruitier and subtler flavor.
- Pairs well with: A classic Spanish dessert like churros!
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The simple yet punchy carajillo is the go-to after dinner drink choice in Mexico. Pour 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) espresso or strong coffee into a cocktail shaker. Add 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) Licor 43 then fill the shaker with ice and seal it. Shake it for 15 seconds, then strain and pour the drink into a cocktail glass. The final texture should be smooth, velvety, and slightly foamy. [7] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Espresso or strong coffee, Licor 43 (a sweet, spicy and citrusy Spanish liqueur).
- Variations: Add some creaminess with a dash of horchata, or add a few pumps of your favorite flavored simple syrup.
- Pairs well with: Nothing! As a digestif, a carajillo is best served in between courses—usually dinner and dessert.
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Give yourself a true Buongiorno wake up with this alcoholic Italian coffee drink. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. In the shaker, combine 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) chilled espresso, 3 ⁄ 4 fluid ounce (22 mL) espresso liqueur, 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) Fernet-Branca amaro, and 1 ⁄ 4 fluid ounce (7.4 mL) simple syrup. Shake and strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with three espresso beans for an extra kick! [8] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Chilled espresso, espresso liqueur, amaro, simple syrup, espresso beans.
- Variations: The caffè corretto is commonly made with grappa, sambuca, or brandy. Depending on your tastes, you can swap out the amaro for any of these liquors.
- Pairs well with: Nothing! This drink is best served as a digestif, usually taken after lunch or dinner.
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An authentic Rüdesheimer is a sweet and cozy coffee drink native to Germany. Place 3 sugar cubes into a mug. Heat 1.33 fluid ounces (39 mL) dry brandy in a microwave and pour it onto the sugar cubes. Use a long match to carefully light the brandy in the mug. Stir the drink with a long spoon until the sugar dissolves completely, then pour 4 fluid ounces (120 mL) brewed coffee into the cup. Top the beverage with whipped cream and chocolate shavings! [9] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Sugar cubes, dry brandy, strong brewed coffee, whipped cream, chocolate shavings.
- Variations: Omit the brandy or skip the whipped cream for an alcohol- or dairy-free option.
- Pairs well with: Cinnamon cookies—specifically the traditional German cinnamon stars, or zimtsterne .
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Indulge in a sweet and creamy espresso martini that’ll keep you going all night! Brew 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of espresso and let it cool completely. Pour the espresso over a shaker filled with ice, then add 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) simple syrup, 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) coffee liqueur, and 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) vodka. Shake vigorously then strain the drink into a martini glass. Top with espresso beans and serve. [10] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, simple syrup, espresso beans.
- Variations: Add vanilla or cherry liqueur, or swap out the vodka for Jamaican rum.
- Pairs well with: Italian classics like antipasto misto, chicken parmigiana, and tiramisu—or a sweet and tangy fruit and cheese board.
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Get into the holiday spirit with this festive twist on an espresso martini. Spread crushed candy canes over a plate. Rim your martini glass with chocolate syrup and dip the glass into the candy canes so that they completely cover the rim. Fill a shaker with ice and pour in 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) espresso, 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) vodka, 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) Bailey’s Irish Cream, and 1-2 teaspoons (5-10mL) chocolate syrup. Shake well and strain into your rimmed glass. [11] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Espresso, vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream, chocolate syrup, candy canes.
- Variations: Replace the vodka and Bailey’s with 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) heavy cream for a mocktail version.
- Pairs well with: Holiday desserts like sugar cookies, yule log cakes, and—of course—candy canes!
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Give a boozy edge to your favorite Starbucks order. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) caramel liqueur, 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) coffee liqueur, and 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) vanilla vodka into the shaker. Shake well and pour into a martini glass. [12] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Caramel liqueur, coffee liqueur, vanilla vodka.
- Variations: Craft a salted caramel macchiato martini by swapping out the vanilla vodka for salted caramel vodka and garnishing with caramel sauce and sea salt.
- Pairs well with: A salty or smoky canape like prosciutto bundles or bacon-wrapped prunes. [13] X Research source
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Try this tipsy version of the viral whipped dalgona coffee. Whisk 1 tablespoon (15g) instant coffee with 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar and 1 ⁄ 8 fluid ounce (3.7 mL) boiling water until the mixture forms medium to stiff peaks (about 2 minutes). Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) vodka, 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) coffee liqueur, and 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) simple syrup. Shake until cold then strain the cocktail into a glass. Dollop the whipped mixture on top and stir gently. [14] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Instant coffee, granulated sugar, simple syrup, vodka, coffee liqueur.
- Variations: Add a scoop of coffee ice cream to turn this into an affogato.
- Pairs well with: Your favorite brunch dish, like fluffy pancakes or a savory eggs benedict.
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Enjoy the richly decadent Italian dessert in a drinkable form! Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) vanilla vodka, 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) amaretto, 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) coffee liqueur, and a splash of half and half. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Key Ingredients: Vanilla vodka, amaretto, coffee liqueur, half and half, cocoa powder.
- Variations: Lay a ladyfinger biscuit across the rim of the glass for an edible stir stick that pays true homage to the tiramisu!
- Pairs well with: Fresh berries, chocolate pudding, or as the dessert course after a scrumptious spaghetti dinner.
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Update the classic negroni with a balance of rich coffee and sweet vermouth. Brew 25g (0.88oz) of coffee using 240 millilitres (8.1 fl oz) sweet vermouth instead of water. Then, pour the coffee into an ice-filled shaker along with 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) London dry gin and 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) Campari. Strain over a large ice cube into a glass and garnish with an orange twist. [15] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: London dry gin, Campari, coffee-brewed sweet vermouth.
- Variations: Instead of brewing the coffee, use 3 ⁄ 4 fluid ounce (22 mL) cold brew coffee liqueur and 1 ⁄ 4 fluid ounce (7.4 mL) sweet vermouth.
- Pairs well with: A sweet and savory snack board of berries, chocolate, and soft cheeses.
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Discover this bold combination of coffee and bourbon flavors. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) bourbon, 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) coffee liqueur, 1 ⁄ 4 fluid ounce (7.4 mL) simple syrup, 2 dashes of orange bitters, and 1 dash of Angostura bitters. Shake until chilled and strain into an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube. [16] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Bourbon, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, orange bitters, angostura bitters.
- Variations: Add a dash of maple syrup into the shaker for a delightfully complex flavor.
- Pairs well with: Wood-fired steak or roasted almonds dusted with orange zest.
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Black Russians offer strong flavors in a simple two-ingredient cocktail. Combine 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) vodka and 3 ⁄ 4 fluid ounce (22 mL) coffee-flavored liqueur in a rocks glass. Add ice and stir the drink to combine all ingredients. Garnish with an orange slice or maraschino cherry. [17] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur.
- Variations: Add a few dashes of orange bitters to enhance the coffee notes in the cocktail.
- Pairs well with: Robust appetizers like smoked salmon, crab cakes, and tomato bruschetta. [18] X Research source
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Try out the Big Lebowski’s favorite creamy and coffee-flavored cocktail. Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice. Pour in 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) vodka and 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) coffee liqueur. Add 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) heavy cream and stir.
- Key Ingredients: Vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, heavy cream.
- Variations:
- Peppermint White Russian: Replace 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of the vodka with 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of peppermint schnapps, and add a candy cane rim. [19] X Research source
- Pumpkin Spice White Russian: Swap out the heavy cream with pumpkin spice creamer, and dust the rim with crushed graham crackers and pumpkin pie spice. [20] X Research source
- Tiramisu White Russian: Add 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) tiramisu syrup to the rest of the ingredients.
- Pairs well with: BBQ chicken, sausage rolls, or a handful of chocolate-covered pretzels. [21] X Research source
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Satisfy a quick craving for decadent tiramisu with a round of layered shots. Add 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) vodka and 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) coffee liqueur to a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a shot glass. Slowly pour 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) Bailey’s over the back of a spoon into the shot glass. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa dust. [22] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream, coffee liqueur, whipped cream, cocoa powder.
- Variations: Mix 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) heavy cream into the Bailey’s to smooth out the whiskey flavor.
- Pairs well with: Another round of shots! Ideally, an espresso shot or a small cup of amaretto liqueur.
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Enjoy a milkshake, cocktail, and coffee all in one with a ‘70s-style mudslide. Blend together 3 cups (332g) crushed ice, 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) vodka, 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) coffee liqueur, and 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) Bailey’s until smooth—about 15-30 seconds. Drizzle chocolate syrup around the inside of the glass then pour in the blended drink. Top with a maraschino cherry. [23] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Vodka, coffee liqueur, Bailey’s Irish Cream, chocolate syrup.
- Variations: Add an extra dose of nostalgia with a marshmallow fluff rim and 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) of toasted marshmallow syrup.
- Pairs well with: A plate of classic (and extra salty) potato fires.
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Sip on sweet summer memories with this s’mores-inspired cocktail. Heat 250 millilitres (8.5 fl oz) water and 1 cup (200g) to a soft boil, then add 10 marshmallows and stir until they dissolve. Strain your marshmallow simple syrup through a sieve into a small bowl. Once cool, heat 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of the simple syrup with 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) Irish cream and 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) vanilla rum in a microwave or on the stovetop. [24] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Irish Cream, vanilla rum, marshmallows, granulated sugar.
- Variations: Add a splash of whiskey for an extra kick!
- Pairs well with: What else? A s’more, of course! (Or a pan of Jiffy Pop to keep the campfire vibes going)
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Celebrate the arrival of fall with a boozy version of the pumpkin spice latte. Add ½ tablespoon (7.5g) sugar and a dash of cinnamon to 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) hot coffee. Stir until dissolved. Stir in 1 ⁄ 8 cup (30 mL) milk, 1 ⁄ 8 cup (30 mL) RumChata, and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) pumpkin pie vodka until combined. Serve warm over ice. [25] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Coffee, milk, RumChata, pumpkin pie vodka, sugar, cinnamon.
- Variations: Whisk in a spoonful of pumpkin puree for an extra boost of pumpkin flavor!
- Pairs well with: Any autumnal snack—like a cinnamon sugar muffin or a slice of apple pie.
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Enjoy coffee cocktails year-round with a refreshing and boozy Bailey’s shake. Freeze 150 mL (⅔ cup) cold brew in an ice cube tray until solid. Blend the coffee cubes with 30 mL (⅛ cup) cold brew, 30 mL (⅛ cup) milk, 15 mL (1/16 cup) Bailey’s, and 15 mL (1/16 cup) vodka until smooth. Drizzle chocolate and caramel sauces into your glass, then pour in the shake and top with whipped cream. [26] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Cold-brew coffee, milk, Bailey’s Irish Cream, vodka.
- Variations: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream into the blender for extra creaminess!
- Pairs well with: A salty snack like French fries or a bowl of salted pretzels.
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Give a little boost to your favorite morning pick-me-up! Add ice to a glass and fill the cup halfway with cold brew coffee. Pour 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) Bailey’s Irish Cream on top of the cold brew and stir the beverage to mix. [27] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Cold brew, Bailey’s Irish Cream.
- Variations: Try a different alcohol instead of Bailey’s—like spiced rum or vanilla vodka.
- Pairs well with: Mini powdered donuts, or any breakfast item you’d eat with cold brew!
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Beat the heat with this unique twist on a fruity summertime sangria. Fill a large pitcher with 1 bottle of red wine, 1 cup (240 mL) cold brew, 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) brandy, and 1 ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) orange liqueur. Stir in 1 ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of honey and an assortment of fruits, such as sliced oranges, lemons, and seasonal berries. Chill the sangria in the fridge for at least 1 hour and add ice before serving.
- Key Ingredients: Red wine, cold brew, brandy, orange liqueur, fruits, honey.
- Variations: When serving, top off the glasses with club soda or sparkling water to give the sangria a bit of fizz.
- Pairs well with: An earthy cheese like gorgonzola or stilton, or classic Spanish tapas and entrees like croquettes and seafood paella. [28] X Research source
- Note: This recipe creates one full pitcher of cold brew sangria.
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This tropical coffee cocktail is the perfect choice for a summer’s day. Stir together 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) coconut rum, 4 fluid ounces (120 mL) cold brew coffee, and 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) coconut milk. Add ice and garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
- Key Ingredients: Cold brew coffee, coconut milk, coconut rum.
- Variations: Top the cooler with a few spoonfuls of coconut water for some added lightness and coconut flavor. [29] X Research source
- Pairs well with: A fresh and zesty entree like shrimp tacos or a seasonal fruit salad.
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You’ll only taste sweet coffee flavors in this booze-filled drink. Fill a shaker with ice. Pour in 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) Bailey’s, 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) coffee liqueur, 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) vodka, 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) white rum, 1 ⁄ 2 fluid ounce (15 mL) tequila, and 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) cold brew. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. [30] X Research source
- Key Ingredients: Bailey’s Irish Cream, coffee liqueur, vodka, white rum, tequila, cold brew coffee.
- Variations: Swap out cold brew coffee for iced coffee to lower the drink’s caffeine level.
- Pairs well with: Shrimp cocktail, grilled salmon, or a platter of oysters.
Expert Q&A
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References
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/original-irish-coffee-recipe-1915164
- ↑ https://www.sweetstreet.com/tips-ideas/alcohol-dessert-pairings/
- ↑ https://allrecipes.com/recipe/222890/mexican-coffee-cocktail/
- ↑ https://ogbeveragecreations.com/coffee-tequila-combo-experience/
- ↑ https://mystudiokitchen.com/parisian-coffee/
- ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/spanish-coffee-231344
- ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/carajillo-recipe
- ↑ https://www.saveur.com/article/recipes/cafe-corretto/
- ↑ https://www.christinascucina.com/how-to-make-an-authentic-rudesheimer-coffee-with-asbach-brandy-and-cream/
- ↑ https://preppykitchen.com/espresso-martini/#recipe
- ↑ https://www.quartersoulcrisis.org/peppermint-mocha-martini/
- ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/caramel-macchiato-martini-261885
- ↑ https://www.nigella.com/ask/appetizers-to-serve-with-salted-caramel-martinis
- ↑ https://tasty.co/recipe/dalgona-coffee-martini
- ↑ https://imbibemagazine.com/recipe/negroni-svegliato-a-coffee-negroni/
- ↑ https://sugarandcloth.com/coffee-old-fashioned-cocktail-recipe/
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/222556/black-russian-cocktail/
- ↑ https://felenevodka.com/vodka-cocktail-food-pairing-guide/
- ↑ https://theforkedspoon.com/holiday-peppermint-white-russian/#wprm-recipe-container-36960
- ↑ https://www.thecookierookie.com/pumpkin-spice-white-russian-cocktail/
- ↑ https://www.jamieoliver.com/drinks-recipes/food-drink-pairings/
- ↑ https://www.thrillist.com/recipe/tiramisu-shot-recipe
- ↑ https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/mudslide-cocktail
- ↑ https://twocupsflour.com/campfire-cocktail/
- ↑ https://www.thewholesomedish.com/drunken-punkn-latte/#recipe
- ↑ https://www.punchfork.com/recipe/Baileys-Coffee-Slushies-Delish
- ↑ https://www.littlemisspartyplanner.com/blog/spiked-iced-cold-brew-coffee
- ↑ https://senorsangria.com/what-food-goes-with-sangria/
- ↑ https://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/coconut-coffee-cooler/
- ↑ https://whitneybond.com/long-island-iced-coffee/#h-how-to-make-long-island-iced-coffee