Coffee-based liqueurs and spirits aren't a new idea, but in recent years the category has expanded, with numerous brands releasing their own high-end versions.

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Coffee liqueurs make for a surprisingly versatile addition to your drinks cupboard. Use them in an espresso martini, in a white russian (or a black russian) cocktail, or spike hot chocolate for a boozy mocha. Try mixed with tonic for a low-ABV tipple, or sip neat with ice after dinner. They also work in the kitchen, from drizzling over ice cream to using in a tiramisu (go one step further and try our espresso martini tiramisu here, replacing the kahlua with your coffee liqueur of choice).

Read on for our drinks expert Hannah Guinness's top picks of the best coffee liqueurs to buy – from sweet dessert-inspired tipples perfect for sipping after dinner, to versatile bottles that will suit any coffee cocktail. After, check out the best chocolate liqueurs and whisky liqueurs.


Best coffee liqueurs at a glance

  • Best versatile coffee liqueur: Jumping Goat Coffee Liqueur, £29.99
  • Best coffee liqueur for sweet tooths: Stambecco Tiramisu Liqueur, £22.75
  • Best alternative for Cafe Patron fans: Bandero Café, £43
  • Best coconut coffee liqueur: Aluna Coconut Coffee Liqueur, £19.75
  • Best for strong coffee flavour: Derw Coffee Anglesey Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, £27.99
  • Best twist on a coffee liqueur: Mr Black Coffee Amaro, £29.45
  • Best balanced coffee liqueur: Conker Cold Brew coffee liqueur, £28.24
  • Best after dinner coffee liqueur: Quick Brown Fox coffee liqueur, £22
  • Best ethical coffee liqueur: FAIR Café liqueur, £20.99

Best coffee liqueurs to try 2023

Jumping Goat Coffee Liqueur

Jumping Goat copy

Best versatile coffee liqueur

New Zealand’s Jumping Goat uses organic cold-brew coffee and Kiwi vodka for a well-balanced liqueur with dark chocolate and vanilla notes – a versatile choice that would work in most cocktails.

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Stambecco Tiramisu Liqueur

Stambecco tiramisu liqueur

Best coffee liqueur for sweet tooths

This sumptuous liqueur captures the flavours of the classic Italian dessert. With flavours and aromas of biscuit, cocoa, coffee and a creamy edge, it’s perfect for those with a real sweet tooth – try drizzling over ice cream.


Bandero XO Café Tequila

Bandero

Best alternative for Cafe Patron fans

Fans of the now sadly discontinued Patrón XO Cafe should try this agave-based coffee liqueur. Alongside familiar notes of roasted coffee and chocolate, it has a pleasing spicy edge thanks to the tequila.


Aluna Coconut Coffee Liqueur

aluna

Best coconut coffee liqueur

This liqueur uses cold brew Arabica coffee, coconut rum, cacao nibs and cardamom to delicious effect, with lovely toasted coconut and dark cocoa notes. Sip while nibbling on a chocolate Bounty bar.


Derw Coffee Anglesey Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur

derw

Best for strong coffee flavour

Made on the island of Anglesey, this Welsh coffee liqueur has a vibrant roasted coffee bean flavour, creamy notes from tonka beans and well-balanced sweetness. Drink neat over ice as a digestif, or try adding a tiny dash to an old fashioned or manhattan for a coffee-flavoured twist on these classic cocktails.

Available from:
Derw Coffee (£28.50)
Master of Malt (£27.99)


Mr Black Coffee Amaro

Mr Black Coffee Amaro Liqueur

Best twist on a coffee liqueur

Amaro is a bitter Italian after-dinner herbal liqueur and in this iteration the addition of coffee makes for a very satisfying drink. Botanicals including angelica, coriander, macadamia, caraway and cardamom work with the coffee to add that requisite bittersweet character, as well as more rounded, roasted and caramel notes, while bright citrus comes through thanks to grapefruit, orange and lemon. Sip on its own, over ice, or with tonic.

Available from:
Master of Malt (£29.45)
Amazon (£33.25)
The Whisky Exchange (£33.25)


Fair Café Liqueur

FAIRCaféLiqueur-Colour-Circle copy

Best ethical coffee liqueur

Made using Arabica coffee beans sourced ethically from small producers in Mexico, this has a distinct earthy coffee character, with subtle smokiness. Delicious drizzled over vanilla ice cream.


Conker Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur

Conker Coffee Liqueur

Best balanced coffee liqueur

Made with speciality Ethiopian and Brazilian coffee, and British wheat vodka, this is a clean and not-too-sweet liqueur with caramel notes. Try drinking as part of an espresso martini.


Quick Brown Fox Coffee Liqueur

Quick Brown Fox Coffee Liqueur

Best after dinner coffee liqueur

All the way from New Zealand and made from a blend of three different coffees (plus a touch of cinnamon), we loved this Kiwi bottle’s dark bitter chocolate notes. Try drinking with a dash of cream after dinner.

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Authors

Hannah Guinness olive magazine portrait
Hannah GuinnessSenior sub editor and drinks writer

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