After dinner coffee turns an everyday cup into a sophisticated end to a holiday meal. These spirited variations finish an elegant dinner with warmth and flavor. Each drink starts with a 5-ounce cup of hot, brewed coffee. Serve one, or set out an assortment so guests build their own.
Match a bold roast to each spirit for the best balance. These drinks are for adults 21 and over, so please serve responsibly. A warm mug keeps every cup hot to the last sip.
After Dinner Coffee at a Glance
Here are the six drinks at a glance before you pour.
| Drink | Spirit | Coffee Pairing | Serve With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Spice Coffee | Vanilla-anise liqueur | Bold dark roast with spice | Pizzelles |
| Cafe Tequila | Tequila + sugar cube | Fruity Oaxacan coffee | Mexican wedding cookies |
| Caffe Amaretto | Amaretto | Espresso blend or Peruvian | Cream puffs |
| Irish Coffee | Irish whiskey | Earthy Indian coffee | Cheesecake or panna cotta |
| Cafe Ole | Coffee liqueur | Colombian or Brazilian | Tiramisu |
| Mocha Kiss | White creme de cacao + chocolate | Sumatran or Mocha Java | Chocolate cream pie |
Fresh, strong coffee makes the best base for every one. Browse our premium whole bean coffee to start.
The Six Spirited Drinks
Italian Spice Coffee
Sweet and spicy, with a hint of licorice and cinnamon, this Italian vanilla-anise liqueur drink is a classic after dinner coffee. Choose a bold, dark roast with notes of spice. Serve alongside pizzelles to balance the rich coffee. Pour a shot of the liqueur into the cup, add hot coffee, and finish with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.
Cafe Tequila
This Southwestern-inspired after dinner coffee combines tequila with bold brewed coffee for a warming finish. Choose a fruity, chocolatey coffee from the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Serve with crumbly Mexican wedding cookies. Pour a shot of tequila into the cup, add a sugar cube, let it dissolve as the coffee brews, then top with hot coffee. Serve black with whipped cream on the side.
Tips for the Best After Dinner Coffee
A great spirited cup shines with fresh, strong coffee as the base. Match a bold roast to each spirit for balance. Warm the cup and the spirit so the drink stays hot. Offer a toppings bar so guests build their own. Serve only to adults 21 and over, and pace the evening.
FAQ: Spirited Coffee
What coffee is best for these drinks?
A fresh, bold dark roast stands up to spirits and cream. Match the origin to the drink for the best pairing. See our roast levels guide to choose yours.
How much liquor goes in each drink?
Most use a single shot per 5-ounce cup. Adjust to taste and to your guests. Serve one drink per person and pace the night.
Do these work without alcohol?
Yes. Swap the spirit for a matching syrup or extract. Almond, vanilla, or coffee syrups all work well.
What should I serve alongside?
Pair each drink with a dessert to echo the flavor. Pizzelles, tiramisu, cheesecake, and cream puffs all fit. See our coffee and dessert pairing guide for more.
How do I set up a coffee bar?
Brew a large batch of fresh, strong coffee. Set out spirits, syrups, whipped cream, and garnishes. Keep the coffee hot with our coffee freshness guide tips.
Fresh Coffee to Pour
Pour with coffee worth tasting. Browse our premium whole bean coffee, roasted fresh and shipped within 1 to 2 business days.
Subscribe with the Blackout Coffee Club and save 19% on every order. Hosting a big table? Our bulk coffee keeps the carafe full.
Make your own base with our coffee liqueur guide, or plan a spread with our baking with coffee recipes.
Short on time? Our coffee pods brew a quick, strong cup for any of these drinks.
Learn how we source and roast on our About Blackout Coffee page. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
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