Spiked Coffee: 9 Best Ways to Add Alcohol to Coffee

Whether you need to liven up a coffee break or add some life to your evening cocktail … not judging. Here are the basics on how to spike coffee with a bit of alcohol and some favorite recipes when you’re ready to turn it up another notch.

How to spike coffee with alcohol

In general, add about 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of alcohol to a regular 16 ounce coffee or an 8 ounce espresso. That’s just a little more than a standard shot. Add cream if you like and adjust to your taste.

Your favorite alcohol and your best coffee will probably yield your favorite combo. Good options include:

• Whiskey: A shot of whiskey or bourbon is a good addition to a medium or light roast. The deep, rich flavor of most whiskeys pairs well with the earthy tones of your favorite coffee.
• Rum: If you like a sweeter cocktail, rum can be a good addition to your coffee. Dark rum, especially, will add its caramelized depth to your coffee.
• Cognac: For something in between, cognac can add some nice flavor, but isn’t generally as sweet as rum.

What to spike coffee with

If you want to get a little fancier with your spiked coffee, let’s talk flavored liqueurs.

• Chocolate liqueur: If you like a good mocha, the combination of chocolate and coffee will be familiar.
• Coffee liqueur: If Kalhùa seems redundant … that’s okay. Sometimes you just want the coffee and a little extra kick.
• Amaretto liqueur: Any nutty liqueur is a great flavor combo with coffee and almond is a great intro into that experience.
• Hazelnut liqueur: Frangelico and other hazelnut liqueurs offer a bit more than an amaretto, for a deeper flavor profile.
• Cream liqueur: Baileys is a popular choice, but any cream liqueur will add flavor, but also the rich texture of cream to your coffee.
• Anise liqueur: Licorice is not a universally loved flavor, but if you like it, it’s a great addition—especially to dark roasts and espresso.

How to make spiked coffee: Recipe roundup

Ready to impress friends and lovers? Take it a few steps beyond a shot of liqueur and start mixing up genuine spiked coffee cocktails. Here are a few favorites.