When it comes to entertaining family, friends, or even clients, after-dinner coffee drinks are a great way to do it. Not only is after-dinner coffee relaxing, but it’s also a way to add flavor to the evening and keep the conversation going as well.
Whether you and your guests prefer non-alcoholic or alcoholic after-dinner coffee drinks, there are plenty out there to choose from. While plain cups of coffee with cream and sugar have their place, there’s just something about a specialty after-dinner coffee drink that warms you up and makes you feel all cozy inside.
Join us as we delve into the 10 most delicious after-dinner coffee drinks everyone should try tonight. There is sure to be something on this list to please even the most discerning coffee drinker at your dinner table.
The 10 Best After-Dinner Coffee Drinks
1. Irish Coffee
While this is not a new coffee drink, there’s something to be said about a delicious mug of Irish Coffee on a blustery winter evening. However, if you have never had an Irish Coffee and are an avid coffee drinker, then you’re missing out. This after-dinner coffee drink comes from 1940s Ireland and is the standard for what an after-dinner coffee cocktail should be.
Start with a rich, strong-bodied coffee, add a shot of the best Irish whiskey, then sweeten the mix with brown sugar. If you’re feeling extra decadent, and want to stick with the traditional, add a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy your coffee, just like the Irish have for decades.
2. Peppermint Mocha
Not everyone in your family is going to be able to have alcohol or want alcohol in their after-dinner coffee drink. One alternative is an easy Peppermint Mocha. This after-dinner coffee drink is especially delectable after a long day of Christmas shopping during the holidays.
Again, you need a strong-bodied coffee, peppermint syrup, chocolate milk, and some crushed peppermint candies to make this treat. Once it’s done, put a dollop of whipped cream in the mug, and sit by the fire enjoying this sweet, fragrant coffee drink.
3. Caramel Irish Coffee
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It’s hard to get away from the Irish when you’re discussing the most delicious after-dinner coffee drinks. That point is proven with this Caramel Irish Coffee. This is a modern take on the traditional Irish Coffee drink above. It’s creamy, sweet, delicious, and made pretty much the same way as the Irish Coffee recipe above.
You’ll need Irish cream, Irish whiskey, and some butterscotch schnapps for this delectable drink. If you like, add some whipped cream to the top of your coffee for added flavor and a caramel drizzle to make it even better.
4. French Connection Coffee
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Getting away from the Irish for a bit, you’ve got to try a cup of French Connection Coffee after dinner one evening. This after-dinner coffee drink is made with cognac and amaretto. Many people enjoy the combination of these drinks by themselves because of the smooth, soothing flavor. However, for an after-dinner coffee drink, you’ll want to add them to very strong coffee.
You want to adjust the ratio of amaretto and cognac to the liking of yourself and your guests, however. For example, the more amaretto you add, the sweeter the drink will be, and that overall sweetness isn’t for everyone. Pour on some whipped cream and a few shaved almonds for extra flavor and to make the drink pretty as can be.
5. Maple Pecan Latte
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If you’re more into specialty drinks, then an after-dinner Maple Pecan Latte could be just the trick for you. The flavors of maple and pecan have long been known to heighten the winter season, and this latte delivers that in spades.
It’s a simple recipe that combines maple pecan syrup, butter, cream, pecan butter, and a bit of brown sugar. Toss all those ingredients together, add a shot of espresso and steamed milk, and you’re all set to sit in your cozy kitchen and watch the snowfall outside. Of course, if you’re looking for a little extra warmth, add a shot of whiskey to the latte, but it’s not required.
6. Italian Coffee
Moving onto Italy, who does know a thing or two about coffee, and coming in at number six on our list is Italian Coffee. You’ll need a liquor called Strega for this delicious after-dinner coffee drink, so go ahead and get some.
The smell of this coffee is just as impressive as the taste. Don’t forget the whipped cream on top for a one-of-a-kind taste and experience.
7. Kentucky Coffee
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For an after-dinner coffee experience from the good old USA, a lot can be said for a mug of Kentucky Coffee. Bourbon is the number one requirement for this coffee, and it really stands out when it comes to taste. Take a strong cup of coffee, add a shot of Bourbon, then add another shot of honey liquor, add whipped cream, and have a drink.
It’s important to note that this is the most robust cup of after-dinner coffee on our list, not that that’s a bad thing, but you need to be prepared to be super relaxed when you drink this coffee as an after-dinner drink.
8. Flaming Spanish Coffee
The Flaming Spanish Coffee is something that you want to be careful with because it involves playing with fire. But it’s a simple recipe. You take a strong-bodied coffee and your liquor of choice and set it on fire—yep, you read that right!
Have your choice of each ready, then light an overproof rum on fire inside of your coffee mug. The fire will caramelize the rum into a sugar rim. Add your liquor and coffee mix, and you’ve got a fantastic after-dinner coffee treat that your guests will brag about for weeks to come.
9. Nutty Irishman
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Did we mention that the Irish really know their coffee drinks? The Nutty Irishman is another after-dinner coffee drink that you’re going to love.
You’ll want a bottle of Frangelico and some Irish Cream for this coffee drink. The hazelnut flavor in the Frangelico combines perfectly with the richness of the Irish Cream and your favorite strong-bodied coffee to give you a treat on a winter evening that you’ll come back to again and again. If you prefer and need the burst of energy after dinner, a double shot of espresso in this drink works wonders as well.
10. Irish Winter
Rounding out our list is an Irish Winter after-dinner coffee drink. We know Irish coffees can be a bit complicated at times, so this Irish Winter coffee is a simple one.
A simple pour-and-drink recipe, it involves a strong-bodied coffee of your choice, a shot of Jameson, and some Kahlua. Add your favorite Irish Cream to the mix, and you have a hot drink to warm you on any cold night.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the best and most delicious after-dinner coffee drinks that we think you’ll enjoy. From an Irish Winter on a cold winter night to an Italian Coffee where you get to play with fire and still enjoy hot coffee, these are fabulous winter or summer coffee drinks. Don’t forget there are a few on the list for the non-alcoholic coffee drinkers as well, just to even it out and make sure everyone can have their favorite after-dinner coffee drink.
Featured Image Credit: Micaela Fiorellini, Shutterstock
