5 incredibly delicious coffee drinks you have to try this summer | Barista & Espresso

Summer is finally here – and what could be better than combining two of life's great pleasures: coffee and cocktails?

When the sun shines and the temperature rises, it's time to think outside the ordinary coffee cup and explore refreshing, flavorful coffee drinks with a grown-up twist. Regardless About Whether you're a coffee lover, a cocktail fan or just looking for something new to offer during summer parties, barbecues or lazy afternoons in the sun – here are five coffee drinks with alcohol you simply have to try!

1. Espresso Martini – Elegant and energizing 🍸

A true classic that works just as well at a summer party as a late evening on the patio. Espresso The Martini is powerful, sophisticated and just the right amount of sweet.

Ingredients:

• 4 cl vodka

• 3 cl coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlúa)

• 3 cl freshly brewed espresso

• Ice

• (Optional: 3 coffee beans for decoration)

Here's how:

1. Brew one espresso and let it cool down a bit.

2. Fill a shaker with ice.

3. Add vodka, coffee liqueur and the cooled espresso.

4. Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds – you want to get a creamy foam crown.

5. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

6. Feel free to decorate with three coffee beans on top.

Perfect as a sophisticated aperitif or dessert drink as the sun goes down.

☕ Espresso Martini – Non-alcoholic variant

👉 How to make it alcohol-free:
Replace the vodka with non-alcoholic vodka or cold water with a dash of vanilla extract for depth. Use a non-alcoholic coffee liqueur (available from Lyre's, for example) or make your own with espresso + syrup. Shake with ice and serve as usual!

2. Iced Irish Coffee – A cold twist on a warming classic 🧊

The traditional Irish Coffee is hot, sweet and powerful – but the cold version is just as delicious and much more summery. It combines the depth of Irish whiskey with invigorating coffee and cooling ice.

Ingredients:

• 4 cl Irish whiskey (e.g. Jameson)

• 1 tsp brown sugar or raw sugar

• 10–12 cl cold, strong coffee

• Ice

• Whipped cream (lightly whipped, not stiff)

Here's how:

1. Pour whiskey and sugar into a glass and stir until the sugar dissolves.

2. Fill the glass with ice.

3. Add the cold coffee and stir. About gently.

4. Top with a layer of whipped cream, preferably pouring over the back of a spoon to get a nice, liquid layer.

5. Serve with a straw or drink directly through the cream.

The feeling? Like a dessert in a glass – but with a twist.

🧊 Iced Irish Coffee – Alcohol-free variant

👉 How to make it alcohol-free:
Replace the Irish whiskey with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative (such as Lyre's or Celtic Soul), or use some smoky black tea to mimic whiskey notes. The rest of the recipe is the same!

3. Cold Brew White Russian – Smooth, cold and decadent ☕🥛

White Russian is perhaps best known from the film The Big Lebowski, but this variation with cold brewed coffee instead of milk gives the drink a deeper coffee flavor and a perfect summer balance.

Ingredients:

• 3 cl vodka

• 3 cl coffee liqueur (e.g. Tia Maria or Kahlúa)

• 6 cl cold brewed coffee (cold brew)

• 2 cl cream or milk

• Ice

Here's how:

1. Fill a tumbler glass with ice.

2. Add vodka and coffee liqueur.

3. Pour in cold brew-coffee and stir About.

4. Top with a splash of cream or milk – preferably slowly to get a beautiful layer.

Want to make it extra neat? Don't touch About the cream directly, let the guest see how it flows into the glass.

🥛 Cold Brew White Russian – Alcohol-free variant

👉 How to make it alcohol-free:
Use non-alcoholic coffee liqueur (or make your own with cold brew + syrup) and replace the vodka with non-alcoholic vodka or omit it altogether. Add milk or a plant-based alternative and serve with ice.

4. Coffee Mojito – For those who dare to think new things 🌿🍋

Mojito meets espresso – and the result is surprisingly fresh. This drink is for those who love mint, acid and coffee in a daring mix.

Ingredients:

• 4 cl light rum

• 3 cl cold espresso

• Fresh mint (6–8 leaves)

• 2 cl sugar syrup (1 part sugar + 1 part water, heated and cooled)

• 1–2 cl freshly squeezed lime juice

• Soda water

• Ice

Here's how:

1. Muddle mint and lime juice in a large glass – press lightly to release flavor, but do not mash completely.

2. Add sugar syrup and fill the glass halfway with ice.

3. Pour in rum and espresso, pipe About properly.

4. Top with soda water and more ice About it is needed.

5. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge.

A fresh, bitter-sour coffee drink that really stands out from the crowd.

🌿 Coffee Mojito – Alcohol-free variant

👉 How to make it alcohol-free:
Omit the rum and replace with soda water or cold lemon water. Leave the rest as in the original: mint, lime juice, espresso and syrup. A refreshing mocktail with coffee flavor!

5. Kahlúa Iced Latte – Summery indulgence in all its simplicity 🧋

The easiest on the list – but don’t underestimate it. This is a perfect go-to-drink for warm afternoons in the hammock or when you want to quickly offer something delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 cl Kahlúa

• 10–12 cl cold coffee or cold brew

• Milk, oat milk or cream (to taste)

• Ice

Here's how:

1. Fill a glass with ice.

2. Pour in Kahlúa and top up with cold coffee.

3. Add a splash of milk or cream.

4. Pipe About and serve immediately.

Want to make it even more luxurious? Top with whipped cream and a little cocoa.

🧋 Kahlúa Iced Latte – Alcohol-free variant

👉 How to make it alcohol-free:
Use a non-alcoholic coffee liqueur or make your own by mixing strong coffee with a little vanilla syrup or molasses. Top up with milk, ice and enjoy!

Final tip 🌞

• Used freshly brewed or cold brew-coffee for the best taste.

• Adjust the sweetness to your taste – some like more sugar, others less.

• Try plant-based alternatives like oat milk or coconut milk for a summery twist.

• Feel free to decorate with coffee beans, mint, chocolate or grated lemon peel – it's the details that make the difference.
  

So – which coffee drink will you try first?

Tell us in the comments or tag us in your summer photo – we want to see your best coffee cocktails! ☕🍹