Search locations or food
OR
Sign up

What to drink in Europe? Top 20 European Alcoholic Coffee Drinks

Last update: Thu Feb 20 2025
Top 20 European Alcoholic Coffee Drinks
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best European Alcoholic Coffee Drink Types

01
Shakerato
Shakerato infographic
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Shakerato is an Italian version of ice coffee. It consists of sweetened espresso and ice cubes that are shaken—hence the name—in a cocktail shaker. The drink is usually enjoyed during the summer as a refreshing version of traditional espresso.


Because of its unique preparation, when it is poured in a glass, the drink should have a frothy layer (crema) on top. It is usually strained and served in a stemmed glass. Shakerato is commonly spiked with creamy vanilla or coffee-flavored liqueurs.

02

Alcoholic Coffee Drink

SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Spain
4.0
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Barraquito is a type of coffee that usually combines condensed milk, liqueur, coffee, and milk. Although there are several regional variations, the most common combination includes condensed milk, Licor 43 (sweet and dense liqueur with flavors of vanilla, citrus fruit, and spices), espresso, and steamed milk.


All the ingredients are layered, and the drink is usually served in a tall glass so the layers would be visible. Steamed milk is dusted with ground cinnamon, and the drink is traditionally garnished with lemon peel. Sometimes, steamed milk can be replaced with whipped cream, while other variations may include different types of liqueurs. 
03
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Carajillo is a Spanish coffee variety that is traditionally prepared with three parts of coffee and one part of liquor. The most common combination includes espresso and brandy, rum, aguardiente, or Licor 43—a sweet liqueur from Cartagena.


Carajillo is enjoyed throughout the country, but there are several regional varieties that differ in the choice of liquor and the preparation method. The origin of the drink is not known. One theory claims that it dates from a time when Cuba was a Spanish province, and the plantation laborers were given a combination of rum and coffee. 
VARIATIONS OF Carajillo
04
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Irish coffee is a hot and potent cocktail invented by Irish chef Joe Sheridan in the 1940s. It consists of black coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and cream - which should not be whipped, according to the original recipe. Although it originates from Ireland, the drink became popular throughout the world, especially in the USA, where it was brought by a writer named Stanton Delaplane.


There are several variations in the preparation process that can significantly alter the flavor of this warming beverage. It can be made with different types of coffee or served with ice, while whiskey can be replaced with some other spirit. The classic Irish coffee is prepared by pouring hot black coffee in a mug, stirring whiskey and brown sugar into it until fully dissolved, then topping it all with a layer of thick cream.

05
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Fiaker is a Viennese specialty coffee that consists of an espresso that is usually sweetened and then topped with whipped cream. The drink also includes a splash of liquor, preferably kirschwasser—fruit brandy distilled from cherries—which is occasionally replaced with rum of plum brandy.


The name fiaker was given because the coachmen of traditional Viennese coaches (fiakers) are big fans of this warming, alcohol-laced beverage. The drink is occasionally garnished with preserved cherries, or it can be dusted with cocoa powder. 
06
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Kafi Luz or Kafi Fertig is a Swiss coffee that is usually made with Träsch—fruit brandy produced from pear and apple pomace that is mainly enjoyed in Central Switzerland. The recipe includes a splash of fruit brandy (schnaps), sugar, boiling water, and instant coffee.


The drink should be pale and transparent, and it is typically served in a tall stemmed glass. This coffee was invented sometime in the 18th century when drinking schnaps was a common practice in Switzerland, especially in rural areas where each day would begin with a shot of brandy. 
07
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

This spiked Italian coffee pairs a shot of espresso and a splash of liquor, typically different varieties of grappa, brandy, rum, mistrà, or sambuca. The drink is supposed to have a dominant, rich coffee flavor and not to be overpowered by strong liquor.


Occasionally, the two drinks are served separately, allowing the guests to combine it according to their taste. In other countries, it occasionally goes under the name espresso corretto, while in Spain, a similar spiked espresso is known as carajillo.

08

Cocktail

TRØNDELAG, Norway
2.6
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list
MAIN INGREDIENTS

Karsk is an aromatic Norwegian cocktail that is traditionally served hot. It is made with a combination of coffee and moonshine. To prepare it, a small coin is traditionally placed on the bottom of the cup, which is then filled with strong, hot coffee until the coin is completely covered.


The moonshine is then added to the cup until the coin resurfaces. There is also a variation on Karsk made with vodka instead of moonshine. The name of this cocktail is derived from the adjective karsks, which means vigorous in Old Norse. 
09
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Although it is nowadays rarely found in Viennese coffee houses, Kaisermelange is often listed as a unique Viennese specialty. It consists of a pulled espresso that is mixed with a raw egg yolk. The beverage is usually sweetened with honey and fortified with Cognac, other types of brandy, or rum.


The name Kaisermelange translates as Emperor's mélange—presumably because of the luscious texture and rich flavor of the coffee, which makes it worthy of being served to an emperor.

10
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Calimero is an Italian coffee-based beverage that consists of a warm egg liqueur that is topped with an espresso shot and a generous dollop of whipped cream. The drink is a spin on Bombardino—a classic Italian cocktail that is enjoyed as an après-ski drink.


Calimero is typically served in glass mugs, and whipped cream is usually dusted with cocoa. Variations may include various types of brandy.

11
12
Alcoholic Coffee Drink
RÜDESHEIM AM RHEIN, Germany
n/a
13
Alcoholic Coffee Drink
AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES, France
n/a
14
Alcoholic Coffee Drink
NORTHERN FRIESLAND, Germany
n/a
15
16
17
18
19
20
Alcoholic Coffee Drink
REGION OF MURCIA, Spain
n/a

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

Show Map
European Alcoholic Coffee Drinks