Five Summer Coffee Cocktails and Mocktails

For coffee lovers, summer days call for cold brew, iced coffee as well as refreshing cocktails. Even better is when we can combine the two. Here’s five of our favorite coffee cocktails and mocktails to enjoy all season long. And to keep it simple, you can make them all with the Bruvi single-serve coffee brewer.

Colorado Bulldog

Similar to a white Russian with a fizzy splash, this is a delicious treat for yourself or to serve to summer party guests. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and coffee liqueur.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz  cold brew  (we love Joyride Original Cold Brew or Mulholland Roasters Tenango B-Pods) 
• 1 oz  coffee liqueur 
• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz cream
• Cola to taste

In a cocktail glass with ice, pour in the cold brew, coffee liqueur and cream. Top with cola to taste. 

Cold Brew Negroni

This timeless cocktail will give you all the Italian summer vibes. If you can’t make it to Florence, you can at least put on a pair of glamorous shades while you sip. For the cold brew, you can use any coffee B-Pod, though we like those with orange flavor notes such as Wonderland De La Casa or Mulholland Colombia.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 2 oz cold brew 
• 1.5 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange peel for garnish

In a mixing glass, combine the gin, Campari, cold brew and sweet vermouth.  Stir to combine. Pour into a cocktail glass with ice and garnish with orange peel. 

Espresso Mudslide

The classic Mudslide recipe calls for coffee liqueur but we prefer it with a shot of real espresso. Since you can brew an iced shot with Bruvi, you can avoid waiting for hot espresso to cool down. We recommend using a Spellbinder Espresso Forte B-Pod as the toffee and bittersweet chocolate notes work well with the creamy ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz espresso Spellbinder Espresso Forte
• 2 oz Irish Creme liqueur
• 3 oz vodka 
• Optional: heavy cream
• Ice 

Optional garnish: Whipped cream and/or chocolate syrup

Shaken version:

Brew a 2 oz shot of any espresso B-Pod, using the Iced button for a cool espresso.

Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Add the espresso, Irish Creme and vodka. Shake for about 15 seconds, strain into a cocktail glass. Add chocolate syrup garnish, if desired, and serve.

Frozen version:

Pour all ingredients into a blender. Blend on high until combined well. Pour into a chilled glass. Garnish with whipped cream and/or chocolate syrup if desired.

Want to skip the alcohol but lean into the refreshment? Try these tasty mocktails.

Espresso Tonic

Refreshment could not be simpler. This is a perfect mocktail to have on hand for summer afternoon entertaining. 

Ingredients:

• 6-8 oz tonic water
• 2 oz espresso shot (Wonderland Euphoria is a favorite)

Take a cocktail glass with ice. Pour in tonic water. Top with espresso shot . Add a twist of orange or lemon.

OJ Espresso

If you’re unfamiliar, you might find this an unusual combination. But fans love how the acidity of the juice complements the espresso. Try this one at a weekend brunch.  We recommend Mulholland Causu espresso B-Pods, with orange and spice notes. 

Ingredients:

• 2  oz espresso (Mulholland Causu)
• 6 oz fresh orange juice

Pour espresso shot into a tall glass with ice. Add orange juice, stir and enjoy.

If you’re looking for more ways to chill with tasty coffee drinks this summer, check out these refreshing cold coffee ideas and these additional coffee cocktails.