How to Make a Coffee Cocktail with Vodka, Gin and Cocoa Liqueur

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your favorite spirits into a coffee-flavored cocktail without actual espresso, this three-liquor mix delivers a surprising answer. It’s not a traditional coffee drink—but it’s built around the flavor of cocoa, balancing liquor strength with a sweet, dessert-like finish.

The quick formula? Mix equal thirds of vodka, dry gin, and cocoa liqueur over ice, shake well, and strain. That’s the whole recipe—and the marshmallow garnish? Totally optional, but it works.

What’s in This Coffee Cocktail?

This isn’t a coffee brew, but a cocktail that uses cocoa liqueur to echo coffee flavor. The base is a balanced trio: one part vodka, one part dry gin, and one part cocoa liqueur—each making up one-third of the total liquid. No espresso or coffee beans are used, but the cocoa liqueur brings the roasty, bittersweet notes often associated with coffee drinks.

How to Shake It Together

Here’s the step-by-step method:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with fresh ice cubes.
• Pour in equal parts by volume: 1/3 vodka, 1/3 dry gin, and 1/3 cocoa liqueur.
• Shake vigorously until well-chilled, usually around 15–20 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a marshmallow on top, if desired—the original recipe suggests it complements the flavors.

Why This Ratio Works

The 1:1:1 ratio (⅓ each) is key to balancing the three spirits. Vodka adds neutral alcohol volume, dry gin contributes botanical bite, and cocoa liqueur introduces the roasty-sweet depth that mimics coffee flavor. Ice dilutes and chills the mix during shaking, softening the alcohol while integrating the three profiles into one cohesive drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use freshly brewed coffee in this cocktail?

No, this cocktail doesn’t use any brewed coffee or espresso. The coffee-like flavor comes entirely from the cocoa liqueur, which provides a bittersweet, roasty note similar to dark chocolate or coffee desserts.

Can I use flavored vodka or gin?

Yes, but it will change the flavor profile. The original recipe calls for plain vodka and dry gin to keep the cocoa liqueur’s notes clear. Flavored spirits may introduce competing tastes that affect the balance.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?

Not directly, since the cocktail relies on three alcoholic ingredients for its structure. However, you could experiment with a non-alcoholic cocoa syrup, non-alcoholic gin, and vodka substitutes—but this would be a different recipe.

What kind of glass should I use?

A standard cocktail glass (martini glass) is ideal. Its wide bowl shows off the layers and lets the aromas open up. You can also use a rocks glass if you prefer it over ice.

Do I have to use a marshmallow garnish?

No, the marshmallow is optional. The original creator included it because they enjoyed how it paired with the cocktail’s flavor, but it’s not required for the drink itself.