The Percolator Cocktail
Enjoy the Percolator Cocktail, which blends cold coffee, Tia Maria, cognac and Irish Cream. Perfect for brunch or dessert, this drink is sure to impress!
If you love coffee and enjoy a good cocktail, then the Percolator Cocktail could be your new best friend. This exciting drink brings together the rich, robust flavors of coffee and Irish cream with the smoothness of cognac.

It’s a cold coffee-based cocktail that goes down smooth while it wakes you up. It’s great as a breakfast or brunch cocktail.
Just don’t serve it at a party where you’re hoping everyone will leave in a timely manner – or if you do, make the coffee decaf. The caffeine/alcohol combo can keep people going well into the night.
Tasting Profile
When you take a moment to savor the Percolator, you’ll notice its inviting aroma – coffee mingling with hints of chocolate and vanilla. As you take your first sip, the robust coffee flavor hits your palate, followed closely by the velvety sweetness from Tia Maria. The warmth of cognac rounds it out, bringing depth and complexity to the experience.
The mouthfeel is luxurious and creamy thanks to the Irish cream, making each sip feel indulgent. The overall impression? A sophisticated yet cozy cocktail that’s perfect for evenings spent with friends or as a special treat after dinner.
Key Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect blend of flavors:
Cold Black Coffee: Freshly brewed black coffee is essential here. It brings boldness and an aromatic quality that sets the stage for everything else.
Tia Maria: This tasty coffee-flavored liqueur adds a smooth sweetness that beautifully complements the coffee’s intensity.
Cognac: This spirit introduces warm, oaky notes and a touch of spice. This depth balances out the sweetness from the liqueurs.
Carolan’s Irish Cream: The final ingredient is Carolan’s Irish Cream, which adds caramel and vanilla notes. You can use a different brand if you prefer, and the taste will be similar. I just love the caramel notes in Carolan’s.
Food Pairings
This is an easy drink to enjoy with snacks or even a full meal. It works well with rich chocolate desserts, like flourless chocolate cake or chocolate truffles Tiramisu is another natural choice – its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone echo the cocktail’s flavors. Warm spices found in treats like pumpkin bread or ginger cookies complement the cocktail perfectly.
Surprisingly, the bold flavors of this drink can also enhance the rich taste of smoked brisket or grilled steak. And you can never go wrong with a cheese plate – try artisanal cheeses with nutty or blue flavors.
Serving Suggestions
How you present the Percolator Cocktail can add to the enjoyment!
Glassware: Serve your Percolator in a classic coffee mug or a wide-rimmed glass that can handle warm beverages.
Temperature: Aim for a slightly warmer temperature than typical cocktails to let those flavors shine. A room temperature or slightly chilled version works best.
Garnishes: Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream topped with a few coffee beans.
Occasions: Enjoy it as an after-dinner drink, during cozy gatherings with friends, or as a special treat on chilly nights.
Preparation Techniques: While shaking without ice is traditional, feel free to get creative! You could build it directly in the glass with gentle stirring or serve it over ice for a chilled version.
The Percolator Cocktail

Enjoy the Percolator Cocktail, which blends cold coffee, Tia Maria, cognac and Irish Cream. Perfect for brunch or dessert, this drink is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 3 ounces cold black coffee
- 1 ounce Tia Maria
- 1 ounce cognac
- 1/2 ounce Carolan's Irish Cream
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake it without ice and pour it into a glass coffee mug.
- Optionally top with whipped cream and a few coffee beans.
Recommended Products
More Like This
Filed in:
Glassware:
Last Updated: