The Mixology Hub
Coffee Liqueur Alternative: Bold espresso, rich caramel and after-dinner possibilities
Crafted for mixing, not for drinking neat. Shake up an Espresso Martini, add a toasted almond twist or pour over ice cream for an indulgent finish. Discover easy serves, recipes and tips to get the most from every bottle.
Same award-winning liquid, different name
You’ll find it as Coffee Liqueur Alternative in the USA and Australia, and Coffee Originale in Europe.
Tasting notes
Rich coffee character. Plenty to mix with.
Bold espresso and roasted coffee meet caramel, vanilla and dark chocolate, with subtle fruit notes and a rich, smooth finish. Mix with fresh coffee, a complementary Lyre’s bottle or a simple mixer to explore its depth.
Nose
Intense espresso and freshly ground coffee, with burnt caramel, vanilla and hints of dark chocolate, fig and blueberry.
Palate
Espresso-forward richness, layered with caramel, toasted nuts and gentle spice.
Finish
Long and smooth, with lingering coffee and classic vanilla richness.
Simple serves
Three ways to pour tonight
The Espresso Martini
Dry shake 1.5 fl oz Coffee Liqueur Alternative, 0.5 fl oz White Rum Alternative, 1.5 fl oz espresso or cold drip coffee and 0.3 fl oz vanilla syrup. Add ice, shake hard briefly and fine strain into a chilled coupe. Finish with coffee beans.
Full recipe
The Almond Espresso Martini
Dry shake 1.5 fl oz Coffee Liqueur Alternative, 0.5 fl oz Amaretti, 1.5 fl oz espresso or cold drip coffee and 2 tsp vanilla syrup. Add ice, shake hard briefly and fine strain into a chilled coupe. Finish with coffee beans.
Full recipe
The Coffee Affogato
Place a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream in a small glass. Pour over 2 fl oz Coffee Liqueur Alternative and 1.5 fl oz fresh espresso. Serve immediately with a small spoon for an indulgent after-dinner treat.
Full recipe
Measurements are US fluid ounces unless stated. Use vanilla syrup, not vanilla essence.
Ratio guide
Get the balance right every time
Start with these proportions, taste as you go and find your favorite balance.
Long and refreshing
1 part Coffee Liqueur Alternative to 2 parts tonic. Pour over plenty of ice for a bittersweet coffee aperitif. Finish with orange peel and adjust the mixer to taste.
Bold and frothy
3 parts Coffee Liqueur Alternative to 1 part White Rum Alternative to 3 parts espresso. Add vanilla syrup using the Espresso Martini recipe above, then shake hard with ice.
Rich and aromatic
1 part Coffee Liqueur Alternative to 2 parts Bourbon Alternative. A starting point for a Coffee Old Fashioned. Add non-alcoholic orange bitters, stir with ice and finish with orange zest.
Mixer pairings
What goes with Coffee Liqueur Alternative
- Fresh espresso: deepens the coffee character and helps create that Espresso Martini foam. Let it cool before shaking.
- Cold drip or cold brew: a convenient, chilled option for coffee cocktails. Choose a strong brew for a bold finish.
- Indian tonic: a lively bittersweet contrast. Serve over ice with orange peel.
- Milk or oat milk: a creamy, mellow long drink. Start with a small splash and adjust to taste.
- Coconut milk: a rich tropical twist that pairs with the roasted coffee notes. Shake with ice to combine.
- Soda water: a lighter coffee highball. Add gradually and finish with an orange twist.
Finishing touches
A little garnish goes a long way
Float three coffee beans on an Espresso Martini, or twist orange peel over a Coffee Old Fashioned to release its fragrant oils. A light dusting of cocoa adds a dessert-style finish. Chill your coupe before pouring, and shake with fresh ice just before serving for a smooth, foamy top.
Made for entertaining
A little coffee. A little cream. A lot to love.
Take Coffee Liqueur Alternative beyond the cocktail glass with Lyre’s Tiramisu. Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, velvety mascarpone and cocoa make an indulgent finish to your next dinner party.
Dissolve 3 tbsp superfine sugar in 6 fl oz hot espresso, then stir in 2 fl oz Coffee Liqueur Alternative and 1 fl oz Bourbon Alternative. Set aside to cool. In a separate bowl, whisk 18 oz mascarpone, 1¾ cups heavy cream, ½ tsp vanilla extract and 2 tbsp powdered sugar to soft peaks.
Briefly dip approximately 30 ladyfinger biscuits in the coffee mixture. Layer half in a roughly 10 × 12-inch dish, spread with half the mascarpone mixture and dust with cocoa. Repeat with the remaining biscuits and cream, using up to ½ cup cocoa powder across both layers. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Hosting tip: prepare ahead and keep refrigerated until dessert is served.
Full recipe
Love Coffee Liqueur Alternative?
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Explore lighter mixing partners, toasted almond and mellow oak with three bottles to inspire your next cocktail.
White Rum Alternative
The mixing partner for your next Espresso Martini. Its light cane and citrus character supports roasted coffee, while opening up Mojitos, Daiquiris and tropical cocktails for your next round.
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Amaretti
Bring toasted almond sweetness to after-dinner drinks. Pair with Coffee Liqueur Alternative for an Almond Espresso Martini, pour into an affogato or shake up a bright Amaretti Sour.
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Bourbon Alternative
Explore mellow caramel, vanilla and oak. Pair with Coffee Liqueur Alternative for a Coffee Old Fashioned, or discover classic Whiskey Sours, Boulevardiers and Irish Coffee serves.
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