Café Amaretto - Coffee, Amaretto & Cognac Hot Cocktail

Café Amaretto is a hot coffee cocktail built from black coffee, amaretto, Cognac, and whipped cream. The coffee provides bitterness and roast, amaretto adds almond-like sweetness, and Cognac gives the drink a drier, fruitier backbone than an all-liqueur build.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Black Coffee - provides the hot roasted base.
• Amaretto - adds almond and stone-fruit sweetness.
• Cognac - contributes fruit, oak, and extra structure.
• Whipped Cream - softens the finish.

Brandy can replace Cognac. Hazelnut liqueur can replace amaretto for a different nutty profile.

Equipment

• Irish Coffee Cup
• Bar spoon

Roast Against Almond Sweetness

The 6-ounce coffee base prevents the amaretto from dominating, while the smaller Cognac measure deepens the drink without making it overly strong. Cream rounds the edges but should stay a topping, not a heavy mixer.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use brandy instead of Cognac.
• Use hazelnut liqueur instead of amaretto.
• Reduce the amaretto slightly for a drier cup.
• Add cocoa or grated dark chocolate over the cream.
• Use decaffeinated coffee when preferred.

Helpful Tips

• Preheat the cup before building.
• Use freshly brewed coffee.
• Stir the spirits into the coffee before adding cream.
• Add the whipped cream just before serving.
• Serve immediately while hot.