After-dinner cocktails
Richer, slower drinks for the end of a meal: coffee, cream, whisky and brandy, stirred or shaken and served small.
Pick a creamy one in place of pudding, or something stirred and strong to sip while the table is cleared.
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What makes a good after-dinner cocktail
A good after-dinner drink is small, rich and not too sweet. Most fall into two groups: creamy or coffee-based drinks that stand in for pudding, and stirred, spirit-led drinks to sip slowly.
Serve them in smaller glasses than you would for a long drink, and make them to order. A drink at the end of a meal is something to linger over, so there is no need for a big pour.
Plan one drink per guest to begin with, and let people ask for another if they want it. A table that is still talking does not need a second round poured for it.
Coffee and cream drinks
The White Russian is 50 ml vodka, 25 ml coffee liqueur and 25 ml cream over ice. The Brandy Alexander is shaken with 30 ml each of brandy, dark crème de cacao and double cream, and served up.
For the Espresso martini, use freshly made espresso and shake hard with plenty of ice, because the foam comes from the coffee's natural oils. Remember that it contains caffeine, which some guests will want to avoid in the evening.
Chill the coupes or glasses in the freezer while you cook, so the drinks stay cold for the whole of the course. Measure out the ingredients in advance, so each drink takes only a minute at the table.
Stirred whisky and brandy drinks
If you would rather skip cream, choose something stirred. The Rusty Nail is 50 ml Scotch and 25 ml Drambuie over ice. The Rob Roy is a Scotch Manhattan, and the Black Manhattan swaps the vermouth for Averna, a bitter amaro.
The Old Fashioned is a good option if one guest wants something simple. These drinks are strong, so measure them carefully.
Stir these drinks for about 30 seconds, until the glass feels very cold. A large ice cube melts slowly, so the drink stays strong without becoming watery.
Hot and alcohol-free options for the end of a meal
A hot drink can replace coffee. The Irish coffee is 40 ml Irish whiskey with hot coffee and cream, and the Irish cream hot chocolate is a gentler alternative.
For guests who are not drinking, try the alcohol-free espresso martini. It keeps the ritual of a drink at the table.
Questions people ask
What is a good cocktail to have after dinner?
The Espresso martini, White Russian and Irish coffee are popular choices because they work like a dessert and a coffee in one. If you prefer something stirred and spirit-led, try a Rusty Nail, Rob Roy or Old Fashioned. Serve any of them in a small glass.
What is a digestif cocktail?
A digestif cocktail is a drink served at the end of a meal, usually built on whisky, brandy or a bitter, herbal liqueur. The Rusty Nail, Black Manhattan and Vieux Carré fit this idea. Whether they help digestion is a tradition, not a proven effect.
How do you make a White Russian?
Pour 50 ml vodka and 25 ml coffee liqueur over ice in a rocks glass, then float 25 ml cold single or double cream on top and stir gently. Use whole milk instead of cream for a lighter drink. It is built in the glass, so no shaker is needed.
What is in a Brandy Alexander?
A Brandy Alexander is equal parts brandy or Cognac, dark crème de cacao and double cream, 30 ml of each in this recipe. Shake it hard with ice, strain into a chilled coupe and grate nutmeg over the top. It is rich, so a small glass is plenty.
What is the difference between a White Russian and a Black Russian?
A Black Russian is vodka and coffee liqueur over ice. A White Russian is the same drink with cream floated on top. The Black Russian is drier and stronger-tasting, while the White Russian is smoother and closer to a dessert.
Can I serve an after-dinner cocktail without alcohol?
Yes. The alcohol-free espresso martini gives a similar coffee flavour with no alcohol. Serve it in the same glass as the alcoholic version, so guests who are not drinking still have something to hold. A plain coffee or hot chocolate also works.