13 Best After-Dinner Drinks and Cocktails

Cocktails are an essential part of any adult get-together.

And what better way to end the night than with one of these stunning after-dinner drinks? 

Dessert is great and all, but you just can’t beat a cool or cozy cocktail. And from sweet and creamy to bitter and sour, you’ll easily find a favorite here. 

They’re ideal for winding down after a long day or as a nightcap with friends.

Better yet, these after-dinner drinks are crazy easy to make!

13 Easy After-Dinner Drinks for The Perfect Nightcap

1. Classic White Russian

If you like iced coffee through the day and an espresso after dinner, you’ll love this White Russian cocktail. 

Kahlua, vodka, and cream combine to make a decadent after-dinner drink that’s smooth, creamy, and deliciously boozy.

This three-ingredient recipe is super simple to make and incredibly easy to enjoy. It would even be delicious during brunch.

And if you want even more coffee goodness, try using coffee-infused vodka!

2. Old-Fashioned

This old-fashioned whiskey cocktail is a tried and true classic. 

It has simple ingredients with a sophisticated flavor. And all you need to do is combine bourbon or rye whiskey with sugar and a few dashes of bitters. 

Angostura bitters are the most common, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try other varieties. Cherry works really well!

Add a slice of orange or a cocktail cherry for garnish, and you’re all set.

Top tip: rub an orange peel around the rim of the glass. It will give the aroma of orange without changing the drink’s flavor.

3. Espresso Martini

Here’s another caffeinated cocktail to enjoy after dinner. It’s boozy, full of coffee flavor, and goes down so smoothly. 

I love espresso martinis because they’re like dessert in a glass. You can have your coffee, cocktail, and sweets all at once!

Although this isn’t technically a martini because it’s sans-vermouth, it’s close enough.

Use your favorite vodka and freshly brewed espresso for the best drink ever!

4. Irish Coffee

Irish coffee is the perfect bookend for your weekend. Start with one at brunch on Saturday, and end the day with another on Sunday evening. 

All the coffee lovers out there will go nuts for this drink. It’s warm, creamy, sweet, and has a big kick!

It looks fabulous and tastes like a latte. Add some caramel, and it’s dessert in a glass!

Ideal for parties, it’s sure to keep your guests cozy during the holidays. 

5. Negroni

Get ready for a sip of Italian luxury. The Negroni may be simple, but I think you’ll really love its bitter taste.

Great for beginner bartenders, all you need is Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth. So it’s pretty hard to mess up. 

Unless you go for the viral Negroni Sbagliato. But even then, all you’ll add is some Prosecco!

Whether served on the rocks or straight up, you’re sure to enjoy the complex and delicious flavors of this lovely nightcap. 

6. French 75

Sophisticated, refreshing, and classy, the French 75 is a fantastic option for parties and holidays.

It would even make a lovely signature wedding cocktail!

You’ll combine gin with lemon juice and simple syrup, then top it off with bubbly Champagne. 

So the flavors are delicious and uncomplicated but quite strong!

It’s light, bright, and will tickle your nose in the most delightful way.

Mix up this effervescent cocktail for New Year’s Eve parties, birthdays, or even lazy Sundays.

7. Classic Vodka Martini

There are so many variations on the martini, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. However, the original vodka martini still stands strong. 

If you prefer the pure taste of liquor, this drink is for you. With just vermouth and lemon, it’s definitely a “grown-up” drink. 

The secret to a perfect martini? Don’t shake it!

Sorry, Mr. Bond, but shaking this cocktail with ice will “bruise” the liquor and dilute the flavor.

So the next time you ask for a vodka martini, make sure it’s stirred, not shaken!

8. Amaro Sour

Not to be confused with the Amaretto sour – which is sweet, fruity, and loaded with almond flavor – the Amaro Sour is bitter-sweet, strong, and smooth.

Amaro is an Italian after-dinner digestif with a very herbal flavor featuring grape brandy with a blend of herbs, flowers, aromatics, citrus peels, and spices.

It can range from spiced to floral, depending on its ingredients – which are typically a well-kept secret!

To make a sour, add gin and fresh lemon juice, then garnish the glass with maraschino cherries. Yum!

9. Hot Buttered Rum

Hot buttered rum is a cozy cocktail with tons of rich flavor.

It uses real butter to create a creamy texture that’s heavenly, along with deliciously dark rum.

Mix them with hot water or cider, sugar, and spices for a drink that will keep you warm and toasty. 

Buttered rum is a lovely holiday drink, and it’s incredible during any winter festivities. 

10. Mulled Wine

If the above drink sounds a bit too sweet for you, try this mulled wine instead!

This traditional British Christmas cocktail is effortless to make and ideal for cold winter nights.

Just simmer some wine on the stove along with brandy and fresh oranges. Then add spices and a touch of sugar before serving.

It’s festive, flavorful, and always welcome after a holiday dinner. 

11. Brandy Alexander

The next time you’re craving something creamy and chocolatey, give this Brandy Alexander a whirl!

It’s a dessert cocktail everybody will love – but especially chocolate lovers!

Made with brandy (of course), crème de cacao, and cream, you’ll add a bit of freshly grated nutmeg on top for a hint of warmth.

If you want to have your dessert and drink it too, this Brandy Alexander will hit the spot!

12. Classic Sazerac

The classic Sazerac is a very specific drink with an important list of steps. But try it once, and you’ll be hooked!

For this cocktail, you’ll need to get your hands on Absinthe. Though oddly enough, it’s not actually in the drink.

Instead, you’ll swirl it around the glass, pour it out, then add the drink – a mix of cognac, bitters, and a sugar cube.

Garnish with a lemon peel and give it a sip. You have to try this at least once!

13. Rusty Nail

Despite its somewhat unappealing name, the rusty nail cocktail is wonderful. 

It’s a super quick, three-ingredient, scotch-based cocktail that’s best served over ice.

Mixed with Drambuie and finished with a bit of lemon peel, it’s the kind of drink even novice mixologists can master.

Better yet, it doesn’t require any special equipment.