Creamy Dulce de Leche Coffee Cocktail

Dulce de Leche Coffee Cocktail is a rich, creamy dessert-style drink made with real dulce de leche blended directly into the cocktail, not just used as a garnish. Combined with brandy, coffee liqueur, and cream, this cocktail delivers deep caramel sweetness, smooth coffee notes, and a velvety texture that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

Hey folks – if you enjoy dessert cocktails that lean toward cozy and comforting rather than sharp and boozy, this one is right up your alley. It’s smooth, gently warming, and perfect as an after-dinner drink or a slow-sipping treat on a quiet evening. So, let’s dive into this Dulce de Leche Coffee Cocktail.

Why You’ll Love This Dulce de Leche Coffee Cocktail

• Real caramel flavour. Dulce de leche is fully incorporated into the drink, giving true depth and sweetness.
• Creamy and smooth. Cream softens the coffee and spirit without overpowering them.
• Dessert-forward. This cocktail easily doubles as a sweet ending to a meal.
• Flexible base spirit. Brandy works beautifully, but rum, whiskey, or vodka can be used as well.
• Simple to make. Just a few ingredients and a good shake are all you need.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This dulce de leche coffee cocktail is smooth, creamy, and gently sweet, with layered flavours of caramel, coffee, and warming spirit. The texture is velvety and rich, while the coffee liqueur keeps the sweetness in check, resulting in a balanced dessert cocktail rather than a cloying one.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

To make this Dulce de Leche Coffee Cocktail, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a clear role.

• Brandy forms the base of the cocktail, adding warmth and depth. Use a brand you enjoy drinking. If brandy isn’t your preference, rum, whiskey, or vodka can be substituted, each bringing a slightly different character.
• Coffee liqueur balances the strength of the spirit while adding sweetness and coffee flavour. Kahlúa works well, but any similar coffee liqueur will do.
• Dulce de leche is the star ingredient, providing natural caramel sweetness and body. Choose good-quality dulce de leche, ideally from South America, as it becomes part of the cocktail itself rather than just a decorative drizzle.
• Cream (about 18%) adds richness and a silky texture. Half-and-half (10–12%) works well if 18% cream isn’t available, or you can use slightly heavier cream for a more indulgent result.
• Espresso powder (optional) enhances the coffee flavour and adds depth, especially if you prefer a more pronounced espresso-style profile.

Possible Additions and Variations

• Swap brandy for dark rum for deeper caramel notes.
• Use whiskey for a warmer, more robust flavour.
• Add a drop of vanilla extract for extra roundness.
• Increase espresso powder slightly for a stronger coffee presence.
• Rim the glass with dulce de leche for an extra-sweet finish.

More Dulce de Leche Recipes

• Dulce de Leche Martini – A Creamy Dessert Cocktail
• Dulce de Leche Crêpe Bake with Pecans and Brandy
• Dulce de Leche French Toasts
• Peanut Butter Dulce de Leche Oatmeal Balls
• Dulce de Leche Candied Pecans (Stovetop Recipe)
• Peanut Butter Dulce de Leche Oatmeal with Vanilla
• Dulce de Leche Oatmeal

I hope you like this Dulce de Leche Coffee Cocktail, and you will try it. If you make it, please let me know in the comment section of this post, send me an Instagram message, or share your photos by adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.

Cheers!

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Dulce de Leche Coffee Cocktail

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: CocktailsDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Dulce de Leche Coffee Martini is a luscious and decadent dessert cocktail. Made with brandy, coffee liqueur, cream, and dulce de leche, this creamy and decadent martini will not disappoint you!

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Ingredients

• 2 oz. (60 ml.) brandy

• 1 oz. (30 ml.) coffee liqueur such as Kahlua

• 1 oz. (30 ml.) cream 18%

• 2-3 tbsp. (20-30 g.) dulce de leche

• a pinch of espresso powder – optional

• a pinch of cinnamon – optional, for garnish

• more dulce de leche – optional, for rim

Directions

• In a shaker combine the brandy, coffee liqueur, dulce de leche, cream, and espresso powder (if using) and shake vigorously for 40-60 seconds; it takes more time to incorporate the dulce de leche. Try and adjust the taste, as desired by adding more dulce de leche, cream, or spirits.
• If you would like to make a dulce de leche rim, spread 1-2 tablespoons on a flat plate and dip a cocktail glass into it. If possibly, use thick dulce de leche for best result.
• If desired, sprinkle with some cinnamon. Enjoy right away!

Notes

• Since we do not use ice cubes, you can chill dulce de leche, cream, and spirits first.