7 Dessert Cocktails to Finish Your Meal in Delicious Style

These decadent drinks can replace dessert or complement it.

maple irish coffee

If you haven't imbibed the fine indulgence that is a dessert cocktail, it's time to pick up that shaker and a long bar spoon. Whether hot or cold, these cocktails can deliver that dose of sweetness you're craving, while also getting you in the spirit for celebrating. They can be dessert—or can accompany dessert.

And we're not just talking about sweet riffs on the martini. Think cookies and cake but in a cup with your favorite liquor—or ingredients like honey, butter, chocolate, star anise, or nutmeg. Some dessert cocktails even offer a caffeinated lift typically reserved for post-dinner coffee.

01 of 07

White Russian

white russian drinks on countertop
Bryan Gardner

A White Russian is a decadent drink. You can tone it down by using whole milk or go for the gold with heavy cream. It's so easy to make and always a party hit.

02 of 07

Bourbon Hot Toddy

bourbon hot toddies with cinnamon and lemon
Bryan Gardner

A drink that's practically hygge in a glass. Honey mellows the bite of bourbon in this warming winter cocktail spiced with cinnamon and cloves.

03 of 07

Grasshopper

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Martyna Szczesna

Serve this creamy, minty drink with a little piece of chocolate on the side, even though it already calls for creme de cacao and grated chocolate. (You can never have too much chocolate.)

04 of 07

Brandy Alexander

Brandy Alexander, 6100_021111_brandy_alexander_hd

It's a strong dessert cocktail and not for the faint of heart, but the heavy cream tempers the alcohol in this classic. All you need is brandy, cacao, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Swap in Kahlúa for dark cacao if you don't have it.

05 of 07

Maple Irish Coffee

maple irish coffee
John Dolan

Anyone can add a shot of whiskey to coffee, but our recipe brings a creamy vanilla taste and a touch of maple syrup sweetness to a classic beverage. Cocoa powder warms the drink's flavor, while the whiskey sharpens it.

06 of 07

Candy Cane Cocktail

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It's never too late to recreate the holidays in your kitchen—this time, for one. Shake up vodka, crème de menthe, cranberry juice, and ice, then add to a martini glass rimmed with crushed candy canes.

07 of 07

Martha's Classic Eggnog

Eggnog

Martha makes this eggnog recipe every year ahead of her annual holiday party. Her recipe is rich with cream and potent since it's laced with three types of liquor—dark rum, bourbon, and cognac—so it's best served in small cups. 

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