17 After-Dinner Drinks to Linger Over
Serving after-dinner drinks means that a good night can keep on going, even if the dinner you’ve served has left everyone too full for even the smallest slice of flourless chocolate cake. On the other hand, the touch of sweetness in these drinks means they’re the ideal partner for dessert. Below, you’ll find a few options across the spectrum of after-dinner drinks, including classic creamy drinks that can take the place of ice cream, hot cocktails to fill everyone’s mug as the fire dies down, and bitter drinks that can serve as a digestif and go nicely with a few squares of chocolate. If you want to offer a few nightcap choices, pick one recipe below and stash some bottles of amaro in your freezer too.
Photo by Elizabeth Coetzee, Food Styling by Judy Haubert1/17Salted Amaro Espresso Martini
Coffee after dinner is classic, but this take on the espresso martini will make more of a splash. Introducing citrusy amaro and Grand Marnier to the party makes a luscious cocktail that’s balanced by the coffee’s bitterness. Add a plate of mix-and-match biscotti for anyone who wants a little nibble.
Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Tiffany Schleigh4/17Boulevardier
Once you make this classic cocktail, you’ll likely never need to look at the recipe again. Feel free to experiment with the ratio, adding a bit of extra whiskey if you like your nightcap a little less sweet.
Photo by Elizabeth Coetzee, Food Styling by Erika Joyce5/17Grasshopper
Dress up this minty drink with chocolate shavings and serve with chocolate crinkle cookies.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton6/17Coquito
This classic Puerto Rican drink is the perfect accompaniment to a holiday cookie platter. Prep it in advance and let it chill in your fridge.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton7/17Mulled Wine
Having a big-batch drink already prepped means after-dinner drinks are no additional effort. This recipe is a great way to use any wine that various holiday guests have left at your house.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton8/17Smoke Show
The aroma of a charred cinnamon stick enhances the experience of this creamy bourbon and rum cocktail.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne9/17Bobby Burns
Whiskey drinkers will appreciate this cousin of the manhattan, made with scotch, sweet vermouth, and honeyed Bénédictine liqueur.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Sean Dooley10/17Flannel Factor
Rum and rye whiskey keep this amaretto and coffee drink from getting too sweet. It’s one of our favorites from Saved by the Bellini, one of the best cocktail books of 2023.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton11/17Clarified Pumpkin Spice Latte Milk Punch
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton12/17Fireplace Eggnog
This game-changing recipe takes classic eggnog and sharpens it up with smoky tea, high-proof bourbon, fragrant vanilla bean, and tawny port. It keeps well in the fridge for spontaneous after-dinner drinks.
Photo by Antonis Achilleos14/17Going Out West
This stirred drink gets a touch of earthy smoke from half an ounce of mezcal. It’s wonderful with chocolate desserts.
