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20 Best After-Dinner Drinks for the Perfect Nightcap
A chocolate martini is always a good idea!
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Everyone has their favorite cocktail recipe, but if you're only serving drinks with bite-sized appetizers or before dinner, you're doing it all wrong! Instead, let your guests linger just a little bit longer and try these after-dinner drinks! Originally designed to help you digest from a big meal, after-dinner drinks are the perfect way to wrap up the night. Of course, these days, nightcaps also include sweet drinks, like chocolate martini and creamy mudslides, that double as dessert. Either way, you'll enjoy the extra time you get to spend with family and friends when you sit and sip on an after-dinner drink. So, before you put on your favorite pajamas make one of the comforting cocktails ahead.
Of course, there are plenty of warm cocktails and drinks. Because there's nothing cozier then curling up after dinner with a steaming mug of spiked hot chocolate or an apple cider drink. Or how about an Irish coffee topped with Baileys whipped cream? And while dessert-like drinks are hard to resist, we understand that sometimes an after-dinner drink is better suited to help you digest. That's why this list also has digestifs, like brandy and amaro, along with plenty of options that are full of herbal flavor and ginger so they're perfect for enjoying after a big family meal. So sit back, relax, and pour yourself one more drink to finish off the night.
Bees Knees
After cleaning up the kitchen, you probably want to keep things simple for your after-dinner drink. Enter: the bees knees cocktail! It's a light, three-ingredient drink with just the right amount of sweetness.
Get the Bees Knees recipe.
Mudslide
A mudslide is like a creamy milkshake with three types of liquor: Bailey's Irish Cream, coffee liquor, and vodka. A drizzle of extra chocolate sauce doesn't hurt either.
Get the Mudslide recipe.
Hot Buttered Rum
Whether it's the holiday season or just a chilly night, you can't go wrong with hot buttered rum. It's sweet, spiced, and so buttery.
Get the Hot Buttered Rum recipe.
French 75
Everyone will be saying cheers with this light, lemony, bubbly cocktail! You can toast to good times and a good meal.
Get the French 75 recipe.
Cranberry Martini
The homemade ginger-infused simple syrup used in this bright, colorful cocktail will not only add a pop of flavor, but the ginger is helpful for digesting a big meal, too.
Get the Cranberry Martini recipe.
Mulled Apple Cider
This cider is full of comforting flavors, like warm spices, citrus peel, and maple syrup. Plus, you can add rum if you want to make it boozy.
Get Ree's Mulled Apple Cider recipe.
Hot Toddy
For a cocktail that's both light and warming all at the same time, try a hot toddy as your after-dinner drink of choice. It's great for soothing a full stomach, especially when you add a slice of fresh ginger.
Get the Hot Toddy recipe.
Chocolate Martini
Chocolate lovers, this drink is for you! The sweet dessert-like cocktail is made with chocolate liquor, chocolate syrup, and chocolate shavings—for good measure. 😉
Get the Chocolate Martini recipe.
Mulled Cider with Bourbon
There's something about cozying up at the end of a long day with a warm glass of cider that really makes you feel comforted. This one has cinnamon sticks, orange peel, and fresh diced apple so it's full of seasonal flavor.
Get Ree's Mulled Cider with Bourbon recipe.
Espresso Martini
This trendy cocktail is perfect for a party that lasts long after dinner is served! It's made with coffee liquor and a shot of espresso so it definitely will give you a bolt of energy.
Get the Espresso Martini recipe.
White Russian
This creamy three-ingredient cocktail is made with Kahlua (a coffee-flavored liquor), heavy cream, and vodka. But if you want to up the sweetness, try adding a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup to the glass.
Get the White Russian recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Martini
It's a fall dessert and cocktail in one! This sweet drink is made with real pumpkin puree so it tastes just like a slice of the classic pie.
Get the Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe.
Irish Coffee
It doesn't need to be St. Patrick's Day (and you don't need to be Irish) to make this warm and tasty drink. Take a cue from Ree and make it any time the craving hits.
Get Ree's Irish Coffee recipe.
Cranberry Mulled Wine
Brandy and red wine come together to create this warm, spiced cocktail that's perfect for chilly nights. We like to serve it with a slice of pear that you can snack on with dessert.
Get the Cranberry Mulled Wine recipe.
Maple Old Fashioned
For a twist on a classic cocktail, this version of an old fashioned is made with a touch of maple syrup. It helps to bring out the caramel flavors from the bourbon.
Get the Maple Old Fashioned recipe at A Cookie Named Desire.
Bourbon Amaro Cocktail
Amaro is an Italian liquor that means "bitter" and it's typically served as an after-dinner digestif. Don't worry though, it also has a hint of warmth and sweetness that's perfect with a cherry garnish.
Get the Bourbon Amaro Cocktail recipe at The Speckled Palate.
Tiramisu Martini
If you love tiramisu for dessert, this cocktail is the perfect drink. It has a hint of coffee from the Kahlua, a dash of cocoa from the chocolate liquor, and some cinnamon and cream from the Rum Chata. Top it off with a lady finger cookie for the full effect!
Not Your Grandma's Eggnog
Looking for a winter drink or holiday cocktail to sip on while you decorate the tree? This homemade eggnog is creamy, spiced, and even better than the kind you find in the store. Plus, it's made with bourbon so it's perfect smooth and balanced.
Get the Not Your Grandma's Eggnog recipe at Britney Breaks Bread.
Ginger Gold Rush Cocktail
This might be an iced cocktail but there's something so comforting about the warm bourbon and spicy ginger flavors. It's a great ending to a big family dinner.
Get the Ginger Gold Rush Cocktail recipe at Garnish and Lemon.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
This homemade hot cocoa is infused with Baileys Irish Cream, but other types of alcohol would work, too. Try vanilla vodka or chocolate liquor for even more chocolate-y flavor.
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