Celebrate Your Best Pals This Galentine’s Day With 6 Yummy Coffee Cocktails

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Celebrate Your Best Pals This Galentine’s Day With 6 Yummy Coffee Cocktails

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Celebrate Your Best Pals This Galentine’s Day With 6 Yummy Coffee Cocktails

12 min read JAN 12, 2026

Quick Answer

February 13th, Galentine’s Day, is a day for honoring our most valued friendships, oftentimes celebrated through brunch or dinner gatherings complete with love, laughter, and a few drinks to toast these trusted bonds. Here you’ll find a compilation of truly tasty, festive, and fun coffee cocktails perfect for sharing with your besties as you celebrate one another.

Key Takeaways

Why Galentines Day - friendships improve quality of life for all
Elegant Evening (strawberries and cream coffee cocktail)
Move Over, Mimosa (Spanish Carajillo cocktail)
Mocha Coffee Sodas Ala Affogato (mocha coffee soda cocktail over ice cream)
Chocolate Raspberry White Russian (just as the title suggests)
PJs And A Party Pudding Cups (boozy chocolate-coffee pudding cups)
Malentines Day Too (coffee bourbon cocktail)

Why Galentine’s Day?

What’s the big deal?

I thought this time of year was reserved for romance, roses, sappy movies, renewed promises, and celebrations of love?

Ah, it is!

But, what Amy Poehler’s Parks And Recreation character, Leslie Knope, reminded the world of in 2010 is the fact that love is multifaceted.

Even the Bible differentiates between various types of love, oftentimes specifically highlighting brotherly love, or the deep love and connection we share with friends that feel like family - the same kind of love Parks And Rec popularized 16 years ago.

And now, what originally began as a day where ladies celebrated ladies has evolved into an inclusive event, embraced by guys and gals alike, where any and all close, platonic friendships are honored.

Long pause…

(Yes, it’s secretly my hope that many of you read that aloud, Joey Tribbiani auditioning for Jeff Goldblum style.)

In all seriousness, the thought of taking some time to honor such relationships indeed deserves a long pause, a moment to reflect upon the blessing these relationships are in our lives.

It’s easy to get caught up in life’s stresses, both our own and those trials taking place around the world, but think about how much better off we’d all be if we spent more time focusing on the love we’re blessed to share with so many.

If you ask me, this is what Galentine’s Day is all about.

We’re blessed to share love with more than just our spouse or partner in this life.

And, we’re blessed to share love with more than just our family members.

Actually, truly reflecting, it’s pretty humbling to think of how we’re privileged to journey this life with so many that bring joy, love, and laughter to our days.

So, on Galentine’s Day, we think of our best friends or circle of friends, those guys or gals who we truly couldn’t imagine doing this life without, and we honor/celebrate these amazing bonds we share!

That’s right, today we’re raising our mugs high in celebration of our gal pals and guy friends, neighbors turned family, co-workers who’ve become besties, and more.

And, if you ask us, there’s no better way to connect in gratitude than over a mug or glass of coffee - of course, when we transform that cup into a cocktail, that’s when the celebration really starts!

So then, let’s dive in…

Celebrate Your Best Pals This Galentine’s Day With 6 Yummy Coffee Cocktails

Why Galentines Day?

We started our conversation today with this quippy question, but before we dive into some delicious recipes, let’s take a few moments to consider the reality of this concept.

Why should we celebrate our friends, pals, besties, sisters, and more?

The thing is, we all know our friends are dear people.

We also know our lives wouldn’t be the same without them.

But, did you know your health and wellbeing also depend upon these bonds?

Having good, supportive friends helps you handle life’s stresses better. In fact, having good friend relationships lowers your body’s blood pressure response to stress. This is thought to happen due to the comfort and support good friends bring to our lives.
Friends help to improve your self-esteem as these positive relationships improve your confidence levels and make you feel seen and heard.
In recent years, scientists have learned loneliness can be extremely harmful to health, weakening immunity and increasing the risk of multiple diseases. Having good friends in your life improves mental health and prevents loneliness.
Friends not only increase social connection in your life, but this benefit also serves to improve multiple areas of your physical health, including boosts in brain health, heart health, and more!

See, on top of the love, support, laughter, and good times, our friendships serve our health in many ways.

And that just gives us all the more reason to celebrate these bonds…with coffee, of course!

So, below you’ll find 6 recipes - some super simple, some requiring a little more effort, some sophisticated, and some fit for an evening in your pjs with your besties - each perfect for any Galentines Celebration!

1- Elegant Evening

Planning to enjoy an elegant evening this Galentine’s Day, celebrating friendships over fine dining and even finer cocktail selections - then we’ve got the perfect brew for you!

Okay, confession…this cocktail isn’t just a fine dining staple (espresso martini, anyone?) but a sip that also makes a fun statement.

This cocktail gives the traditional espresso martini a fun, festive, and fruity upgrade, incorporating several layers of strawberry flavor through additions of strawberry syrup, vodka, liqueur, and even a dusting of crushed freeze-dried strawberries for added flare (and flavor).

Ingredients

2 shots (roughly 3 ounces) Lifeboost Espresso Coffee or 3 ounces cold brewed Lifeboost Chocolate Covered Strawberry Coffee
½ ounce strawberry syrup (see recipe below)
1 ounce strawberry vodka
2 ounces strawberry and cream liqueur
Crushed, freeze dried strawberries, for garnish

Instructions

Add all ingredients (except freeze dried strawberries) to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty. (The better the ‘shake-time,’ the more foam you’ll have resting atop your cocktail.)
Strain into a martini glass, then dust with crushed freeze-dried strawberries, if desired, and enjoy!

**If you want to upgrade the presentation of your cocktail, feel free to use a festive heart-shaped stencil. Simply place the stencil on top of the foamy layer of your cocktail, then dust the crushed freeze-dried strawberries over the top of the stencil to create a festive pattern in the foam.

Homemade Strawberry Simple Syrup

1 ½ cups strawberries (washed, stems removed, and sliced)
1 cup water
1 cup cane sugar

Combine strawberries, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes (until the liquid is red and the strawberries are soft).

Strain the strawberries out of the syrup, making sure not to press down on the strawberries (pressing down on the berries will make the syrup cloudy).

Chill the syrup in the refrigerator for an hour or two until cold, then enjoy!

2- Move Over, Mimosa

Brunch is a great time for a Galentine’s Day gathering. I mean, that is the original Parks And Rec gal pal celebration time, so who are we to buck tradition, right?

And, when it comes to brunch, mimosas are a must…unless you’re a Lifebooster, then you’re probably reaching for your favorite brew instead.

But, what if you want these two faves to meet in the middle?

Most wouldn’t advocate for adding coffee to a mixture of orange juice and champagne…nope, that would be rather unpleasant.

However, if you’re still seeking a hint of citrus, there is another incredibly simple and totally tasty cocktail that’s a perfect brunch companion - the Spanish Carajillo.

Yes, this is a well-known cocktail, so there’s nothing necessarily new here, but for those of you who haven’t tried this one, let me welcome you to a world where smooth, bold coffee meets sweet Mediterranean citrus, rich velvety vanilla, and subtle hints of baking spices and botanicals.

In a few words…sophicated yum!

And again, this one’s super simple, so if you’re planning this year’s Galentines event, you’ll be doing your tastebuds and to-do list a favor by making this one a must!

Ingredients

2 ounces cold brewed Lifeboost Medium Roast Coffee
2 ounces Licor 43
Ice

Instructions

Add ice to an old-fashioned glass and place in the freezer for at least 5 minutes.
Add cold brew and Licor 43 to a cocktail shaker and fill halfway with ice.
Shake for roughly 20 seconds, then strain into a prepared glass (now frosty ice-filled glass you placed in the freezer in step one). Enjoy!

3- Mocha Coffee Sodas Ala Affogato

Perfect for brunch, evening dessert, and anytime in between, this decadently delicious twist on a classic affogato (espresso served over ice cream or gelato) is to die for.

I mean, your besties would die for you, right? So, why not celebrate your friendship with an equally special treat!

Ingredients

4 ounces freshly brewed Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee
2 teaspoons chocolate sauce, divided
1 scoop chocolate ice cream or gelato
4 ounces seltzer water
1-ounce heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Add hot coffee to a glass, then stir in 1 ½ teaspoons of chocolate sauce until combined, set aside.
Add heavy whipping cream and ½ teaspoon of chocolate sauce to a small glass and froth with a handheld frother until well incorporated but still pourable, set aside.
Add chocolate ice cream (or gelato) to a large mug, then top with coffee and chocolate mixture.
Pour seltzer over the mocha affogato.
Top with a thin layer of silky-smooth chocolate cream and enjoy!

4- Chocolate Raspberry White Russian

This one’s just as pretty as it is delicious! That’s why you won’t find the topping items listed as optional.

We’re celebrating friendships today, so why not go all out and add the extras - here meaning raspberries, cream, and chocolate! Yum!

This one’s sweet, boozy, and packs a punch with the addition of not only coffee liqueur, but smooth, robust Lifeboost as well.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 ounces cold brewed Lifeboost Medium Roast Coffee or Lifeboost Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Coffee
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce Kahlua
1 ounce raspberry puree
1 ounce chocolate syrup
1-ounce heavy cream
Ice
Whipped cream, for topping
Raspberries and chocolate shavings, for topping

Instructions

Combine cold brew, vodka, Kahlua, raspberry puree, chocolate syrup, and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice.
Very slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon to top the cocktail. Do not stir.
Top with whipped cream, then garnish with fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings. Enjoy!

5- PJs And A Party Pudding Cups

Confession, when my friends and I get together, we’re not exactly the fancy type.

Sure, we might like to sip something sophisticated, but we’re much more the ‘hang out in private’ type of group, preferring low key gatherings complete with countertops filled with goodies, partying the night away in our pjs.

So, when I saw this recipe, I had to try it (yum!!) and include it for any other friend groups out there who prefer simple hang outs complete with unique coffee-infused treats and lots of love and laughter.

*You can make your own whipped cream for these pudding cups (instead of using cool whip) but you’ll want to consume them quickly when making this swap as homemade whipped cream won’t be as stable.

Ingredients

¼ cup cold brewed Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee
½ cup milk
1 small box chocolate instant pudding mix
¼ cup Kahlua
½ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur
8 ounces cool whip

Instructions

Add cold brew, milk, pudding mix, Kahlua, and Bailey’s to a mixing bowl and whisk together until it starts to thicken.
Fold in cool whip until fully combined.
Spoon into shot sized (or slightly larger) cups, then refrigerate for at least one hour until set. Top with extra whipped cream, if desired.
Serve with a small spoon and enjoy!

6- Mal-entines Day Too

They say the correct term for guy friend celebrations this time of year is “Malentines” Day.

So when thinking about the perfect coffee cocktail for such an occasion, I couldn’t help but think of the fellas in my life. And, I don’t know about you, but every guy friend I have is crazy about precisely two beverages - coffee and bourbon!

So, let’s close things out today with a cocktail for the guys out there gathering for Galentines…oops, I mean Malentines…getting together to hang, bro out, and just have some fun with friends.

Spoiler alert - this one’s good for gals too!

Ingredients

2 ounces cold brewed Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee
1 ounce bourbon
¼-½ ounce cinnamon syrup (amount based on taste preference)
ice

Instructions

Add ice to a cocktail glass, then top with cold brew, bourbon, and cinnamon syrup.
Stir gently to combine. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Simple Syrup

2 cinnamon sticks (or two teaspoons ground cinnamon)
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup water

Add all ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until dissolved.
Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and steep until cooled.
Strain out cinnamon sticks and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

FAQ

1- Why is cold brew or espresso most often used in coffee cocktails?

While you can use brewed and chilled coffee and other, less bold, roasts, both espresso and cold brew provide deeper, richer flavors which stand up well to multiple additions, something needed when making coffee cocktails.

2- Can these recipes be made without alcohol?

Nearly all of the above recipes can be made as mocktails.

Obviously, you’ll need to use your best judgment on some, such as the Carajillo where once you omit the addition of Licor 43, you’re only left with coffee and ice (which is still yummy, obviously).

For other recipes, consider replacing cream liqueurs with half and half, and for those which incorporate flavored vodkas, etc. you may wish to add extra syrup or flavoring to compensate for the loss of added flavor in the liquor component of the drink.

3- Can I substitute other coffee roasts in coffee cocktails?

Yes, but keep in mind there’s a method to this coffee cocktail making madness…

Light roasts typically have a bright and acidic flavor profile, therefore they pair best with fruity or citrus themed recipes. Medium roasts also work well here as they have a smooth and neutral profile, perfect for pairing without overpowering.

Darker roasts tend to have a touch of inherent bitterness, so these are best in recipes which incorporate creamy ingredients. (whipped creams, milks, half and half, etc.)

4- What’s the best coffee to use in coffee cocktails?

Coffee quality makes all the difference when it comes to crafting the best coffee cocktails.

Poor quality coffee can affect the entire recipe, resulting in a less than desirable flavor.

Lifeboost coffee beans are specialty, single origin beans, organically grown, and third party tested for mold, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and more than 450 other toxins, resulting in a clean, pure (and healthy) taste sip after sip for coffee cocktails and all of your java needs.

5- Can you use decaf in coffee cocktails?

Absolutely!

In fact, many prefer using decaf coffee in cocktails served in the evening hours. While the effects of alcohol often serve to subdue the caffeinating jolt coffee can bring, using decaf coffee in a late night cocktail can be beneficial for those with caffeine sensitivities.

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Grata Medium Roast.

Becky Livingston Vance Content writer

Becky is a mother, educator, and content writer for Lifeboost Coffee. She has had three years’ experience as a writer, and in that time she has enjoyed creatively composing articles and ebooks covering the topics of coffee, health and fitness, education, recipes, and relationships.

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