You can use 1/2 cup / 125 ml cold coffee and 1/2 cup / 125 ml water in place of the water and instant coffee powder specified in the recipe.
To chop the dates, rub your knife with oil. This will keep the dates from sticking to the knife. Reapply oil as needed until all the dates are prepared.
For a vegan version, you can substitute maple or date syrup for the honey.