Indulge in the comforting allure of Irish Coffee, a delightful blend of rich coffee, Irish whiskey, and velvety whipped cream. Perfect for cozy evenings or festive celebrations. This post is meant for an audience 21 and over.
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The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.
We love whipping up this cozy drink during the cooler holidays and St Patrick's Day. Also, perfect as a dessert coffee for after dinner. I first tried it at a restaurant and I was hooked. The cool thing about this coffee cocktail is that the whipped cream floats at the top, making it an impressive-looking drink. I share my tips on making the cream float on top later in the post.
Fancy cocktails aren't just for sipping in the summer. If you love this recipe, you'll enjoy other warm cocktails like my Holiday Mulled Wine, Turtle Coffee Recipe, and a fun Shamrock Mint Hot Chocolate!
Irish Coffee Ingredients
- Freshly brewed hot coffee - Use your favorite coffee, flavored coffee, or decaffeinated coffee.
- Light brown sugar - Brown sugar adds another layer to the sweetness.
- Irish whiskey - This recipe uses Jameson Irish Whiskey; if you have another preference, give it a try.
- Whipping cream - Not to be confused with heavy whipping cream. Whipping cream is lighter and complements the cocktail very well.
Tools needed for this recipe
- Coffee Pot
- Milk frother
- Coffee cup & spoon
How To Make An Irish Coffee
Add brown sugar and whiskey to the cup of hot coffee. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add whipping cream to a small bowl and whip lightly with a whisk or frother until slightly thickened.
Top up the glass with the lightly whipped cream by pouring it over the coffee.
Serve and enjoy!
Topping variations and tips
Toppings: Top your Irish coffee with a dollop of chocolate whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, nutmeg, or grated chocolate.
Tip: Serve your cocktail with a stir stick or spoon. This will allow guests to be able to mix in the cream if they choose to.
Serving Suggestions for Irish Coffee
After dinner drink: Serve it alongside dessert for a satisfying finish to your dinner.
Cold weather or holidays: Very popular during the cooler months and holiday seasons.
St. Patrick's Day: An ideal drink to serve during St. Patrick's Day.
FAQ's
While any whiskey could technically be used, this is traditionally made with Irish whiskey. The smooth and sweet characteristics of Irish whiskey complement the flavors of the coffee and cream. Popular brands of Irish whiskey are Jameson, Bushmills, and Tullamore Dew.
Irish whiskey would be the traditional choice, but you can experiment with other kinds if you like. Some variations include using rum, like in Jamaican coffee, bourbon, or other flavored liqueurs like Irish cream or hazelnut liqueur.
Traditionally served warm, you can also serve it cold. Simply brew your coffee and let it cool, add ice, and then follow the recipe as usual. Now you have an Iced Irish Coffee.
Notes
- Make sure to use whipping cream and not heavy whipping cream. Heavy whipping cream will fall into the coffee rather than float on top.
- Using store-brought whipping cream will also make the cream float into the drink. It's best to use whipping cream and froth or whisk it yourself.
- Do not stir after adding the cream, as the true flavor is obtained by drinking hot coffee and Irish whiskey through the cream.
Looking for more cocktail recipes? Try these out:
If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Irish Coffee
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add brown sugar and whiskey to the cup of hot coffee. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add whipping cream to a small bowl and whip lightly with a whisk or frother, until slightly thickened.
- Top up the glass with the lightly whipped cream by pouring it over the coffee.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- Make sure to use whipping cream and not heavy whipping cream. Heavy whipping cream will fall into the coffee, rather than float on top.
- Do not stir after adding the cream, as the true flavor is obtained by drinking hot coffee and Irish whiskey through the cream.
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