Recipe
Best Irish Coffee Recipe
Irish coffee is a warm, invigorating cocktail that blends hot coffee with Irish whiskey and a touch of sweetness, all crowned with a layer of rich whipped cream. This classic is perfect for cozy evenings or as an after-dinner drink to top off a great meal.
- Prep time
- 5 mins
- Total time
- 5 mins
- Course
- Drinks
- Cuisine
- Irish
- Servings
- 1
- Calories
- 180 kcal
Equipment
- heatproof glass or mug (8 oz size is ideal)
- teaspoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 6 ounces hot brewed coffee (about ¾ cup)
- 1 ½ ounces Irish whiskey (such as Jameson)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream, lightly whipped (or about ¼ cup whipped cream)
- A pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Warm the glass (optional): If you have a thick glass mug, you can pre-warm it by rinsing with hot water, then emptying it. This helps keep the drink warm.
- Combine coffee, whiskey and sugar: Pour the hot coffee into your glass or mug. Add the brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Then pour in the Irish whiskey and stir to blend.
- Top with cream: Lightly whip the heavy cream until it’s slightly thickened but still pourable (it helps if the cream is cold). Slowly pour the cream over the back of a spoon held just above the coffee’s surface – this will make the cream float on top of the coffee. (If using whipped cream from a can or that you've whipped to soft peaks, you can just gently spoon it on top of the coffee.)
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon on the cream for garnish, if desired. Do not stir the cream into the coffee – Irish coffee is meant to be sipped through the layer of cream on top. Enjoy while hot.
Notes
- This classic cocktail has only a few simple ingredients, so quality makes a difference – use a whiskey you enjoy and fresh, hot coffee. The brown sugar not only sweetens the drink but also adds a bit of viscosity that helps the cream float. The beauty of an Irish coffee is in the layering: the hot sweet coffee below and cool cream on top. As you tilt the glass to drink, the coffee flavors mix with the rich cream in each sip.
- Traditionally, Irish coffee was invented in the 1940s to warm up weary travelers, and it’s been charming people ever since. For the most authentic experience, serve it in a clear glass mug to showcase the layers. Sláinte! (Cheers!)