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.
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!)