Irish Coffee (Classic Recipe)

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Irish coffee is a warming cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a float of lightly whipped cream.

When made right, you sip the hot, boozy coffee through the cold cream — no stirring required.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Ready in under 5 minutes
  • Only 4 ingredients
  • No special equipment needed beyond a glass Irish coffee mug
  • Perfect after-dinner drink or brunch cocktail
  • Impressive presentation with minimal effort

Ingredients

For one drink:

  • 6 oz hot brewed coffee (strong roast works best)
  • 1.5 oz Irish whiskey (Jameson, Tullamore Dew, or similar)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or 2 teaspoons white sugar)
  • 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, lightly whipped

Optional:

  • Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish

Steps

  1. Preheat your glass by filling it with hot water for 30 seconds, then discard the water.
  2. Add the brown sugar to the warm glass.
  3. Pour in the hot coffee and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Add the Irish whiskey and stir once to combine.
  5. Using a handheld frother or whisk, lightly whip the cream until it just holds soft peaks — it should still be pourable, not stiff.
  6. Hold a spoon just above the surface of the coffee, rounded side up.
  7. Slowly pour the cream over the back of the spoon so it floats on top of the coffee.
  8. Serve immediately without stirring.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

The cream matters most. The cream should be whipped just enough to thicken but still flow slowly — about 30-45 seconds of whisking by hand.

If your cream is too stiff, it won’t float properly and will clump.

Use hot, strong coffee. Weak coffee gets lost under the whiskey and cream.

A French press or pour-over method using a pour over coffee maker works well here.

Brown sugar vs. white sugar. Brown sugar adds a slight molasses depth that complements the whiskey, but white sugar works fine.

Non-dairy alternative. Coconut cream (from a can, chilled) whips similarly to heavy cream and floats well.

Glass matters. A clear, heat-safe glass mug shows off the layers and keeps the drink hot longer than ceramic.

Serving Ideas

Serve Irish coffee immediately after making — the temperature contrast between the hot coffee and cold cream is the whole point.

Pair it with chocolate desserts, cheesecake, or as a standalone after-dinner drink.

For brunch, serve alongside eggs benedict or a full Irish breakfast.

No garnish is necessary, but a light dusting of nutmeg or cocoa powder adds visual appeal.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Irish coffee must be made fresh — there’s no way to store or reheat it.

However, you can whip the cream ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours.

Give it a quick stir before using since it may separate slightly.

For serving multiple guests, measure out whiskey portions in advance and keep coffee hot in an insulated carafe.

A Few Last Notes

The key to great Irish coffee is restraint — don’t over-whip the cream, don’t over-sweeten, and don’t stir once assembled.

Drink it by sipping the hot coffee through the cold cream layer.

It’s a simple drink, but the details matter.

Once you nail the cream consistency, you’ll never order one at a bar again.

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