Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance – The combination of strong coffee and Irish whiskey creates a smooth and warming drink.
- Easy to make – With just a few ingredients, this cocktail comes together quickly.
- Cozy and comforting – The whipped cream on top adds a rich, creamy finish that makes every sip feel indulgent.
- Great for special occasions – Whether it’s a chilly evening or a holiday gathering, this drink is perfect for those moments.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tablespoon white sugar (more as needed)
- 1 ½ fluid ounces Irish whiskey
- 6 fluid ounces hot coffee
- ¼ cup whipped cream
Directions
- Prepare the glass – Place 1 tablespoon of sugar on a plate or shallow bowl. Moisten the rim of an Irish coffee glass with a damp paper towel, then dip it into the sugar to coat.
- Make the drink – Pour 1 ½ ounces of Irish whiskey into the prepared glass, then fill the glass with hot coffee, leaving about ½ inch from the top.
- Sweeten – Add 1 teaspoon of sugar (or more to taste) and stir well to combine.
- Top it off – Carefully spoon ¼ cup of whipped cream on top of the coffee, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Flavored Irish Coffee – Add a splash of flavored syrup like vanilla or hazelnut for an extra kick.
- Spiced Version – Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced twist.
- Iced Irish Coffee – Serve this cocktail over ice for a chilled version.
- Non-Alcoholic Version – Replace the whiskey with more coffee or a non-alcoholic Irish whiskey alternative.
Storage/Reheating
This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after preparing, as the whipped cream may melt or lose its texture if stored. For the best experience, serve it fresh.
FAQs
Can I make Irish coffee without whiskey?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the whiskey and adding extra coffee or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative.
How do I make this drink sweeter?
You can adjust the sugar to taste by adding more than 1 teaspoon, or you can use flavored syrups for sweetness.
Can I use regular cream instead of whipped cream?
While regular cream can be used, whipped cream adds a light, fluffy texture that enhances the drink’s richness.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare this drink fresh, especially the whipped cream, as it can lose its texture over time.
What type of whiskey should I use?
Any good-quality Irish whiskey works, such as Jameson or Bushmills, for an authentic Irish Coffee.
How can I make this more festive?
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings on top of the whipped cream for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Can I make this into a larger batch?
Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to make multiple servings at once. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free whipped cream substitute, and opt for black coffee without cream if needed.
Can I use decaf coffee?
Yes, decaf coffee works perfectly in this recipe if you prefer a caffeine-free version.
Conclusion
The Irish Coffee Cocktail is a warming, rich, and indulgent drink that combines the best of hot coffee and smooth Irish whiskey, finished with a fluffy whipped cream topping. This classic cocktail is perfect for any occasion, offering both comfort and a bit of luxury in every sip.
Irish Coffee Cocktail
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stirring
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Irish Coffee Cocktail is the perfect blend of hot coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, and a touch of sweetness, all topped with luscious whipped cream. Ideal for chilly evenings or special occasions, this classic cocktail provides both comfort and indulgence with every sip.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon white sugar (more as needed)
- 1 ½ fluid ounces Irish whiskey
- 6 fluid ounces hot coffee
- ¼ cup whipped cream
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the glass: Place 1 tablespoon of sugar on a plate or shallow bowl. Moisten the rim of an Irish coffee glass with a damp paper towel and dip it into the sugar to coat.
2️⃣ Make the drink: Pour 1 ½ ounces of Irish whiskey into the prepared glass. Fill the glass with hot coffee, leaving about ½ inch from the top.
3️⃣ Sweeten: Add 1 teaspoon of sugar (or more, to taste) and stir well to combine.
4️⃣ Top it off: Spoon ¼ cup of whipped cream carefully on top of the coffee. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Flavored Irish Coffee – Add a splash of flavored syrup like vanilla or hazelnut for a unique twist.
- Spiced Version – Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced twist.
- Iced Irish Coffee – Serve this cocktail over ice for a chilled version.
- Non-Alcoholic Version – Replace the whiskey with more coffee or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative.
