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Irish Coffee

irish coffee cocktail on a wooden bar top

Enjoy the perfect blend of coffee and whiskey with this Irish Coffee recipe. This drink blends the rich depth of a nice hot coffee with the smooth taste of Irish whiskey and sweetness of brown sugar, topped off with a layer of heavy cream. It’s a simple pleasure that combines the comfort of your favorite coffee with a hint of indulgence from the whiskey. Perfect after a long day or as a treat to yourself, it’s a recipe worth trying. Grab your favorite mug and let’s make an Irish Coffee together.

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Tasting Notes

The Classic Irish Coffee is a warm, rich, and slightly sweet coffee cocktail with a smooth whiskey kick. The bold coffee pairs beautifully with caramel-like brown sugar, while Irish whiskey adds a subtle malted depth. The lightly whipped cream floats on top, creating a velvety, luxurious contrast with every sip.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need an Irish coffee glass or heatproof mug, a bar spoon for stirring, and a whisk or milk frother for lightly whipping the cream.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces Irish whiskey
  • 1 cup hot coffee
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar adjust to taste
  • Heavy cream lightly whipped

Instructions

  • Start by warming your glass with some hot water, then dump the water out.
  • Add the brown sugar to the glass.
  • Pour in the hot coffee and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  • Add the Irish whiskey and stir again.
  • Gently float the whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
  • Enjoy your Classic Irish Coffee.
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Pro Tips

  • Use freshly brewed, strong coffee for the best flavor. A dark roast or espresso blend works best.
  • For an authentic touch, use demerara sugar or dark brown sugar for extra depth.
  • Whip the cream just enough to float—too stiff, and it won’t mix well; too thin, and it will sink.
  • For a boozier version, add a splash of Irish cream liqueur like Baileys.
  • To keep it traditional, never stir after adding the cream.

When to Serve

The Irish Coffee is perfect for cold mornings, after-dinner drinks, holiday gatherings, or a cozy St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It’s a great alternative to dessert and ideal for coffee and whiskey lovers alike.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

For the best results, use a smooth and slightly sweet Irish whiskey like Jameson, Tullamore D.E.W., or Bushmills. High-quality coffee and fresh heavy cream will elevate the drink even more.

Similar Cocktails

If you enjoy Irish Coffee, here are five similar cocktails to try:


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irish coffee cocktail on a wooden bar top

Irish Coffee

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
5 from 1 vote
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Irish
Keyword: irish, irish coffee
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, heavy cream make the perfect Irish Coffee.

Instructions

  • Start by warming your glass with some hot water, then dump the water out.
  • Add the brown sugar to the glass.
  • Pour in the hot coffee and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  • Add the Irish whiskey and stir again.
  • Gently float the whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
  • Enjoy your Classic Irish Coffee.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know how it was!
Irish Coffee
Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Google Guide and MuckRack.

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