Cocktail Art
Irish Coffee
The Irish Coffee is a comforting, sweet, and warming classic cocktail that perfectly balances hot, robust coffee with smooth Irish whiskey. It is topped with a cold layer of lightly whipped cream, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures. Created in the 1940s in Ireland to warm up cold travelers, it remains the ultimate winter drink or after-dinner digestif.
- GlassHeatproof mug
- MethodStir
- Time5 min
- Strength≈ 8% ABV
How to make a Irish Coffee
Stir it in a heatproof mug. About 5 minutes.
- Warm a heatproof mug by filling it with hot water, then discard the water.
- Warm 50 ml of Irish whiskey over a burner, then pour it into the glass.
- Pour 120 ml of hot coffee into the mug and add 1 brown sugar cube, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Gently float 50 ml of cream on top of the coffee over the back of a spoon, and serve without ice.
Bartender’s tips
- To make floating the cream easier, whip it lightly beforehand so it is thick but still pourable, and pour it gently over the back of a warm spoon.
- If you do not have Irish whiskey, you can substitute it with bourbon or rye whiskey for a different flavor profile.
- Preheating your heatproof mug with hot water before mixing prevents the glass from breaking and keeps your drink hot longer.
You may also like
If you enjoy the rich and warming flavors of Irish Coffee, you might also like to try other whiskey-based drinks like the Mint Julep, Honey B, Whisky Cola, or Boulevardier.
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★ 4.6 · 584 ratingsIrish Coffee questions
What kind of whiskey is best for Irish Coffee?
Traditional Irish whiskey is best for its smooth flavor, but rye whiskey or bourbon can be used as alternatives.
How strong is an Irish Coffee?
This recipe has an alcohol by volume of about 8%, making it a relatively low-alcohol, warming drink.
Can I use white sugar instead of a brown sugar cube?
Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar cube with a white sugar cube or a teaspoon of granulated sugar, though brown sugar adds a nice caramel note.