Warm up with this simple Irish Coffee recipe! Made with Irish whiskey, hot coffee, brown sugar, and a float of cream. This cocktail is a winter must-have.
Prep time:
2 minutes
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
220
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Irish Whiskey
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 6 oz hot coffee
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Coffee beans - garnish
Equipment
- Irish Coffee Mug or Warm Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Spoon
- Whisk or Frother for Cream
Instructions
- Prep Mug: Warm your Irish coffee mug with hot water. Empty the water after a minute.
- Add Sugar: Place 1 tsp brown sugar into the mug.
- Pour Whiskey: Measure and pour 1 1/2 oz Irish Whiskey into the mug.
- Add Coffee: Pour 6 oz hot coffee into the mug, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Whip Cream: Lightly whip 1 oz heavy cream until it thickens slightly.
- Float Cream: Gently float the whipped cream on the coffee by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Garnish: Place two coffee beans on top.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Irish Whiskey: You can use bourbon or Scotch if you don't have Irish whiskey. I've tried both, and while they change the drink's character, they still make for a delicious Irish Coffee.
- Brown Sugar: White sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia works without brown sugar. The flavor profile changes, but it's still tasty.
- Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch. They won't offer the same luxurious texture, but they get the job done.
Making a Pitcher:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Irish whiskey, 8 teaspoons of brown sugar, 48 oz of hot coffee, and 8 oz of heavy cream.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and hot coffee. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual pre-warmed Irish coffee mugs, float the whipped cream on top, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Irish Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute or even a splash of apple juice for a fruity twist.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Heavy Cream Substitute: Use a vegan alternative like coconut or oat cream. Whip it lightly, just as you would with dairy cream.
- Brown Sugar: Ensure your brown sugar is vegan. Some brands use bone char in the refining process. Look for brands that specify they are vegan-friendly.
What is an Irish Coffee?
What is an Irish Coffee made of – The ingredients
To concoct an Irish Coffee, here’s what you’ll require:
- Irish Whiskey: Adds the warming, alcoholic kick, and distinct Irish character to the drink.
- Hot Coffee: Serves as the base, providing both flavor and warmth.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens the coffee and complements the whiskey.
- Heavy Cream: Floats on top, adding a creamy texture and visual contrast.
