Irish Coffee Recipe – Few warm cocktails embody comfort, hospitality, and quiet elegance as beautifully as Irish coffee. Created in the mid-20th century as a welcoming drink for weary travelers, this timeless blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and luxuriously floated cream delivers both warmth and richness in a single glass. The drink balances sweetness and spirit, allowing the aroma of fresh coffee to mingle with gentle vanilla-oak notes from the whiskey and the silky coolness of lightly whipped cream on top.
Recipe Overview
Cuisines: Irish • European Coffeehouse Tradition
Course: Beverage / After-Dinner Cocktail
Servings: 1 glass
Calories: ~210–260 kcal per serving
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
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4–5 oz (120–150 ml) freshly brewed hot coffee
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1.5 oz (45 ml) Irish whiskey
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1–2 teaspoons brown sugar (or demerara sugar), to taste
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1–1.5 oz (30–45 ml) lightly whipped heavy cream
Equipment
To achieve the proper heat, texture, and presentation, gather:
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Heat-safe glass mug or Irish coffee glass (stemmed preferred)
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Spoon (preferably bar spoon with round back)
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Small whisk or hand frother (for cream)
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Kettle or coffee brewer
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Measuring jigger
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Towel or heat pad (for warming the glass)
A pre-warmed glass is essential — it prevents rapid temperature drop and helps maintain the silky separation between hot coffee and cool cream.
Instructions
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Warm the glass.
Rinse the Irish coffee glass with hot water and let it sit for 30–60 seconds. Discard the water before building the drink. This step keeps the cocktail hot and prevents the cream from sinking prematurely. -
Add sugar to the warm glass.
Place the brown or demerara sugar in the bottom of the glass. The deeper molasses character of these sugars complements the whiskey and coffee without becoming cloying. -
Pour in the hot coffee and dissolve.
Add the freshly brewed coffee and stir slowly until the sugar fully dissolves. Proper dissolution ensures even sweetness and prevents grit at the bottom. -
Add the Irish whiskey.
Measure and pour in the whiskey, stirring gently to integrate. The goal is harmony — warmth from the coffee, round sweetness from the sugar, and soft spice from the whiskey. -
Prepare the cream.
Lightly whip the heavy cream until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. It should be silky and pourable — not stiff or foamy — so it floats cleanly above the coffee. -
Float the cream.
Hold a spoon just above the surface and slowly pour the cream across the back of the spoon, allowing it to rest on top in a smooth layer. This creates the signature contrast: hot, dark coffee below; cool, velvety cream above. -
Do not stir — sip through the cream.
The authentic experience comes from tasting chilled cream first, then warm coffee beneath, creating a layered sensation in every sip.
Nutrition Table (Per Serving — Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210–260 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10–14 g |
| Sugars | 8–12 g |
| Fat | 10–14 g |
| Protein | 1–2 g |
| Sodium | 10–20 mg |
| Alcohol by Volume (in glass) | ~10–14% |
| Total Liquid Volume | ~7–8 oz |
Tips for Best Results
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Use fresh, hot coffee — stale or reheated coffee dulls both aroma and flavor.
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Avoid over-whipping the cream; too thick and it sits stiff, too thin and it sinks.
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Choose a mellow, approachable Irish whiskey — assertive barrel proof styles can dominate the balance.
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Keep sweetness moderate; the drink should be gently comforting, not sugary.
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Serve in a clear glass whenever possible — the layered presentation is part of its charm.
For entertaining, you can pre-warm glasses and pre-measure whiskey and sugar in advance; brew the coffee and whip the cream just before serving.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
Irish coffee is ideal as:
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An after-dinner digestif
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A fireside or winter evening beverage
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A companion to dark chocolate, shortbread, or oat biscuits
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A sophisticated alternative to dessert cocktails
It also pairs beautifully with lightly sweet pastries or creamy custard-based desserts, where its warmth and mild bitterness create balance.
Final Thoughts
The enduring appeal of this classic lies in its simplicity: four ingredients, precise technique, and a mindful balance of warmth, sweetness, spirit, and cream. With careful preparation — from warming the glass to floating the cream just right — you can recreate the authentic experience associated with the original café-style tradition.
