I'll show you how to make Irish coffee at home, what's in it (only a few ingredients!), the best whiskey, and the proper type of whipped cream to use.
When I worked as a bartender, as the colder months descended upon us, many customers were clamoring for a warm drink like Irish coffee. And here's a tip, I think making Irish coffee at home is better, because of the homemade whipped cream.
If you've been wondering what's in Irish coffee, it's no mystery, there are only 4 ingredients, I'll show you how to make it in just a few easy steps.
Love all things coffee? Try my coffee granita recipe!
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What's in an Irish coffee
So if you want to know what's in an Irish coffee, it's nothing fancy actually, just 4 ingredients and you probably have all of them on hand. (After all, it supposedly originated in an airport in the 1940s, so it can't be that complicated...)
- Coffee: I like to brew coffee in a French press for Irish coffee, the bold flavor stands up to the whiskey, but you can still taste all of the elements.
- Irish whiskey: Popular whiskey brands for Irish coffee include Jameson and Bushmill's, use the one that you like best.
- Brown sugar: The brown sugar will be added to the coffee for light sweetness and caramel flavor.
- Heavy cream: No sugar is added to the whipped cream on top because it's already in the coffee. You don't need more. The homemade lightly whipped cream is what puts this at the top of the list of coffee drinks to make at home.
How to make an Irish coffee
Step 1: Brew the coffee
My favorite coffee for Irish coffee is made in a French press, but any freshly brewed coffee like drip coffee or pour over also works well. Do not use espresso.
Step 2: Make the whipped cream
In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream on medium speed just until it reaches very soft peaks. It should hold a little bit of shape, but still be almost pourable.
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Step 3: Mix the brown sugar and Irish whiskey
Add the brown sugar to an empty coffee mug. Pour the whiskey on top and stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Add hot coffee
Pour hot coffee over the Irish whiskey and brown sugar mixture. The heat of the coffee should melt any sugar that hasn't yet dissolved, but give it a quick stir to be sure. Leave about ยฝ inch at the top of the mug for the whipped cream.
Step 5: Top with whipped cream and serve!
Gently spoon the soft, lightly whipped cream on top. It's okay if it starts immediately melting down into the drink, that's what an Irish coffee is supposed to do!
Expert tips
- You want soft whipped cream: Making whipped cream for Irish coffee is a little different than making it for a dessert. Whip just to the point of VERY soft peaks. The whipped cream is meant to slowly fall or melt down into the coffee below as you drink it.
- Decaf coffee works just fine: Sometimes you want Irish coffee but you don't want to stay awake all night. Use a good decaf coffee, it will taste just as great!
Irish coffee variations
What's in an Irish coffee recipe can vary according to your mood, try these variations on the classic.
- Use Irish cream instead of whiskey: It actually has whiskey in it, so if you want an extra creamy version, this is your jam.
- Try it iced: Who says Irish coffee is only for cold weather? Use cold brew coffee, add the sugar and whiskey, then serve over ice with a splash of heavy cream.
- Make it with other sugars or maple syrup: Coconut sugar, vanilla sugar, granulated sugar, or maple syrup will all work in place of brown sugar.
- Enjoy it dairy free: Use a dairy-free whipped cream.
More warm cocktail recipes
- Hot Buttered Rum has a spiced butter batter that can be made ahead.
- Spiked Apple Cider is a classic taste of fall.
- Mulled Wine is full of holiday flavors, mix up the spices to your liking.
Learning how to make Irish coffee at home is easy!
- Only 4 ingredients!
- Soft whipped cream is the key.
- Countless variations to change up the recipe!
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Recipe
Irish Coffee Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1.5 ounces Irish whiskey
- hot coffee (amount varies depending on size of mug)
- 8 ounces heavy cream (this makes more than 1 serving of whipped cream)
Instructions
- Brew the coffee. My favorite coffee for Irish coffee is made in a French press, but drip coffee or pour over coffee also works well. Do not use espresso.
- Make the whipped cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream on medium speed just until it reaches very soft peaks. It should hold a little bit of shape, but still be almost pourable.
- Add the brown sugar to an empty coffee mug. Pour the whiskey on top and stir gently to combine.
- Pour hot coffee over the Irish whiskey and brown sugar mixture. The heat of the coffee should melt any sugar that hasn't yet dissolved, but give it a quick stir to be sure. Leave about ½ inch at the top of the mug for the whipped cream.
- Gently spoon the soft whipped cream on top. It's okay if it starts immediately melting down into the drink, that's what an Irish coffee is supposed to do!
Notes
- You want soft whipped cream: Making whipped cream for Irish coffee is a little different than making it for a dessert. Whip just to the point of VERY soft peaks. The whipped cream is meant to slowly fall or melt down into the coffee below as you drink it.
- Decaf coffee works just fine: Sometimes you want Irish coffee but you don't want to stay awake all night. Use a good decaf coffee, it will taste just as great!
- You'll have extra whipped cream: If you're making more than one cocktail at a time, you'll probably have enough for about 4 drinks.
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