Irish Coffee is a warm, cozy cocktail that perfectly blends rich coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, and a touch of sweetness, topped with a layer of lightly whipped cream. This classic drink is the ultimate pick-me-up, whether you’re winding down after a meal or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire. Its combination of robust flavors will satisfy both coffee and whiskey lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 tsp brown sugar (or white sugar, to taste)
- 6 oz hot brewed coffee
- Lightly whipped heavy cream (for topping)
Directions
- Preheat the Glass:
Start by pouring hot water into your glass to warm it up. Let it sit for a minute, then discard the water. - Mix Whiskey and Sugar:
Pour the Irish whiskey and sugar into the warmed glass. - Add Hot Coffee:
Fill the glass with hot brewed coffee, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. - Top with Cream:
Gently float lightly whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. The cream should sit on top of the coffee rather than mixing in. - Serve and Enjoy:
Drink the Irish coffee through the cream layer for the full experience.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
Variations
- Baileys Irish Coffee: Add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream to the coffee for a sweeter, creamier twist on the classic.
- Spiced Irish Coffee: Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the whipped cream for a spiced version.
- Iced Irish Coffee: For a cold version, prepare the coffee in advance, chill it, and serve over ice with whiskey and a cold cream float.
FAQs
What type of coffee is best for Irish Coffee?
A strong, freshly brewed coffee works best for Irish Coffee. The bold flavor balances out the sweetness and the whiskey.
Can I use regular cream instead of whipped cream?
Yes, you can use regular cream, but the traditional recipe calls for lightly whipped cream to float on top.
Is Irish Coffee served with sugar by default?
While brown sugar is traditional, you can adjust the sweetness to your taste or leave it out entirely for a more robust flavor.
Irish Coffee is a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail that brings warmth and richness to any occasion!
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Irish Coffee
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
Irish Coffee is a warm, cozy cocktail that perfectly blends rich coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, and a touch of sweetness, topped with a layer of lightly whipped cream. This classic drink is the ultimate pick-me-up, whether you’re winding down after a meal or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire. Its combination of robust flavors will satisfy both coffee and whiskey lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 tsp brown sugar (or white sugar, to taste)
- 6 oz hot brewed coffee
- Lightly whipped heavy cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Glass:
Start by pouring hot water into your glass to warm it up. Let it sit for a minute, then discard the water. - Mix Whiskey and Sugar:
Pour the Irish whiskey and sugar into the warmed glass. - Add Hot Coffee:
Fill the glass with hot brewed coffee, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. - Top with Cream:
Gently float lightly whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. The cream should sit on top of the coffee rather than mixing in. - Serve and Enjoy:
Drink the Irish coffee through the cream layer for the full experience.
Notes
- Baileys Irish Coffee: Add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream to the coffee for a sweeter, creamier twist on the classic.
- Spiced Irish Coffee: Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the whipped cream for a spiced version.
- Iced Irish Coffee: For a cold version, prepare the coffee in advance, chill it, and serve over ice with whiskey and a cold cream float.