How to Make an Irish Coffee That Will Warm You Right Up
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
The classic Irish coffee recipe calls for hot coffee, a splash of Irish whiskey, sugar and cream. Sláinte!
There are few things more Irish than adding a shot of whiskey to your coffee. It’s the perfect thing to sip in a cozy pub—and in front of your own crackling fireplace. We’ll show you how to make an Irish coffee recipe that you can enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day (or any other day, for that matter).
See all the classic Irish recipes that we’ve fallen in love with.
What Is Irish Coffee?
The drink (known as caife Gaelach in the motherland) is made with hot coffee, a shot of Irish whiskey and sugar and topped with a generous layer of thick cream. (You can find all sorts of boozy Irish drinks that feature stout, Irish whiskey or Irish cream.)
The true origin of Irish coffee is up for debate, but the most common story says the drink was invented in Foynes, an airbase village in Ireland. Late on a stormy night in 1942, a group of cold and tired airline passengers stopped in a restaurant after a treacherous flight. An Irish chef named Joe Sheridan decided to prepare a special drink to warm up his patrons. That very night, the Irish coffee was born.
How to Make Our Irish Coffee Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 cups hot strong brewed coffee (French or another dark roast)
- 2 ounces Irish whiskey
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Step 1: Heat Up the Mug
First, fill a mug with hot (not boiling) water and let it sit for about two minutes. Carefully pour out the water. Now your mug will be prepped and warm. This little step will go a long way in keeping your Irish coffee hotter for longer.
Step 2: Mix the Libations
Then you’ll want to add the sugar to your mug. Pour in the hot coffee and stir to dissolve. After that, pour in the Irish whiskey.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a small bowl, beat the whipping cream until thick and foamy. For an extra kick, you can stir in a teaspoon of green creme de menthe, like in this recipe.
Step 4: Add the Crown
Gently spoon the cream mixture onto the drinks, allowing it to float. Top with chocolate flakes or sprinkle on some nutmeg or cinnamon, if desired.
In the end, you’ll have a comforting cuppa with a bit of a kick! And if you’re looking for a quick way to get a bit of Ireland in your mug, try a bit of this tipple, too.
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