Every home bartender should know how to make a classic Irish Coffee, the quintessential after-dinner
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About this Irish Coffee recipe
Growing up, my mom would always offer her fellow grown-ups a cup of coffee at the end of dinner parties and holiday meals. She’d bring out various toppings like whipped cream and mix-ins like cream, sugar and spirits so that guests could have fun making their drinks.
I didn’t understand, of course, until I was much older and fell in love with coffee. There’s something so cozy about a warm coffee after dinner! A little liqueur or whipped cream transforms it into a delightful finale.
Irish coffee is the ultimate version of this. This wintertime treat is a sweetened, hot coffee cocktail that’s spiked with Irish whiskey and topped with a thick layer of whipped cream. You don’t stir Irish coffee — instead, you take a sip through the thick cream layer, and it is oh-so-luscious.
The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. If you have some kind of coffee maker and a measuring device, you should be able to make Irish coffee! You only need four ingredients: hot coffee, Irish whiskey, a sweetener and whipped cream. I make mine with my Irish cream syrup, which adds extra layers of chocolate and vanilla into the mix.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It feels fancy. It’s truly a simple drink to make, but it’s a great way to elevate regular drip coffee.
- Anyone can tailor Irish coffee to their liking. Want to make it less sweet? Decaf? Add an extra shot of whiskey?! Do it! Make it yours.
- Irish coffee can be enjoyed any time of day. It makes a delicious breakfast or brunch
drink or you can save it for after-dinner to enjoy with dessert.
Ingredients
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
Only four ingredients go into the classic Irish coffee cocktail: coffee, whipped cream, Irish whiskey and a sweetener. It’s also a nice touch to sprinkle some cocoa powder on top!
For my sweetener, I like to use my Irish cream syrup, which I also use in this Irish cream cold brew. It’s got a base of espresso powder, chocolate and vanilla (preferably vanilla paste, but vanilla extract * works too), and you can add a dash of Irish whiskey if you like. You can also stir in sugar or simple syrup if you prefer something a little easier.
Whipped cream is a crucial element for a true Irish coffee. You may use Cool Whip or the canned stuff (I do sometimes), but homemade whipped cream made with sugar and heavy cream is worth the effort if you have the time. So fluffy and creamy!
Coffee for Irish coffee
Of course, if you’re making your own coffee, you’ll need coffee beans and water, too. (I get all my coffee beans from Trade Coffee *, which sends you freshly-roasted coffee beans from small coffee businesses all over the country.) I suggest using a medium or dark roast of coffee that is unflavored but feel free to use your favorite. You may use decaffeinated coffee if you prefer, too.
Freshly brewed coffee is always best. Instant coffee or quick-brewing coffee pods will work just fine for busy days. If you have the time to brew a pot of your favorite beans in your coffee maker or even put together a pot of French press (which is SO worth the wait, honestly), you can have the best Irish coffee. Trust me.
Best Irish whiskey
Irish Whiskey is, you guessed it, whiskey that’s distilled in Ireland. Readily available in the United States, it is sweet and smooth with a light flavor of fruit and a subtle floral scent with hints of vanilla. When aged, it has a more sophisticated flavor with oak and caramel notes.
My go-to is Jameson whiskey, but there are many other brands out there including Bushmills, Tullamore D.E.W. and Redbreast. Bourbon would also work fine in a pinch (though it technically wouldn’t be Irish since it’s made in the USA).
Don’t miss Irish Whiskey 101 where you can learn more about which bottles to buy.
Substitutions & variations
Irish whiskey substitutes: If you like, you can switch up the Irish whiskey to try some more flavors. Bourbon works in a pinch. For a creamier version, try Irish cream liqueur or Rumchata. For an even stronger coffee flavor, add coffee liqueur. However, if you use Baileys or Kahlua, you may not need as much sugar (or any at all) as it will be pretty sweet on its own.
Iced Irish coffee: While it is the perfect
Whipped cream alternatives: Cold foam works too. If you go that route, pour it gently over the back of a spoon to form a thick layer on top of the coffee. Milk or half-and-half will not work quite the same as they are too thin to float on the coffee. Remember, you’re meant to sip it through the cream!
Flavored whipped cream: Another thing you can try is adding some flavor to the whipped cream. Try adding Irish whiskey or making strawberry whipped cream. We also love Bailey’s whipped cream, a boozy, silky and flavorful topping for coffee.
Irish coffee affogato: Instead of (or in addition to!) you can put a scoop of ice cream on top. It’ll be like a boozy affogato! Vanilla ice cream or coffee ice cream would be fantastic paired with bitter coffee.
Decaf Irish coffee: Use decaffeinated coffee instead of regular. (This is exactly what I do if I’m enjoying one of these after 4 p.m.)
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Irish coffee mocktail: Use my homemade Irish cream syrup and a zero-proof spirit with whiskey flavors such as Ritual whiskey alternative *, or skip the booze altogether. It will still taste delicious!
Instructions
Making the perfect Irish coffee is super simple. Start by warming your mugs. Fill them with hot water while you prepare your ingredients, and set them aside.
In a mug or heat-proof glass (like these heatproof glass Irish coffee mugs *), combine the Irish cream syrup and Irish whiskey.
Top with hot coffee until you have a bit of room for the whipped cream. Stir everything together to combine it. (If using sugar or sugar cubes, stir until sugar dissolves.)
Then spoon whipped cream over top. If using heavy cream, pour it gently over the back of a spoon to form a thick layer.
If you’d like to garnish it, top it with a sprinkle of cocoa powder. You can also go with a sprinkling of coffee grounds, chocolate shavings or ground cinnamon *. Or have a little fun with chocolate jimmies * and edible gold star sprinkles *.
Food pairings
Irish coffee is delicious all year long, but it has that elevated vibe you’d want for a holiday meal or special occasion. You can enjoy it after your Thanksgiving feast and Christmas parties all the way to St. Patrick’s Day.
It’s especially good with dessert, especially anything chocolate or coffee, like a slice of chocolate Guinness cake or this luscious Queen of Sheba cake.
You can also enjoy it with brunch, especially something on the fancier side like sourdough French toast or sour cream coffee cake.
FAQ
Traditionally, Irish coffee is spiked with Irish whiskey, such as Jameson. But it’s not unusual to see it flavored with bourbon whiskey or Jack Daniel’s, or even liqueurs. Baileys and Kahlua are sometimes used as well.
Definitely! It’s easiest to omit the alcohol or replace it with a non-alcoholic spirit with whiskey vibes.
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Irish Coffee
ingredients
Irish Cream Syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder *
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or vanilla extract *
- 1 teaspoon Irish whiskey optional
Irish Coffee
- ½ ounce Irish cream syrup or simple syrup, to taste
- 1½ ounces Irish whiskey see note
- 4 ounces freshly brewed coffee hot
- 1 ounce whipped cream or heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon cocoa powder for garnish
instructions
Irish Cream Syrup
- In a small saucepan, heat brown sugar and water. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat.½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup water
- Whisk in cocoa powder and espresso powder. Continue to whisk until completely dissolved and few or no lumps remain.1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder *
- Stir in vanilla paste and Irish whiskey.1 teaspoon vanilla paste, 1 teaspoon Irish whiskey
- With a fine-mesh strainer *, strain into a jar or bottle.
Irish Coffee
- In a mug or glass, stir together Irish cream syrup, Irish whiskey and hot coffee.½ ounce Irish cream syrup, 1½ ounces Irish whiskey, 4 ounces freshly brewed coffee
- Spoon whipped cream over top.1 ounce whipped cream
- Sprinkle with a dusting of cocoa powder or a pinch of sprinkles. Serve immediately.¼ teaspoon cocoa powder
notes
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More coffee cocktail recipes
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- Espresso Martini: These are such elegant cocktails with very similar flavors.
- Irish Coffee Jello Shots: They taste like mini Irish coffees but look like tiny pints of Guinness beer.
- Baby Guinness shots: Made with coffee liqueur and Irish cream liqueur, they look like mini beers but taste like Irish coffee!
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