Irish Coffee Mocktail

This non-alcoholic Irish Coffee mocktail is a cozy, alcohol-free way to enjoy the rich flavors of the classic drink. With homemade Irish cream syrup and a fluffy Irish cream whipped cream topping, this Virgin Irish Coffee feels indulgent and special. It’s perfect for Dry January, morning gatherings or whenever you want a fancy coffee treat without the buzz.

Golden cup filled with frothy coffee sits on a green napkin, surrounded by a small pitcher, a jigger, and golden spoons.

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About this Irish Coffee Mocktail recipe

This virgin Irish coffee is a cozy, alcohol-free twist on a classic that’s just as indulgent and satisfying as the original boozy version. And it’s not just plain coffee with whipped cream on top! This is a true mocktail with layers of flavor and a mix-in of zero-proof whiskey. It tastes like the real thing and you won’t even miss the alcohol.

My homemade Irish cream syrup is the star here — rich, flavorful and oh-so-versatile. I love making a batch of this syrup to keep on hand for Irish cream cold brew, but it’s also amazing in lattes or even drizzled over desserts. I even mix the syrup into my whipped cream to give this coffee mocktail more depth, like a Baileys whipped cream, sans the alcohol, too.

This Irish Coffee mocktail recipe is perfect for Dry January, St. Patrick’s Day or any time you want a fancy coffee treat without the booze. I love making them any time there is a stormy night with bad weather — it’s just so cozy!

Plus, the whipped cream topping makes it feel a little extra special, like a coffee shop creation at home. Once you try it, I think you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

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Why you’ll love this recipe

This Irish Coffee Mocktail is oh-so-easy and ultra luscious. You won’t miss the alcohol, I promise!

  • Virgin Irish Coffee combines the bold flavors of hot coffee and rich, non-alcoholic whiskey with a touch of sweetness for a cozy, satisfying drink.
  • The luscious layer of non-alcoholic Irish cream whipped cream adds a creamy contrast that makes every sip indulgent and smooth.
  • It’s a versatile drink, perfect for starting a chilly morning or ending an evening with a warm, boozy treat.
A glass mug filled with Irish coffee topped with a layer of cream, placed on a green cloth with a gold spoon beside it.

What is Irish Coffee?

Irish coffee is a wintertime treat of sweetened, strong black coffee from Ireland. It’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 cream layer.

It can also be made cold, too — try this iced Irish coffee for the warmer months. The best part of Irish coffee 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.

Tools & glassware

You’ll need to brew coffee, whether that’s in a coffee maker or with something like a French press. If you’re making your own Irish cream syrup, you’ll want a saucepan with a whisk. And if you want to make your own whipped cream, a hand mixer is handy!

Irish coffee mugs are stemmed, heat-proof glass mugs that are so-named for this coffee drink. You can also use them for other warm drinks like mulled wine or apple cider. If you don’t have them, any large mug will do!

Ingredients

There are three main components you can make homemade for this drink — the syrup, the coffee and the whipped cream — but you can use store-bought if you like.

  • Irish cream syrup: To make your own, you’ll need brown sugar, water, unsweetened cocoa powder, instant espresso powder and vanilla extract. (I also add a splash of zero-proof whiskey, but that’s optional. Rum extract would work too.) You can also use brown sugar syrup or skip the sweetener if you like.
  • Zero-proof whiskey: These are whiskey alternatives that don’t contain any alcohol, but still bring the Irish whiskey flavor this coffee drink is known for. You can make homemade zero-proof spirits too!
  • Whipped cream: I like to make my own with heavy whipping cream. Adding some of the Irish cream syrup gives it a
  • Coffee: However you like to make hot coffee is perfect. You can also use cold brew to make an iced Irish coffee.
A glass mug of coffee with cream, set on a green coaster. Nearby are gold spoons, a golden jigger, and a small pot of coffee. Another similar mug is in the background.

Substitutions & variations

Tailor it: To make this fancy mocktail, you only need four ingredients: hot coffee, Irish whiskey, a sweetener and whipped cream. But the best part is that you can tailor them to your liking. Want to make it less sweet? Prefer decaf? Need an extra shot of espresso? Do it! Make it yours.

Prefer a cocktail? Irish coffee is usually made with Irish whiskey. You can also use bourbon whiskey. Some people like to add a splash of Baileys for an Irish cream coffee drink.

Instructions

Making virgin Irish coffee is easy, but if you want to make all the ingredients from scratch, it’ll take a little more time. But it’s worth it, trust me! Here’s what to do:

A blue spatula stirs sugar and water together in a saucepan.
A spatula rests in clear liquid in a saucepan.

Non-alcoholic Irish cream syrup

In a small saucepan, heat sugar and water. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat. (The photos show me using granulated sugar, but since taking them I have decided I prefer this recipe with brown sugar.)

Spices are stirred into a liquid in a sauce pan using a blue whisk.
A closeup of a blue whisk sitting in brown liquid.

Whisk in cocoa powder and espresso powder. Continue to whisk until completely dissolved and few or no lumps remain. Stir in vanilla extract and whiskey alternative.

If there are any lumps, strain into a jar or bottle through a fine-mesh strainer. Store in the fridge for up to one month.

A coffee foamer is used to create foam in a glass measuring cup.

Irish cream whipped cream

Add the cream to a medium bowl. Mix on high speed until light and fluffy, with stiff peaks that hold their shape. Stir in the Irish cream syrup. Mix again for a few seconds if not stiff anymore. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.

Pouring tea from a thermos into a gold metallic cup with a clear top section.
Pouring coffee from a measuring cup into a transparent glass with a gold-colored metal holder.

Non-alcoholic Irish coffee

Meanwhile, brew hot coffee. Into an Irish coffee mug, pour in coffee about two-thirds full. Add Irish cream syrup.

A hand pours liquid from a gold jigger into a gold-trimmed glass cup on a white background.
A spoon hovers above a glass mug with a gold handle, filled with dark coffee topped with a layer of creamy froth.

If using, stir in the whiskey alternative. Add more coffee if needed, leaving 1 inch for whipped cream at the top. Stir to combine. Top with a layer of Irish cream whipped cream and serve warm.

If you’d like to garnish it, top it with chocolate jimmies, chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of coffee grounds, cocoa or cinnamon.

Two Irish coffee mugs with frothy tops sit on a green napkin alongside a gold spoon and cocktail jigger.

Tips & tricks

Make this the best non-alcoholic Irish coffee that will rival the boozy version:

  • When making the Irish cream syrup, take your time whisking in the cocoa and espresso powders to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency. Straining it before storing guarantees a silky finish for your drinks.
  • For the whipped cream, make sure the bowl and beaters are cold before starting to get perfectly fluffy, stiff peaks. Add the Irish cream syrup gently to avoid deflating the cream.
  • When assembling the Irish coffee, leave enough space at the top for a generous layer of whipped cream. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of indulgence.

Food pairings

Irish coffee is a must for St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas and all winter long. Serve this non-alcoholic Irish coffee mocktail with any chocolate of coffee-flavored desserts, like chocolate Guinness donuts or Baileys chocolate chip cookies. (Or non-boozy desserts if you’re refraining from all alcohol, like green matcha shortbread cookies.)

It’s great at breakfast and brunch with favorites like Irish deviled eggs, a slice of pumpkin bread or chai muffins.

A gold mug filled with a layered coffee and cream drink is on a green fabric coaster. A spoon is nearby.

FAQ

Can I make the Irish cream syrup ahead of time?

Yes! The syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to one month in a sealed jar or bottle.

What’s the best way to keep the whipped cream fluffy until serving?

Refrigerate the whipped cream in a covered container and give it a quick whisk before using if it softens slightly.

Can I use regular Irish whiskey instead of a zero-proof alternative?

Absolutely! If you’re not avoiding alcohol, regular Irish whiskey works perfectly in this recipe.

Two gold-rimmed glasses of Irish coffee on a green napkin, accompanied by a jigger, syrup in a small glass, and two gold spoons.

More warm non-alcoholic drink recipes

— Did you make this recipe? —

Please leave a ★★★★★ review or comment below.

A glass mug of coffee with cream, set on a green coaster. Nearby are gold spoons, a golden jigger, and a small pot of coffee. Another similar mug is in the background.

Irish Coffee Mocktail

Yield: 1 drink
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Warm up with this delightful Virgin Irish Coffee! This non-alcoholic version of the classic is perfect for a cozy morning or as an after-dinner treat, it's easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
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ingredients

Irish Cream Syrup (non-alcoholic)

Irish Cream Whipped Cream (non-alcoholic)

Non-alcoholic Irish Coffee

  • 5 ounces coffee freshly brewed and hot
  • 1 ounce Irish cream syrup use more or less if you like
  • 2 ounces zero-proof whiskey or Irish whiskey, optional
  • ½ cup Irish Cream whipped cream

instructions

Irish Cream Syrup

  • In a small saucepan, heat sugar and water. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat.
  • Whisk in cocoa powder and espresso powder. Continue to whisk until completely dissolved and few or no lumps remain.
  • Stir in vanilla extract and whiskey alternative.
  • With a fine-mesh strainer, strain into a jar or bottle. Store in the fridge for up to one month.

Irish Cream Whipped Cream

  • Add the cream to a medium bowl. Mix on high speed until light and fluffy, with stiff peaks that hold their shape.
  • Stir in the Irish cream syrup. Mix again for a few seconds if not stiff anymore.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.

Non-alcoholic Irish Coffee

  • Meanwhile, brew hot coffee. Into an Irish coffee mug, add Irish cream syrup and whiskey alternative.
  • Pour in coffee, leaving 1 inch for whipped cream at the top. Stir to combine. Top with a thick layer of Irish cream whipped cream and serve immediately.

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nutrition information

Yield: 1 drink

amount per serving:

Serving: 8.5ounces Calories: 991kcal Carbohydrates: 154g Protein: 4g Fat: 43g Saturated Fat: 27g Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 11g Cholesterol: 134mg Sodium: 82mg Potassium: 271mg Fiber: 0.3g Sugar: 154g Vitamin A: 1749IU Vitamin C: 1mg Calcium: 97mg Iron: 3mg
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