Irish Coffee

A glass mug of dark hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder sits on a white surface, surrounded by a jar, a carafe, and a measuring jigger.

Susannah Brinkley Henry

Warm and boozy, the Classic Irish Coffee is an easy after-dinner drink.

Course Cocktail

Cuisine Irish

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Total Time 5

Servings cocktail

Calories 165kcal

Author Susannah Brinkley Henry

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

Liquor substitutes: You can substitute some or all of the Irish whiskey with Bailey's Irish cream liqueur if you desire.

Syrup swaps: Regular simple syrup works well, or use 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or granulated sugar. You can also use your favorite sugar-free substitute — check the packaging for amounts.

Alcohol-free version: Swap the whiskey for a zero-proof spirit alternative or omit the whiskey.

Whipped cream options: You can also use cold foam or heavy cream. If using heavy cream, pour it gently over the back of a spoon to form a thick layer. Use a plant-based whipped cream for a vegan version.

Nutrition

Find more recipes at feastandwest.com