Irish coffee has become one of the most popular coffee cocktails around the world. This smooth, creamy concoction will fill you with warmth and comfort.
The best part is, this drink takes just ten minutes or less to make! Celebrate your St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) or National Irish Coffee Day (January 25th) on a festive note by preparing yourself this cozy, hot Irish beverage.
Sipping on this drink is a fun way to celebrate the Emerald Isle. There is no better day of the year to do so. Its perfect balance of bitter and sweet flavors goes down delightfully smooth! Check out more St. Patrick's Day recipes.
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What is Irish Coffee?
It is a blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and a topping of whipped cream.
A Wee bit of History
Joe Sheridan created this Gaelic Coffee in Ireland in 1943. Apparently, out of feeling sorry for air passengers who were delayed, he decided to create something special for them to drink. They loved it so much it became an airport specialty.
Ingredients
- hot coffee - Freshly brewed.
- whipped cream - You can use premade or homemade. If you are making homemade whipped cream, you could add a few drops of green food dye for a whimsical topping (like in this mint whipped cream). Or you could even add some whiskey to the homemade whipped topping while you are whipping it up.
- chocolate curls - To make your drink even more festive, try adding shamrock sprinkles instead of the chocolate curls or rim the glass with chocolate sprinkles!
- Irish whiskey - Read more about it below.
*Check recipe card for ingredient amounts.
Irish Whiskey: A Legacy of Craft & Tradition
Whiskey has its origins in Scotland and Ireland through monks who learned the skill of distillation on their travels. The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world is over 400 years old (licensed in 1608). It's located in Bushmills, Northern Ireland and is also called Bushmills.
Despite the barley tax imposed by the Crown in the 1850s, Bushmills continues to distill malted barley (known as 'pure malt' or 'single malt' whiskey) in all of its whiskeys, whereas most distilleries began distilling blended whiskey, adding corn or other grains.
The Mug
This hot beverage is usually served in a coffee mug made of glass that is tall and has a handle and wide base (as seen below).
How to Make an Irish Coffee Cocktail
Step 1: Fill a mug with hot water to preheat it, then empty it.
Step 2: Pour the hot coffee into the warmed glass.
Step 3: Add the brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
Step 4: Blend in the Irish whiskey.
Step 5: Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate curls or sprinkles.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy! Cheers to my Irish friends!
🍰 Looking for dessert options? Check out my Cake Pop Frosting & Coating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your coffee with some potato pancakes, soda bread, or scones for an extra nibble that will bring you the luck of the Irish all day long.
Recipe FAQs
It is traditionally served hot but you can also serve it iced if desired.
Yes. It contains Irish whiskey.
Some of the best Irish whiskeys to use include Jameson, Sexton and Bushmills.
If you tried this Irish Coffee Cocktail Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!
📋Recipe
Irish Coffee Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 jigger Irish whiskey - 1 ½ ounces or 3 tablespoons
- whipped cream
- chocolate curls - or chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
- Fill a mug with hot water to preheat it, then empty it.
- Pour the hot coffee into the warmed glass.1 cup hot coffee
- Add the brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved.1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Blend in the Irish whiskey.1 jigger Irish whiskey
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate curls or sprinkles.
- Serve and enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
- National Irish Coffee Day is January 25th of each year.
- Some Irish Whiskeys you can try are Jameson, Sexton, Bushmills, etc.
- Irish coffee is traditionally served hot but you can also serve it iced if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
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