Irish Coffee is a warm Irish café classic that combines strong hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a cool layer of cream.
This version dissolves the sugar in the hot coffee first, then floats lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon so the drink keeps its signature layered finish.
Warm the glass before assembling and whip the cream only to soft peaks. Thick cream floats more easily, but over-whipped cream will sink instead of forming a smooth cap.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Irish Coffee after dinner with dark chocolate, shortbread, or a simple fruit dessert. It is best enjoyed while the coffee is hot and the cream is still cool.
Recipe Notes
Use freshly brewed strong coffee and a mild Irish whiskey. The cream should be softly whipped and unsweetened so it balances the sweet coffee beneath it.
Classic Irish Coffee
Equipment
- Two heatproof glass mugs
- Small saucepan
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Spoon
- Coffee maker
Ingredients
Coffee Base
- 2 cups strong hot coffee freshly brewed
- 1/4 cup Irish whiskey
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar packed
Cream Topping
- 1/2 cup heavy cream cold
- 1 tsp powdered sugar optional
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg optional garnish
Instructions
Whip the cream:
- Whip the cold cream with the powdered sugar, if using, until it reaches soft peaks. Keep it chilled while you make the coffee.
Build the coffee:
- Warm two heatproof glass mugs with hot water, then discard the water.
- Divide the brown sugar between the mugs and pour in the hot coffee. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the Irish whiskey and stir once more.
Float the cream:
- Hold a spoon just above the coffee surface, rounded side up. Slowly pour or spoon the cream over the back of the spoon so it floats on top.
- Finish with a light dusting of nutmeg if desired and serve without stirring.
Notes
- Softly whipped cream floats more cleanly than stiff whipped cream.
- Do not stir after adding the cream; sip the hot coffee through the cool topping.
- Warm the mugs first so the coffee stays hot while you assemble the drink.