Make the best Irish coffee recipe at home with this easy step-by-step guide. This classic recipe for Irish coffee features smooth Jameson whiskey, rich coffee, and a creamy topping for the perfect cozy drink. Warm up with this simple and delicious Irish coffee with Jameson today!
Best Irish Whiskeys
When making Irish coffee, your whiskey can make all the difference! Some of the best Irish whiskeys for this classic drink include Jameson, a smooth and slightly sweet favorite that pairs perfectly with coffee; Tullamore D.E.W., balanced spice and caramel notes; and Bushmills Original, a lighter, slightly fruity option. But honestly, the best whiskey is the one that fits your taste and budget—so choose what you love and enjoy every cozy sip!
In the mood for a treat with your coffee? Try these Coffee Cupcakes, Bailey’s Chocolate Ice Cream, or this rich Chocolate Guinness Cake—perfect for celebrating or just enjoying something sweet.
History of Irish Coffee
The history of Irish coffee dates back to the 1940s when American passengers arrived at either the Shannon Airport or the Foynes Airport in Ireland on a cold winter night with bad weather. The chef at the airport restaurant decided to add some Irish whiskey to their coffee to warm them up, and the first Irish coffee was born. (Source)
The drink quickly gained popularity and spread throughout Ireland, eventually reaching the United States through the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco, home of the original Irish Coffee in the US. They were re-created around 1952 by the then-proprietor Jack Koeppler, reportedly along with travel writer Stanton Delaplane.
Best Irish Coffee Ingredients
- Irish Whiskey – Choose the alcohol that works best for you, Jameson Irish Whiskey is the classic Irish whiskey used.
- Brewed Black coffee – Start with fresh coffee beans. Use your favorite strong coffee, use drip, pour over, French press, or your favorite method. Classic Irish coffees can be made using regular or decaf coffee. In my research I discovered that the best roast for Irish coffee is everything from a light roast, medium roast to a dark roast. So make it yours because that will undoubtedly be the best roast for you!
- Brown sugar – a touch of sweetness, with warm caramel and molasses undertones, complimenting the whiskey beautifully. Also try maple syrup, demerara sugar, or my demerara syrup (liquid cane syrup).
- Whipped Cream – You’ll use heavy whipping cream to make some whipped cream to place on top of the coffee. I’m here to show you how!
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
If you want more warm-you-up-from-the-inside-out recipes, try my Hot Buttered Rum, easy White Hot Chocolate, this Hot Chocolate, or this Chai Latte.
Warm drinks are sometimes just what you need in the wintertime; try my white chocolate chai (not just for Christmas), Eggnog Latte, Medicine Ball Tea, or this Golden milk latte.
How to Make A Classic Irish Coffee Recipe
Add hot water to Irish coffee mugs to warm the mugs, and let them sit for a minute while you gather the rest of your ingredients. Pour out hot water and add hot coffee and brown sugar to your mug, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
Stir in the whiskey. And top with whipped cream; see below for how to make whipped cream. If desired, sprinkle fresh nutmeg, shaved chocolate, or green sugar sprinkles on top.
How to float whipped cream on a hot drink
Float a healthy dollop of whipped cream on top of the coffee by holding a spoon upside down over the glass mug, then spoon the softly whipped cream over the back of the spoon. Similar to how I float these layers in this stunning Blueberry Gin Cocktail. Please top it with a dash of nutmeg (yummy) or a shake of green sanding sugar if you’d like.
Recommended Tools
- Use a traditional Irish coffee mug, clear glass mugs with a handle.
- Jigger or mini measuring cup.
- Whipped Cream Dispenser – Make professional-looking drinks with this whipped cream dispenser.
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How to prevent the cream from splattering while whipping
- Cut a slit to the center of a paper plate, then cut a small hole (make the hole large enough so it doesn’t obstruct the beaters), place it over the bowl, and whip.
- Place a clean tea towel over the top of the stand mixer, it will catch all of the splatters. It’s also wise to start whipping your cream over a lower speed, slowly increasing the speed to avoid splatters.
Irish Coffee Variations
- Cold Brew Irish Coffee—Make a cold brew Irish Coffee using your favorite cold brew coffee. Instead of brown sugar, use cane sugar simple syrup so it dissolves quickly. Then, add whiskey and whipped cream floating on top.
- Iced Irish Coffee – Like above, use cold brewed coffee or fill your favorite pint glass full of ice, do a pour over, add whiskey, a little simple syrup, and top with whipped cream.
- Irish Cream Coffee – Add 1-2 tablespoons of half and half or heavy cream, essentially making an Irish Cream coffee; if you layer it correctly, you will have a cream layer at the bottom, coffee in the middle, and the whipped cream layer on top.
- Bailey’s Irish Coffee – Replace whiskey with equal amounts of Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur for an even creamier coffee.
- Canned Whipped Cream – You may use canned whipped cream, but note that it will melt into the drink much faster than homemade whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Irish coffee traditionally uses Irish whiskey, but you can use any whiskey you prefer. However, Irish whiskey has a smoother taste that complements the coffee well.
Yes, heavy cream is traditionally used in Irish coffee. It creates a rich and velvety texture that is perfect for this drink.
Yes, you can use any sugar you prefer, regular sugar is fine, but brown sugar or raw sugar is recommended for its rich flavor.
They are pretty different, Bailey’s already has a heavy cream mixture in the whiskey, so it’s more of an Irish Cream Coffee vs. an authentic Irish coffee. Both are delicious.
How to Make Non-alcoholic Irish Coffee
It is super easy to make for those wishing to enjoy a non-alcoholic Irish Coffee. If you still want it to taste authentic, use a non-alcoholic whiskey (yup, they make it!). Or omit the whiskey altogether, add a pump or two of Irish Cream Syrup or a splash of Irish Cream Creamer.
What is the best coffee to use for an Irish Coffee
Here at The Fresh Cooky, we are all about making it yours, adding your twist. The traditional recipe used a medium roast blend, as my research showed. But in my recipes, I encourage you to use what you LOVE!
What to Serve with Irish Coffee
Go all out and serve this decadent Guinness Chocolate Cake with Bailey’s frosting or these Stout Fudge Brownies, serve with my chewy Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookies or go crazy and enjoy with Bailey’s Ice Cream.
More Irish Recipes to Enjoy
- Enjoy with Corned Beef and Cabbage and a warm loaf of Irish Brown Bread.
- Skillet Shepherd’s Pie (No Bake Shepherd’s Pie) paired with my easy Irish soda bread.
- Get creative with leftovers and make corned beef hash or this yummy Corned beef sandwich.
- Traditional Banger and Mash paired with these skillet green beans would be fabulous.
- Wash it all down with a crisp Irish Whiskey Mule, and these fun and sweet Lucky Charms treats.
I hope you loved this easy Irish Coffee Cocktail recipe — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
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Ingredients
- 7 ounces coffee hot, strong or medium (regular or decaf)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar packed, light or dark
- 1-1.5 ounces Irish whiskey I used Jameson whiskey
- ¼ cup whipped cream soft whipped
Instructions
- Add hot water to Irish coffee mugs to warm the cups, and let them sit for a minute while you gather the rest of your ingredients. Pour out hot water and add hot coffee and brown sugar to your mug, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
- Stir in the whiskey. And top with whipped cream; please look at the notes for how to make whipped cream and float it on top of the coffee.
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Notes
-
- Cold Brew Irish Coffee – Make a cold brew Irish Coffee using your favorite cold brew coffee; instead of brown sugar, use cane sugar simple syrup so it dissolves quicker, then add whiskey and whipped cream floating on top.
- Iced Irish Coffee – Like above, use cold brewed coffee, or fill your favorite pint glass full of ice, pour coffee over whiskey, and top with whipped cream.
- Irish Cream Coffee – If you like your coffee not quite so strong, add a tablespoon or two of half and half or heavy cream, essentially making an Irish Cream coffee; if you layer it correctly, you will have a cream layer at the bottom, coffee in the middle and the whipped cream layer on top.
- Bailey’s Irish Coffee – Replace whiskey with equal amounts of Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur for an even creamier coffee.
- Canned Whipped Cream – You may use canned whipped cream, but note that it will melt into the drink much faster than homemade whipped cream.
How to Make Non-alcoholic Irish Coffee
-
- If you still want it to taste authentic, use a non-alcoholic whiskey (yup, they make it!).
- Or omit the whiskey altogether, adding a pump or two of Irish Cream Syrup or a splash of Irish Cream Creamer.
Nutrition
Patty at Spoonabilities
Love this recipe! Irish coffee is such a nice way to end a meal with friends on a chilly night. And best if all, it could not be easier to prepare. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Patty!
Alison Saalbach Corey
Your recipes are like a love letter to food. Thank you for sharing your passion with us!
Aw, thank you so much, Alison!
Jessica
This was absolutely delicious and now I’m going to make it again really soon!
Yay! Love hearing that!
Kushigalu
Love this simple and delicious 4 ingredient Irish coffee. Thanks for sharing.
You are most welcome!
Wanda
I forgot how much I love Irish coffee! Thrilled I found this recipe – going to make this tonight!
Thank you Wanda! Hope you love it!