There's something magical about the combo of hot coffee, whiskey and cream. This, in essence, is an Irish coffee recipe.
There’s something magical about the combo of hot coffee, whiskey and cream. This, in essence, is an Irish coffee recipe.
But it isn’t just a sweet, creamy, boozy, divine coffee cocktail. I prefer to look at this coffee as the perfect symphony of chemistry meeting flavor. In its making, this recipe transforms three humble ingredients into something greater than their parts.
So, today, I’m chomping at the bit to share my tried-and-true method for creating this beloved classic. Let’s get to mastering this coffee cocktail that’s been warming hearts since 1943!
Overview: What Is Irish Coffee?
Irish coffee is a masterful blend of bold coffee and smooth whiskey, crowned with a light layer of cream. At its foundation lies strong, hot-brewed, dark-roast coffee, akin to Spanish or Portuguese coffee. This is the only profile that can hold its own against the whiskey’s robust character.
Naturally, whiskey is an essential component of Irish coffee. But not just any ol’ dram! Traditionally, this recipe calls for an Irish whiskey. Opt for brands like Jameson, Powers or Tullamore D.E.W, triple-distilled for extra smoothness.
These whiskeys also bring welcome notes of vanilla, wood and spice. And while recipes vary, the key to this Irish coffee recipe is balance. Too much whiskey overpowers the coffee; too little gets lost in it.
Brown sugar is also essential. It doesn’t just add sweetness, but also bridges the gap between coffee’s bitterness and whiskey’s warmth. So too does heavy cream, which sits on top, mellowing the strong flavors.
Surprisingly, for a nation known for this whiskey-coffee fusion, Ireland’s everyday coffee culture tells a different story. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, the Irish imported $150 million worth of coffee in 2022. In addition, an average person consumes roughly 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms) per year, a paltry amount compared to say, Scandinavia. However, Ireland’s coffee scene has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. The Irish now favor medium to dark roasts, with a growing appreciation for specialty coffee.
Granted, instant coffee still accounts for about 30 percent of consumption. But there’s a rising trend toward fresh-ground coffee and espresso-based drinks, particularly in Dublin, Cork and Galway. And at the center of it all is Irish coffee. It remains a testament to Ireland’s ability to honor tradition while embracing new tastes.
Irish Coffee Origin Story
The story of Irish coffee began at Foynes Port in Limerick, Ireland, in 1943. Foynes was a bustling hub for American-bound liners. These carried distinguished passengers, including political figures and Hollywood stars.
Now, the weather on Ireland’s west coast was (and still is) notoriously harsh. Often, crossings were cancelled and passengers forced to return. On one such evening, Chef Joe Sheridan, working at a port restaurant, faced a group of weary American passengers.
Hoping to warm their spirits, he had a stroke of genius. He brewed dark, rich coffee, stirred in some Irish whiskey, added brown sugar and floated cold heavy cream on top. When an intrigued passenger asked, “Is this Brazilian coffee?” Sheridan replied with typical Irish wit, “No, that’s Irish coffee.”
The drink was an instant success! It became a staple at Foynes Port. Later, it became a favorite at Shannon Airport, which replaced Foynes as Ireland’s international transport hub in 1945.
However, Irish coffee might have remained a local specialty if not for Stanton Delaplane. He brought the recipe to America and worked with the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco to recreate it. In fact, he nearly passed out from testing too many variations in one session! To this day, this cafe still serves Irish coffee, pouring up to 2,000 glasses daily.
Who Invented Irish Coffee?
As mentioned, Chef Joe Sheridan, of Foynes Port, Ireland, invented Irish coffee. He later moved to America and worked at the Buena Vista Cafe, continuing to serve his famous creation.
When asked for the original recipe, he cheekily wrote: “Add cream as rich as an Irish brogue, coffee as strong as a friendly hand, sugar sweet as the tongue of a rogue and whiskey as smooth as the wit of the land.” Typical Irish sense of humor.
And here’s another interesting tidbit! At this time Scotch dominated the American whiskey market. But thanks to Irish coffee’s popularity, Irish whiskey gained popularity remarkably quickly. This coffee was not just a delicious innovation but also a significant contributor to Irish whiskey’s global recognition.
Coffeeness Signature Espresso Blend
High-quality beans through direct trade
Notes of Chocolate & Hazelnut
Easy on the stomach
Freshly roasted right in Brooklyn
Medium roast
How to Make Irish Coffee at Home
The perfect Irish coffee should look like a miniature pint of Guinness, with a dark coffee body and a distinct layer of heavy cream. When done right, this recipe, full of dark-roast coffee, Irish whiskey and cream, is a delicious way to celebrate St Patrick’s Day or even Christmas morning.
Here’s what you need to make the best Irish coffee recipe at home:
4 ounces (120 milliliters) freshly brewed coffee (strong, dark roasts preferred)
1 ounce (30 milliliters) Irish whiskey (Jameson, Powers or Tullamore D.E.W.)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Whipped cold heavy cream (for topping)
Caster sugar (optional, for cream topping)
Grated nutmeg or ground cinnamon (optional for garnish)
6-8-ounce (180-240-milliliter) Irish coffee glass or heat-resistant stemmed glass
Coffee maker of your choice (your best drip coffee maker, French press or moka pot)
Whisk or electric mixer
Measuring jug
Bowl
Spoon or butter knife
Here’s how to put it all together:
Preheat your coffee glass by filling it with hot water. Let it sit for a few seconds before discarding.
Brew your coffee strong. A dark coffee roast profile works best as this recipe needs it to stand up to the whiskey.
Add brown sugar in the hot coffee, and stir until it completely dissolves. Then, pour in Irish whiskey and stir to combine.
Now, comes the crucial part – adding the light cream topping. Hold a butter knife or warm spoon (recently dipped in hot water) upside down over the coffee. Position it just above the surface.
Slowly pour the lightly whipped cold heavy cream over the back of the spoon or knife. This technique helps the thick layer of cream float on top.
Serve immediately. The coffee and whiskey mixture should be hot enough that you can’t comfortably hold the glass. And, oh, do not, I repeat, do not stir the heavy cream into the coffee. The pleasure of an Irish coffee is sipping the coffee through the cream.
Pair your coffee with a rich sweet like dark chocolate or chocolate truffles. You could also have it with a shortbread cookie, almond biscotti or go full Irish with a slice of chocolate-Guinness cake!
How to Make Cream for Irish Coffee
The cream topping is what makes or breaks an Irish coffee recipe. Too liquid, and it sinks; too whipped, and it sits like a dessert topping.
It’s imperative that you get it just right. And here’s how:
Use chilled heavy whipping cream (at least 36% fat content). Don’t use ice cream; this is not an affogato al caffe. The beauty of this recipe lies in using high-fat-content cream as they do in Ireland.
In a mixer, combine the heavy cream with caster sugar (if using) and whisk until it reaches the “ribbon stage.” This means it should be slightly thickened but still pourable. You should be able to see the trails of cream when you lift the whisk, but it should still flow smoothly.
Alternatively, hand-whisk the cream in a chilled bowl.
Stop whipping just before soft peaks form – if your cream can make peaks, you’ve gone too far.
The cream is now ready for use.
Irish Coffee Recipes
From one classic Irish coffee recipe came many. Each variation maintains the core elements of the original. At the same time, each recipe offers unique characteristics that appeal to different palates.
You can opt for a traditional version to warm you up on a cold evening. Or a frozen variation to combat the summer heat. Whichever recipe you go for, the combination of coffee, whiskey and cream remains the foundation of this beloved drink.
Here are some variations worth knowing to whet your appetite:
Buena Vista Irish Coffee
Made famous by San Francisco’s Buena Vista Cafe, this version has been a hit since 1952. Their recipe uses two sugar cubes (only the C&H brand), Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey, fresh organic whipped cream (aged for 48 hours) and a Peerless coffee blend.
The key difference is in the cream preparation. This twist creates a distinctive white “collar” that, like in a pint of Guinness, stays floating perfectly.
Frozen Irish Coffee Recipe
This Irish coffee recipe has a modern NOLA-inspired twist, perfect for warmer climes. It comes served in hurricane glasses and consists of blended cold brew coffee concentrate, Irish whiskey, simple syrup, coffee liqueur and ice. Vanilla ice cream and fresh-grated nutmeg finish things off.
This frozen coffee offers a refreshing alternative while maintaining the essential coffee-whiskey-cream combination. You’ll also find it served with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of coffee grounds.
Dead Rabbit Irish Coffee Recipe
Created at the famous Dead Rabbit bar in New York, this version elevates the classic with strong-brewed coffee, demerara sugar syrup and Powers Irish whiskey. The hand-whipped cream remains light but with added vanilla extract. Freshly grated nutmeg is an optional topping.
The innovation in this Irish coffee recipe lies in using demerara syrup for richer caramel notes. Plus, the vanilla cream enhances the drink’s aromatics.
Irish Coffee Recipe with Baileys
Irish coffee with Baileys is a modern interpretation that adds superb richness. Heavy cream and Bailey’s (basically a liqueur made of Irish whiskey, coffee and cream) add to this coffee’s richness. Besides, the liqueur mirrors the coffee itself and carries distinct chocolate and vanilla notes.
To make this alcoholic coffee, start by making hot-brewed coffee, add brown sugar (optional) and Irish whiskey, then splash in some Bailey’s Irish Cream. Top with whipped heavy cream.
This version is a favorite of those who find traditional Irish coffee too strong. The Bailey’s creates a creamier, more dessert-like coffee.
Irish Coffee Cocktail Recipe
This recipe variation is a more complex cocktail-forward version. It consists of hot-brewed coffee, Irish whiskey, demerara syrup and a small float of green Chartreuse. Fresh cream and grated dark chocolate finish things off.
The beauty of this Irish coffee variation is its sophisticated take. It adds herbal complexity (from the Chartreuse) while, like the Spanish barraquito, maintaining a traditional layered presentation.
Irish Coffee Recipe With Kahlua
Irish coffee Kahlua just makes sense. It’s a sweeter, more coffee-forward variation with hot-brewed coffee, Irish whiskey and Kahlua. Notably, this version skips the sugar. That’s because it uses sweet Kahlua, which itself contains rum, 100% Arabica coffee and sugar. Whipped cream and optional chocolate shavings finish things off.
The addition of Kahlua intensifies the coffee flavor while adding a delectable sweetness. This version appeals to coffee liqueur enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about that first sip of a genuine Irish coffee recipe. The way the cool, silky cream meets your lips before giving way to the warm embrace of whiskey-laced coffee is pure heaven!
This coffee drink defies simple categorization: it’s too sophisticated to be a coffee cocktail yet too convivial to be a mere after-dinner coffee. That’s why it has captured hearts from Dublin to San Francisco! The other genius of Irish coffee lies in its perfect balance. Hot meets cold, bitter meets sweet and strength meets smoothness. A divine combo, indeed!
After reading this, I hope you’ll make this coffee cocktail at home to experience for yourself why some classics are truly timeless!
Have you tried making Irish coffee before? I’d love to hear all about it! Did you nail the cream float on your first try? Share your stories, tips and favorite Irish whiskey choices in the comments below.
Irish Coffee FAQ
A classic Irish coffee contains hot-brewed coffee, brown sugar, Irish whiskey and lightly whipped cream.
Brew hot coffee, and stir brown sugar into it until well dissolved. Add Irish whiskey and then float lightly whipped cream by pouring over the back of a spoon.
Created for American passengers in 1943 by Joe Sheridan at Foynes Port, Ireland, the original recipe used Irish whiskey, brown sugar, hot coffee and cream.
A traditional Irish coffee recipe uses Irish whiskey. The recipe with Baileys is a modern variation but not authentic.
