Classic Irish Coffee

Name: Classic Irish Coffee
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 120 ml freshly brewed strong coffee (hot); 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 30 ml heavy cream (lightly whipped)

5 min 1 servings Easy

All Recipes

Classic Irish Coffee

Warm up with a classic Irish coffee, featuring rich coffee, smooth whiskey, and a touch of cream.

Prep

5 min

Total

5 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Irish coffee is a delightful cocktail that combines the boldness of coffee with the smooth warmth of Irish whiskey, topped with a layer of lightly whipped cream. This classic drink is perfect for a cozy evening or a special brunch treat. The origin of the Irish coffee dates back to the 1940s at Foynes Airport in Ireland, where it was crafted to warm the spirits of travelers. Today, it's a beloved drink worldwide, known for its simple yet decadent combination of flavours.

Ingredients

Servings

Irish Coffee

Instructions

Preheat your glass

Fill your serving glass with hot water and let it sit for a minute, then discard the water.

Pro tip: This helps keep your Irish coffee warm longer.

Combine coffee and sugar

Pour the hot coffee into the preheated glass and stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved.

Add the whiskey

Stir in the Irish whiskey until well combined.

Pro tip: Adjust the amount of whiskey to your taste preference.

Prepare the cream

Lightly whip the heavy cream until it thickens slightly but is still pourable.

Pro tip: Avoid over-whipping; the cream should float on the coffee.

Float the cream

Gently pour the cream over the back of a spoon held just above the coffee to float it on top.

Pro tip: This creates the signature layered look of an Irish coffee.

Serve immediately

Serve the Irish coffee immediately while hot, without stirring. Enjoy the contrast of hot coffee and cool cream.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use freshly brewed strong coffee for the best flavour.</li><li>Preheat your glass to keep the drink warm longer.</li><li>Use heavy cream for the perfect float on top.</li><li>Adjust the whiskey amount to your taste preference.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Irish coffee is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to savour the contrast between the hot coffee and the cool cream. Pair it with a slice of rich chocolate cake for an indulgent treat. To make ahead, prepare your coffee and whiskey mixture in advance and keep it warm in a thermos. Whip the cream just before serving for the best texture. Store any unused whipped cream in the fridge for up to 24 hours.