It’s the drink that brings coffee and whiskey lovers together in harmony: the classic Irish Coffee is a fan-favorite treat that looks and tastes decadent.
But it’s easier to make than you think. Check out this Irish coffee breakdown and learn tips, tricks, and delicious recipe variations below.
Classic Irish Coffee Recipe
While other types of whiskey cocktails are more relaxed when it comes to the type of whiskey you can use, Irish coffee isn’t.
You should use only Irish whiskey for this coffee drink. It has the necessary light and fruity notes, with trace hints of caramel that complement the coffee perfectly. Swap it for another bottle, and you’ll notice the difference right away.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey
- Freshly brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- Whipped cream to garnish
Mixing Tips
- Pour hot water on it and set it aside for two minutes. Then remove the water. This helps warm the mug and ensures the Irish coffee is served perfectly.
- Add the Irish whiskey and brown sugar to the mug, then stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Top with hot coffee and add the lightly whipped cream on top.
Cocktail Nutrition Information
The best Irish coffee is a treat in a glass, but it’s also a rather calorie-heavy drink. One mug has roughly 210 calories, and if you want to add toppings like maple syrup, that can make the calorie count spike.
Here are some other nutrition facts for simple Irish coffees:
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 8g
- Sugars: 8g
- ABV: 14%
How to Serve an Irish Coffee
The Irish coffee cocktail is easy to make at home, but if you want to impress your guests, remember these key tips and tricks:
- Use granulated sugar: If you want to mix lots of cocktails for your friends, don’t waste your time with sugar cubes. The granulated one takes a lot less time to dissolve, and you can quickly treat your friend to this coffee beverage.
- Don’t go coffee-heavy: Irish coffees shouldn’t have more than four ounces of coffee for one and a half ounces of whiskey. Even if you use strong coffee, you should still taste the whiskey notes throughout.
- Don’t use thick cream: True Irish coffee uses lightly whipped cream. It should float on top but have the consistency of canned whipped cream. It should have soft peaks at most.
- Consider when to serve it: Irish coffee is a great after-dinner drink and can be served next to a light dessert. Due to the richness of the cream, it doesn’t pair well with main courses.
Irish Coffee Recipe Variations
Here are some other great recipes to try out:
- Irish Cream Coffee: Add some Irish coffee liquor to your mug to get an even sweeter coffee drink.
- Cold Brew: Irish Coffee is a hot cocktail, but that might not work out on a hot summer’s day. So, instead, use a cold brew to make an icier version. Don’t add ice to it, though; you don’t want it to melt and water down your cocktail.
- Add new toppings: Turn your cocktail into a dessert by adding chocolate shavings, caramel, or spices like cinnamon.
Final Thoughts
Irish coffee is a rich drink that requires minimal prep time. All you need is a good Irish whiskey, some dark roast coffee, and delicious whipped cream. Serve it to your friends at your next get-together and enjoy!
