How To Make Irish Coffee (Step-by-Step Guide)
Making this coffee isn’t rocket science, but the details can make or break the drink. For this reason, your goal here is to get that perfect balance of bold coffee, smooth whiskey, and creamy richness. So, here's my recipe:
Equipment
- A heatproof glass or traditional Irish Coffee mug
- A spoon (for layering the cream—it’s a game-changer)
- A small whisk or handheld frother for whipping the cream
- Measuring tools (unless you’re a free-pour hero—I am not)
Ingredients
- Freshly brewed hot coffee (use your favorite high-quality beans).
- Irish whiskey (Jameson is a classic, but Bushmills works too).
- Brown sugar or simple syrup (adjust sweetness to your taste).
- Fresh heavy cream (lightly whipped so it floats beautifully).
- Optional Garnishes: Grated nutmeg or chocolate shavings—because why not make it fancy?
Instructions
- Brew the Coffee: First, brew your coffee. Use freshly ground beans if possible (medium-dark roast works great). The coffee should be piping hot and strong enough to stand up to the whiskey. Weak coffee will ruin everything. I learned that the hard way.
- Prepare the Glass: I suggest preheating your glass. Just pour hot water in for a few seconds, then dump it out. This keeps your drink warm longer and avoids that awkward first sip of lukewarm Irish Coffee.
- Combine Coffee, Whiskey, and Sugar: Pour your hot coffee into the preheated glass, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Then add a shot (1.5 oz) of Irish whiskey. Don’t be shy, it’s the star of the show.Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar until it dissolves completely. Brown sugar gives the drink a richer, deeper sweetness than white sugar.
- Top with Cream: Lightly whip your heavy cream until it’s just thick enough to pour but not stiff. Now, here’s the trick: hold a spoon upside down over the coffee and pour the cream slowly over the back of the spoon. This helps it float perfectly and creates that signature layered look.
- Serve and Enjoy: Sip the coffee through the cream (don’t stir!). The cream acts like a silky lid, balancing the boozy kick and coffee’s warmth.If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little grated nutmeg or chocolate shavings on top. And serve immediately.