How to make Irish Coffee

There’s nothing quite like a warm mug of Irish Coffee on a chilly day. This classic cocktail combines hot coffee, Irish whiskey, a touch of brown sugar, and a floating layer of lightly whipped cream for a comforting drink that’s cozy, smooth, and just a little indulgent.

It’s simple to learn how to make Irish Coffee at home, and when done right, it will be just as amazing as one ordered at a great restaurant or pub. You can enjoy an Irish Coffee any time, but it’s especially wonderful to serve as an after dinner drink to your St. Patrick’s Day dinner of corned beef and cabbage and Irish soda bread.

What Is Irish Coffee?

Irish Coffee is a traditional cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream. The signature element is the floating layer of cream on top, which you sip the coffee through—creating a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and creamy in every sip.

What’s the history of Irish Coffee?

It’s said that Irish Coffee was created in the winter of 1943 by Joe Sheridan, a chef at Foynes Point (an airbase) in Ireland. Passengers on a Pan Am jet were directed back to the base due to bad weather, and Sheridan gave them all a coffee with whiskey and cream to warm them up.

The story goes that when an American passenger first drank it he asked “Is this Brazilian coffee?” in which Joe replied “No, that’s Irish coffee”. The cocktail became a popular drink at the airport, and everyone who traveled through got to enjoy it.

A travel writer who had sampled the cocktail while traveling through Ireland brought the idea of it to a bartender in San Francisco at Buena Vista Cafe. They re-created the drink, and from that moment on– it became a super popular staple of the Buena Vista Cafe.

Ingredients Needed:

Originator Joe Sheridan said that these components make up the best Irish coffee:

• Cream – Rich as an Irish Brogue
• Coffee – Strong as a Friendly Hand
• Sugar – Sweet as the tongue of a Rogue
• Whiskey – Smooth as the Wit of the Land

Chocolate shavings are an optional garnish for a little extra flair. Don’t skip the chocolate!

How to Make Irish Coffee

Make the Whipped Cream

In a small bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream until medium peaks form. It should be light and fluffy but still pourable.

Assemble the Cocktail

1. Pour boiling water into a mug and let it sit about 3 minutes to warm it. Discard the water.
2. Add the Irish whiskey and brown sugar to the warm mug.
3. Pour in the hot coffee and stir to dissolve the sugar.
4. Turn a spoon upside down and gently pour the whipped cream over the back of the spoon so it floats on top.
5. Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired. Do not stir—sip your Irish coffee through the cream.

When to Serve Irish Coffee

• During the holidays or St. Patrick’s Day
• After dinner as a dessert cocktail (serve with Irish Cream Bundt Cake or Chocolate Guinness Stout Cake).
• At brunch gatherings
• On cold evenings

Variations of Irish Coffee:

1. Try using different kinds of whiskey. Jameson is the classic Irish whiskey used for Irish Coffee, but try whiskeys that have more spice or bolder or smoother flavors.
2. Flavor of coffee can have a big impact on the flavor of your cocktail. Try different kinds!
3. Add in some coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua.
4. Use espresso in place of coffee.
5. Add Bailey’s Irish Cream to coffee to make an “Irish coffee.” It won’t be traditional, but many people drink them this way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s the perfect after-dinner drink or dessert cocktail.
• It has simple, classic ingredients.
• It’s ready in minutes!
• It’s cozy and warming.
• If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll love this coffee drink too. You may also enjoy my recipes for Boozy Iced Coffee, Vanilla Latte and Mocha Frappuccino.