Let’s warm up with classic Irish coffees! I used to make Irish coffees during my bartending days, and thought it would be fun to revisit the recipe and make them from scratch. Classic Irish coffees are made with just four ingredients: hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and whipped cream. Oftentimes in restaurants, Irish coffees are overwhelmingly sweet and rich. I love making them at home because you can make them exactly how you like them. Plus, Irish coffees are so simple to make. You don’t need bartending experience or any special equipment to whip these up.
My favorite Irish coffees are made with freshly brewed coffee, high-quality Irish whiskey, and topped with real whipped cream, which you can make in about 10 minutes if you have the time. It is worth the effort. My only twist on the classic recipe is to use real maple syrup instead of sugar. Natural maple syrup flavors play beautifully with coffee and whiskey, and it blends right in since it’s liquid. Easy!
Watch How to Make Irish Coffee
How to Make the Best Irish Coffee
Start by gathering high quality ingredients, then:
1) Brew your favorite coffee.
I like dark roast best in Irish coffees, personally, but that’s my general preference. Freshly brewed coffee is the way to go!
2) Add Irish whiskey to a mug.
I’m partial to Jameson. It’s the brand we used to make Irish coffees when I was a bartender. Bushmills is a less expensive option.
3) Sweeten with some maple syrup.
Mind you, I like my coffee black in the mornings, but a little sweetener takes the edge off the whiskey. You could use regular sugar or brown sugar instead, but maple syrup tastes better and blends in more easily.
4) Add a splash of coffee.
Gently stir to blend. Then fill the mug with coffee, leaving about 1/2-inch at the top for whipped cream.
5) Top with whipped cream.
Bonus points if you’re using real whipped cream. So good!
Irish Coffee Variations
I love these classic Irish coffees exactly as written, but here are some fun ways to change them up.
Add a garnish. Sprinkle the top with a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. If you’re really fancy, you can try finely grated fresh nutmeg or chocolate shavings on top with a Microplane (affiliate link). Choose decaf coffee for an after-dinner drink. That is, unless you can drink coffee after 3 pm and still go to bed on time—in which case, I salute you. Serve it on ice. Pour cold brew coffee or double-strength brewed coffee over a cup filled with ice. Add a splash of half and half and skip the whipped cream. Make it extra creamy and rich. Substitute Irish cream (like Bailey’s) for some or all of the whiskey. Make it quick. Skip the homemade whipped cream and add a splash of half and half instead. Lighten it up. If you’re looking for a less boozy drink, simply ease up on the whiskey. Make it alcohol-free. Skip the whiskey and you have a delicious homemade coffee drink (nothing Irish about it, but hey, it’s tasty).
More Wintertime Cocktails to Enjoy
French 75 Hot Toddy Mulled Wine Manhattan Cocktail Maple New York Sour Old Fashioned Cocktail Vegan White Russian
Please let me know how you like this Irish coffee in the comments! I love hearing from you and hope this cocktail adds some extra cheer to your holidays.
