St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and nothing says it’s time to celebrate better than this creamy Irish Coffee with Baileys. Learn how easy it is to make, starting with a cup of hot coffee, brown sugar, some whiskey and a little bit of creamy Irish cream liqueur. On a cold day, there’s nothing better than to sit and sip on this cozy, warm cocktail.
It’s been cold here in Georgia and there’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee to wrap my hands around to warm up. Well, this Irish Coffee has the added benefit of a shot of Irish Whiskey to help with the warming process. A little added sweetness from brown sugar and, for those like me, some much needed cream from Irish cream liqueur. I actually made my own cream liqueur, which turned out fantastic, and I’ll be sharing that recipe soon.
What is Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee originated in Ireland in 1942. It was first made by Joe Sheridan, head chef of Foynes to warm passengers from an unexpected delay. The passengers were delighted with the drink and asked if it was Brazilian Coffee to which Joe Sheridan answered, no, it’s Irish Coffee.
A simple sipper made of fresh hot coffee, sugar, Irish Whiskey and cream. A later version was created for those that liked their cocktails a little sweeter where Baileys Irish Cream liqueur was added.
Tips for the Best Coffee Cocktail
Pro Tip: This cocktail is only as good as the coffee it starts with. Use the best coffee you can find, preferably medium or dark roast.
- Choose your favorite whiskey. Jameson, Bushmills or even Jim Bean (not Irish but always in the house).
- Warm mug by filling with hot water for a minute then dispose of water and fill with hot coffee.
Recipe Variations
- Use maple syrup in place of brown sugar to give it a little warmer flavor.
- Sprinkle whipped cream with chocolate shaving in lieu of nutmeg.
- Lighten it up by adding less whiskey and Baileys.
- In warmer weather, turn this hot drink into an iced cocktail and use half and half instead of whipped cream on top.
Instructions
- Get ingredients together – hot coffee, light brown sugar, Irish Cream liqueur and whisky. (photo 1)
- Pour hot coffee in mug and add brown sugar. Stir until dissolved. (Substitute maple syrup in place of brown sugar for a warmer flavor) (photo 2)
- Pour in Irish Cream liqueur. (photo 3)
- Add whiskey. Stir lightly. (photo 4)
Finish your creamy Irish Coffee, complete with Baileys, with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. If you want it a little more decadent, try a few shavings of dark chocolate on top. Now snuggle up in that chair with your favorite throw, put your hands around the mug, and enjoy this warm, decadent sipper on a cold winter’s night. Cheers!
Related Recipes
If you love warm cocktails here are some of my favorites.
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- 1 cup strong coffee 6-8 oz.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 oz. Irish Cream liqueur about 1-1/2 tablespoons
- 1 oz. Irish whiskey about 1-1/2 tablespoons
- Whipped cream
- Dash of nutmeg
Pour hot water into footed glass mug and let sit for one minute. Discard water.
Pour hot coffee into warmed mug.
- Add in brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Pour in Irish Cream liqueur and whiskey. Stir lightly.
- Top with lots of whipped cream and sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg.
Tips for the Best Coffee Cocktail
- Pro Tip: This cocktail is only as good as the coffee it starts with. Use the best coffee you can find, preferably medium or dark roast.
- Choose your favorite whiskey. Jameson, Bushmills or even Jim Bean (not Irish but always in the house).
- Warm mug by filling with hot water for a minute then dispose of water and fill with hot coffee.
This was one of my first posts ever published on my blog back on May 17, 2013. I have updated the photos and clarified the directions for an even easier cocktail preparation.
2 Comments
Jessica
03/17/2020 at 1:04 pmOnce per year I allow myself to have a cocktail before dinner- St. Patrick’s Day. Today I made myself one of these and it was amazing! It will help me get through the day with kids not in school.
Renee Goerger
03/17/2020 at 11:48 amYou can bet I’ll be having this later on today!!