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    Home » Beverages » Cocktails » How to Make Irish Coffee

    How to Make Irish Coffee

    Published: Mar 4, 2020 · Modified: Oct 15, 2020 by Linda Warren

    Jump to Recipe

    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.

    Irish Coffee topped with whipped cream

    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 and you can too! Check out my homemade Irish cream recipe.

    overhead shot of closeup of whipped cream topping with nutmeg

    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

    Steps for Irish coffee

    1. Get ingredients together - hot coffee, light brown sugar, Irish Cream liqueur and whisky. (photo 1)
    2. 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)
    3. Pour in Irish Cream liqueur. (photo 3)
    4. Add whiskey. Stir lightly. (photo 4)

    Irish Coffee topped with whipped cream beside whiskey bottle

    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.

    Godiva Chocolate Espresso Martini is rich, creamy, and a perfect dessert cocktail. 

    Peppermint Patty Cocktail topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

    Kahlua Hot Chocolate topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, caramel, chocolate syrup, and espresso beans. Wow!

    Want more? Find the best cocktail recipes here on 2CM!

    Love quick & easy recipes? Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest & Twitter for all the latest recipe inspiration! Plus join my email list here and receive a free e-book.

     

    Top down view of Irish coffee with whipped cream

    How To Make Irish Coffee

    5 from 2 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Irish
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 serving
    Calories: 196kcal
    Author: Linda Warren

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup strong coffee 6-8 oz.
    • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
    • 1 oz. Irish Cream liqueur about 1-½ tablespoons
    • 1 oz. Irish whiskey about 1-½ tablespoons
    • Whipped cream
    • Dash of nutmeg

    Instructions

    • 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.

    Notes

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 116mg | Sugar: 13g

    This was one of my first posts published on my blog back on May 17, 2013. I have updated the photos and clarified the directions for easier cocktail preparation.

     

     

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    Comments

    1. Jessica says

      March 17, 2020 at 1:04 pm

      5 stars
      Once 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.

      Reply
    2. Renee Goerger says

      March 17, 2020 at 11:48 am

      5 stars
      You can bet I'll be having this later on today!!

      Reply
    5 from 2 votes

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    Hey, I’m Linda, the recipe creator, photographer and cocktail lover at 2 Cookin Mamas. Here you’ll find easy recipes that are not only delicious but can get you out of the kitchen ASAP. Come and join me and let me take you on a tasty trip through your kitchen. Thanks for stopping by! Learn more about me

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