Irish Coffee Recipe: Whiskey, Coffee and a Cream Layer
Irish Coffee combines hot coffee, Irish whiskey and sugar beneath a layer of cream. In Cocktailored's version, start with 3 cl whiskey and 10 cl strong coffee. The finishing touch is lightly whipped cream that stays soft enough to pour.
Ingredients for one Irish Coffee
- 3 cl Irish whiskey
- 10 cl hot, strong black coffee
- 1–2 tablespoons granulated sugar, to taste; start with one
- Chilled cream, lightly whipped, to cover the surface
How to make it
- Use a glass designed for hot drinks and warm it before mixing.
- Add the sugar and a little hot coffee. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the whiskey and the remaining coffee, leaving room for the cream.
- Pour the cream slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the coffee, forming a separate layer.
- Serve without stirring the cream into the coffee. Sip through the cream.
Why does the cream sink?
Check the texture and your pour. The cream should be cold and softly thickened, not stiff like a cake topping. Pour gently close to the surface rather than from a height. Dissolve the sugar fully before adding the cream.
Adjust the sweetness
Our original recipe allows 1–2 tablespoons of sugar. Start at the lower end and adjust to your coffee and preference before topping with cream.
Prefer a cold coffee cocktail? Try our Espresso Martini recipe. For another warm winter drink, make Swedish glögg, or explore cocktail-inspired clothing and accessories.
