Irish Coffee
Hot coffee enriched with Irish whiskey, sugar and cream.
Drink details
Glass
Irish Coffee Glass
Ice
No Ice
Method
Built
Strength
Medium
Servings
1
Recipe
Ingredients
Irish Whiskey
50 ml
Hot Coffee
Freshly brewed
120 ml
Sugar
1 tsp
Heavy Cream
Chilled
50 ml
Rating
Rate this drink
Method
Preparation
- 1
Pour the hot coffee into a preheated Irish Coffee glass.
- 2
Add the Irish whiskey and sugar, then stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- 3
Carefully pour the chilled cream over the back of a spoon so that it floats on top without mixing.
About the Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee is a warming cocktail combining Irish whiskey, hot coffee, sugar and lightly whipped cream. The drink is built so that the whiskey and sweetened coffee remain hot beneath a cool layer of cream, which is traditionally floated on top rather than stirred in. Irish whiskey adds warmth and depth, coffee contributes roasted bitterness, and sugar provides balance. The cream softens each sip and gives the drink its distinctive layered character.
What does an Irish Coffee taste like?
Irish Coffee tastes rich, warming and coffee-forward, with roasted bitterness balanced by sugar and the smooth character of Irish whiskey. The cool cream softens each sip and adds a rich texture without turning the drink into a fully mixed creamy cocktail.
Tips for making an Irish Coffee
Warm the serving glass before building the drink so the coffee remains hot. Dissolve the sugar completely in the whiskey and coffee, then float lightly whipped cream carefully over the back of a spoon. Do not stir the cream into the drink if you want the traditional layered presentation.