Cold Brew Meets Irish Whiskey in This Irresistible Iced Coffee
There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of coffee, whiskey, and cream—whether it’s a cozy warm mug on a chilly night or a refreshing iced version for those moments when you want something bold yet cooling.
If you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate National Irish Coffee Day (January 25th) or toast to St. Patrick’s Day with a spirited twist, iced Irish coffee is exactly what you need. And honestly, who needs a holiday as an excuse?
This cocktail-meets-coffee delight is perfect any time you crave a smooth, creamy, and boozy pick-me-up.
But what makes an iced Irish coffee truly exceptional?
For me, it starts with the coffee. Instead of using hot brewed coffee that’s been cooled down (which can turn bitter or lose its depth), I use homemade cold brew coffee. The slow extraction process makes for a smoother, naturally sweeter base—exactly what you want when pairing coffee with whiskey. It’s bold without being harsh, with a richness that complements the caramel and vanilla notes in a good Irish whiskey.
Then, there’s the sweetener. The key difference between a classic Irish coffee and its iced counterpart isn’t just the temperature—it’s the sugar. Instead of granulated brown sugar, which stubbornly refuses to dissolve in cold coffee, we use brown sugar syrup. It blends seamlessly, ensuring every sip is smooth and balanced without unwanted sugar granules settling at the bottom of your glass.
But why stop at classic brown sugar syrup? The beauty of iced Irish coffee lies in its versatility. You can fine-tune the experience with different whiskeys—go for smooth and honeyed, smoky and robust, or rich and spicy.
And the syrup?
That’s where things get even more exciting. Vanilla syrup adds a creamy sweetness, maple syrup brings an earthy depth, and if you’re feeling adventurous, something like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Syrup (which I once tried and instantly fell in love with) takes this drink to a whole new level of indulgence.
So, let’s keep the theme of “Coffee in Good Spirits” alive and shake up this icy Irish classic. Grab your favorite whiskey, pick a syrup that speaks to you, and let’s mix up some magic in a glass. Cheers!
Ingredients you need
- Cubed Ice for the glass
- Cold Brew Coffee – Homemade is always best! Slow-brewed for a smooth, naturally sweet, and less acidic coffee, it makes the perfect base for this cocktail. But if time isn’t on your side, a quality store-bought cold brew will still do the trick.
- Irish Whiskey – The heart and soul of this drink! Keep reading for my favorite whiskey picks and how they can elevate your iced Irish coffee.
- Brown Sugar Syrup – A must for sweetening cold coffee smoothly. Want to mix things up? Try different syrups to find your perfect match.
- Heavy Cream & Powdered Sugar – The secret to that velvety, float-on-top cream layer! Powdered sugar helps stabilize the cream, ensuring it holds its texture beautifully instead of sinking into your coffee.
How To Make Iced Irish Coffee From Scratch
Step 1
Fill your serving glass with plenty of ice cubes. Cold brew deserves to be served ice-cold!
Step 2
Pour in the cold brew coffee. Let it cascade over the ice, setting the stage for a bold and smooth sip.
Step 3
Add the whiskey. This is where the magic happens—choose your favorite Irish whiskey to infuse the drink with warmth and depth.
Step 4
Sweeten the mix with your chosen syrup. Whether you’re keeping it classic with brown sugar syrup or going bold with chocolate cookie syrup, this is your moment to customize.
Step 5
Step 5: Stir well. Give it a good mix to blend all those rich flavors together. No syrup left at the bottom—just pure, balanced coffee cocktail bliss.
Step 6
In a cocktail shaker, combine the heavy cream and powdered sugar. Shake gently until it’s slightly thickened but still pourable. This trick gives you that signature floating cream layer without turning into full-blown whipped cream.
Step 7
The final flourish! Slowly pour the whipped cream over an upturned spoon onto your Irish coffee, letting it float elegantly on top. That velvety, creamy layer is what makes this drink so special.
Step 8
Sip and enjoy! A perfectly layered iced Irish coffee, smooth and indulgent with every sip. Cheers!
Best Irish Whiskey for Irish Coffee?
Not all whiskeys are created equal when it comes to iced Irish coffee. Here are my top recommendations:
- Jameson – A classic, smooth Irish whiskey with light vanilla and toasted wood notes. Perfect for those who want a well-balanced, approachable sip.
- Redbreast 12-Year – For those who love depth! This one is rich, nutty, and full of honeyed spice, making it an indulgent choice that pairs beautifully with cold brew’s boldness.
- Bushmills Black Bush – A sherried Irish whiskey with dark fruit and caramel notes. If you love a little extra richness in your coffee cocktails, this one is a winner.
- Teeling Small Batch – A slightly unconventional pick with a rum-cask finish, adding a hint of tropical sweetness to your Irish coffee.
If you like your coffee bold, go for a whiskey with deeper oak and spice notes. Prefer something milder? A lighter, honeyed whiskey will blend in seamlessly.
Sweeten Your Iced Irish Coffee Like a Pro
Brown sugar syrup is the classic choice, but why stop there? Play around with syrups to create a flavor profile that’s uniquely yours:
- Vanilla Syrup – Smooth, creamy, and a little dessert-like—this is perfect for those who love a hint of sweetness in their coffee cocktails.
- Maple Syrup – Earthy, warm, and rich, it enhances both the whiskey’s caramel notes and the natural sweetness of cold brew.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Syrup – A game-changer! This syrup adds an irresistible chocolatey depth, turning your iced Irish coffee into a dessert in a glass. If you haven’t tried this combo yet, you’re missing out.
The best part? You can mix and match syrups with different whiskeys to find your perfect iced Irish coffee pairing. Cheers to coffee in good spirits!
Products
- Measuring tools / Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Cocktail shaker – I am using a Boston shaker here.
- Serving glass
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Iced Irish Coffee – with Cold Brew
Equipment
- Bar spoon
- Cocktail shaker I am using a Boston shaker here
- Serving glass
Ingredients
- Cubed ice for the glass
- 4 oz Cold brew coffee
- 1 ½ oz Irish Whiskey
- ½ oz Brown sugar syrup
- 1 oz Heavy cream
- 1 Bar spoon Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Fill the serving glass with Cubed ice.Cubed ice
- Pour in 4 oz Cold brew coffee.4 oz Cold brew coffee
- Add 1 ½ oz Irish Whiskey.1 ½ oz Irish Whiskey
- Sweeten with ½ oz Brown sugar syrup or your syrup of choice.½ oz Brown sugar syrup
- Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- In a cocktail shaker, add 1 oz Heavy cream and 1 Bar spoon Powdered sugar.1 oz Heavy cream, 1 Bar spoon Powdered sugar
- Shake gently until slightly thickened but still pourable.
- Slowly pour the cream over an upturned spoon so that it floats on top.
- Enjoy your beautifully layered, ice-cold Irish coffee!
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food and beverages unattended
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
