Classic Irish Coffee: A Perfect Blend of Coffee, Whiskey, and Whipped Cream
National Irish Coffee Day is just around the corner—mark your calendars for January 25th! Whether you’re raising a glass to celebrate this food holiday, cozying up for St. Patrick’s Day, or simply because a silky, warm Irish Coffee calls your name, this timeless drink is always a pleasure.
A perfect example of coffee in good spirits, Irish Coffee showcases how coffee and spirits can harmonize beautifully—a sentiment shared by coffee professionals worldwide and celebrated by organizations like the Specialty Coffee Association.
So, are you team whiskey or no whiskey? Do you prefer sipping through firm whipped cream or a cloud-like topping? Let me know in the comments below as we dive into all things Irish Coffee!
As a coffee enthusiast and brewing professional, I can say that Irish Coffee is where two worlds—coffee and whiskey—blend to create magic. Today, I’ll walk you through a classic recipe with Irish whiskey, share a non-alcoholic version, explore the famed Jameson Irish Coffee, and sprinkle in tips, tricks, and a few delicious links to keep your coffee cravings happy.
What is an Irish Coffee?
Irish Coffee is the perfect combination of smooth Irish whiskey, rich coffee, and sweetened cream—coming together in the coziest harmony.
Ingredients you need
- Coffee, strong – I recommend espresso, French Press, or AeroPress coffee.
- Brown sugar
- Irish Whiskey
- Heavy cream & powdered sugar for the topping
- Cocoa powder for dusting
How To Make Irish Coffee From Scratch
Step 1: Combine hot brewed coffee and brown sugar in a heatproof glass. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Step 2: Add Irish whiskey and give it a gentle stir to combine.
Step 3: Whip up heavy cream with a teaspoon of powdered sugar until it holds firm peaks. Pipe the cream on top of the coffee using a piping bag.
Step 4: Garnish with a light dusting of grated nutmeg or cocoa powder.
Enjoy sipping through that creamy crown into the warm, whiskey-kissed coffee below.
Non-Alcoholic Irish Coffee
For those who prefer to skip the whiskey but still enjoy the decadence of Irish Coffee, here’s a family-friendly version:
- Replace whiskey with a splash of vanilla extract or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative.
- Follow the classic recipe, using your favorite strong coffee and sweetened cream.
You’ll still get the creamy texture, coffee kick, and rich brown sugar sweetness without the alcohol.
Jameson Irish Coffee: Why It’s So Popular
When it comes to Irish whiskey, Jameson is a household name—and for good reason. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and plays beautifully with coffee’s bitterness. A Jameson Irish Coffee follows the same recipe, but the whiskey choice makes all the difference.
If you’re a fan of Jameson’s mellow vanilla and light spice notes, it’s practically tailor-made for Irish Coffee.
Whiskey 101: Irish vs. Scottish
When crafting an Irish Coffee, stick to Irish whiskey—it’s smoother and less peaty than its Scottish cousin.
- Irish whiskey: Triple-distilled for smoothness, with notes of honey, vanilla, and light grains.
- Scottish whisky (Scotch): Often bolder with a smoky, peaty flavor (especially from Islay). I love using Lagavulin 16-Year-Old Single Islay Malt Whisky for its deep, smoky character. While it’s not traditional for Irish Coffee, it’s an excellent way to highlight the contrast between the two spirits.
You can even see the difference in their spelling—Irish whiskey with an “e” versus Scottish whisky without it.
While a peaty Scotch might overpower the coffee, an Irish whiskey complements it perfectly.
Whipped Cream: Light or Firm?
The whipped cream you choose changes the entire drinking experience.
- Firm whipped cream (my choice!): Sweetened and thick enough to float cleanly. It creates a beautiful visual layer and holds its shape.
- Light whipped cream: Airier, almost like a cloud. It’s delicate but tends to blend faster into the coffee.
If you’re after that perfect sip-through-the-cream moment, go for firm whipped cream every time.
Tips and Variants
- If you’re feeling adventurous, swap Irish whiskey for a splash of Baileys Irish Cream for a creamier twist. (Note: I skip brown sugar in my Baileys and Coffee recipe since it would make it too sweet.)
- Sweeten the coffee with brown sugar for a deep molasses note. Curious about how brown sugar changes coffee? Check out my detailed blog post here.
- Want to elevate the presentation? Use a heatproof glass mug to showcase those gorgeous layers of black coffee and cream.
Final Sip
Irish Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a hug in a glass, a little Irish cheer to brighten your day. Whether you go traditional with whiskey, opt for a family-friendly version, or explore new twists, National Irish Coffee Day is your perfect excuse to indulge.
What’s your go-to Irish Coffee style? Leave a comment below, and let’s toast to coffee, cream, and everything in between!
Products
- Coffeemaker of your choice
- Measuring tools / Jigger
- Mixing bowl
- Hand or Stand mixer
- Piping bag with a tip of your choice
- Long-stemmed spoon
- Serving glass
More Recipes and Tips You Might Enjoy:
- Mocha Martini
- Eggnog and Kahlúa Cocktail for Two
- Mudslide Cocktail with Homemade Coffee Liqueur
- Cold Brew Gin Tonic
- Cold Brew Black Russian
- Cold Brew White Russian
- Baileys Iced Coffee
- Strawberry Iced Coffee {stirred} with Cold Brew
- Iced Eggnog Latte
- How to make Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso?
- Mexican Coffee
- Spiced Coffee with Rum Recipe
- Coffee Liqueur Recipe
- A Taste of Elegance: Baileys and Coffee Symphony
- Boozy Christmas Coffee
If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @coffeewithnora and hashtag #coffeewithnora_recipes, so I don’t miss it.
Delicious Irish Coffee with Whiskey
Equipment
- Coffeemaker of your choice
- Mixing bowl
- Hand or Stand mixer
- Piping bag with a tip of your choice
- Serving glass
Ingredients
- 4 oz Coffee strong – I recommend espresso, French Press, or AeroPress coffee.
- 1 tsp Brown sugar
- 1 ½ oz Irish Whiskey
- ⅜ cup Heavy cream
- 1 tsp powdered sugar
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Combine 4 oz Coffee and 1 tsp Brown sugar in a heatproof glass. Stir until dissolved.4 oz Coffee, 1 tsp Brown sugar
- Add 1 ½ oz Irish Whiskey and gently stir to mix.1 ½ oz Irish Whiskey
- Whip ⅜ cup Heavy cream with 1 tsp powdered sugar until firm peaks form.⅜ cup Heavy cream, 1 tsp powdered sugar
- Pipe whipped cream on top using a piping bag with a tip.
- Garnish with grated nutmeg or Cocoa powder (optional).Cocoa powder
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
I loved this drink. We enjoyed it with our friends during a get together.
This was so delicious and warming! Made it for friends who were over and it was an absolute hit!
I used single malt whiskey and topped it with Oatly cream due to lactose intolerance.
I’m half Irish, and I love Irish coffee! It’s so delicious and the whip cream you use in this recipe is delicous!
I tried this Irish coffee with whiskey, and it’s fantastic! The rich coffee and warm whiskey combo is so comforting—perfect for cozy evenings.